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Last season — after a Championship Parade down Broad Street — Darius Slay stepped to the podium. Unlike the speeches from some of his teammates — Big Play Slay didn’t talk about his career, his accomplishments, and he didn’t need to go on about his love for Philly. That warmth was every bit as evident amid the swirling February winds as his love for our city.
Instead — he told the city that he loved that after a long period of struggling to find lock-down defensive back play in Philly — that the Eagles had two lockdown cornerbacks for years to come in Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay (2) intercepts a pass intended for Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson, left, during the second half of an NFL football game, Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Only months later — the Eagles made the decision to choose that same youth over experience when they jettisoned the experienced portion of their championship defensive secondary when CJ Gardner-Johnson and Darius Slay were let go. The Eagles then insulated their defensive backfield not only with Adoree Jackson but also recently trading for Jakorian Bennett after sending defensive tackle Thomas Booker to Las Vegas.
This past week — after the Pittsburgh Steelers released Slay — a possible journey back to Philadelphia was thwarted when the Buffalo Bills claimed Slay off of waivers. Now it seems — he won’t be reporting there, either.
Darius Slay was an Eagle for five seasons. He was a Pro Bowler twice (in 2021 and 2023.) Slay amassed seventy-four total games with the Eagles even snagging 9 interceptions, 2 NFC Titles as well as a Super Bowl win last year.
Slay’s contemplation of retirement isn’t necessarily a path back to the Eagles. Buffalo has priority in the waiver order —meaning that they still hold the rights to Slay as an NFL Player. It also puts a momentary hold on Slay’s goal of finishing his career with either the Eagles or the Lions — which could possibly be why he is reportedly considering retirement.
This week when Defensive Coordinator Vic Fangio was asked about a potential reunion with Slay — the enthusiasm in his response said it all.
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