The Steelers are releasing veteran cornerback Darius Slay after Slay was a healthy scratch on Sunday against the Bills.
Slay and the Steelers “mutually agreed to part ways,” but Slay “will consider signing with other teams,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported. Since the NFL’s trade deadline has already passed, Slay is first subject to waivers.
But the next question is obvious: Should the Eagles consider a reunion?
It would make some sense. Not only have the Eagles been searching for their CB2 all season, but we have seen GM Howie Roseman’s propensity for bringing back former Eagles. Slay still has ties in Philadelphia and even showed up as a fan to the Eagles game against the Broncos in Week 5 on the Steelers’ bye week.
The Eagles have searched all season to find their CB2 opposite Quinyon Mitchell. They have landed on Adoree’ Jackson but the veteran has struggled to stay healthy and has had his ups and downs.
But Jackson has been the better option over Kelee Ringo, who failed to win the job out of training camp. The Eagles also traded for Jaire Alexander, who then retired before playing a snap for the team. They also traded for Michael Carter II, who gives them a backup nickel/safety option and the possibility of moving Cooper DeJean to the outside. But the Eagles clearly don’t want to do that permanently.
Slay, 34, spent the last five seasons with the Eagles and was a Pro Bowler for three seasons, from 2021-2023. Slay started 14 games in the regular season and all 4 playoff games last year as the Eagles won the Super Bowl.
Things have obviously not been going well for Slay in Pittsburgh this season after signing a one-year deal with the Steelers in the offseason after the Eagles moved on from him.
In 10 games with the Steelers this season, Slay was targeted 37 times and gave up 26 catches for 302 yards and a touchdown. His opponent passer rating this season is 103.7, according to NFL NextGen Stats.