Feb 14, 2025; Philadelphia, PA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay Jr. (2) celebrates with fans during the Super Bowl LIX championship parade and rally. Mandatory Credit: Caean Couto-Imagn Images Caean Couto
Big Play Slay is back on the market.
Per Adam Schefter of ESPN, Darius Slay and the Pittsburgh Steelers have "mutually agreed to part ways."
Slay's agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told ESPN that even though his time in Pittsburgh is over, Slay is "interested in continuing to play, and will consider signing with other teams."
Slay, of course, was a pivotal member of the Philadelphia Eagles secondary from 2020 to 2024. In those five seasons, Slay made 272 total tackles, nabbed nine interceptions and returned two of those for touchdowns. He cemented himself as a defensive cornerstone, was named a team captain three times, and started at cornerback for the Eagles in both Super Bowl LII and Super Bowl LIX.
However, his 2025 season has looked very different. Slay, who turns 35 on Jan. 1, 2026, has allowed a 108.0 average passer rating and a 75.0% completion rate when targeted this year, according to Pro Football Reference. He was a healthy scratch for Pittsburgh in Week 13 so the Steelers could elevate Asante Samuel Jr. to the active roster.
Could the Eagles bring Slay back, even despite his poor play? It's a possibility, especially with the eternal question mark that is the Birds secondary. He would certainly be affordable; if a team claimed him on waivers, they would only owe him around $350,000. Slay could also provide some valuable leadership to an Eagles defense that has been adrift at sea recently.
But a reunion may not be the smartest move for the Eagles, considering Slay's age and his struggles this season. Philadelphia needs to strengthen its cornerback room, not weaken it further.
That said, Howie Roseman did already trade for Jaire Alexander, and that hasn't work out. Clearly he sees cornerback as a position of need. Maybe he'll take a flyer on a familiar face.
