The Philadelphia Eagles Very Nearly Had a Reunion With a Former Pro Bowl Eagle
After former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers, there were many rumors of a reunion between the two. Slay instead will be on his way to Buffalo to play for the Bills. But that doesn’t mean the two sides didn’t come very close to a reunion.
No Slay Reunion Leaves Eagles Secondary With Questions
Main Photo: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
After Slay and Pittsburgh “mutually agreed to part ways” on December 2, there was “mutual interest” between the two parties. It was a logical pairing for both, as Slay would be heading back to a defense he was familiar with and a city where he played some of the best football of his career. For the Eagles, they would receive another option to play at cornerback, a position they have struggled with this season.
I’m hearing there is mutual interest with Darius Slay and the Eagles if he clears waivers pic.twitter.com/YLKsFYsW1m
Ultimately, it was not meant to be. Buffalo wound up with him as they claimed him off waivers. It was revealed, though, that the Eagles did in fact also put in a waiver claim on Slay. Had he passed Buffalo, who was higher on the waiver order than the Eagles, he would be back in Philadelphia for a reunion.
A near reunion: The #Eagles also put in a claim for CB Darius Slay, source said, hoping for their former starting CB to return to Philly. But Buffalo had priority and got him. https://t.co/Tk5H3dKJ9a
This is unfortunate for both Slay and the Eagles. Given that the former Eagles Pro Bowler and the team wanted a second stint together, it would have been nice to see the two end up back with each other. This leaves the Eagles with questions at cornerback still. Questions that, as proven by the claim on Slay, they are still looking for answers to. Even given Slay’s diminished play this season with the Steelers, the fact that he may have been the Eagles’ best option is concerning.
Cornerback Concerns
It is no secret that the Eagles haven’t been thrilled with their cornerback this season. Outside of Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell, they have received subpar, at best, play from their third cornerback. For much of the year, it has been Adoree Jackson. Jakorian Bennett and Kelee Ringo have also seen limited action on the perimeter. Jackson has been the best of the three, but that is not saying much. Given that the Eagles are still looking for upgrades at the position after 13 weeks, it is not encouraging for their outlook on the position.
Vic Fangio was able to get the defense’s best performances against the Green Bay Packers and the Detroit Lions. Much of this was due to the improved play of the defensive line. Specifically, the addition of Jaelan Phillips. That changed the last two games, though, as the defense did not generate as much pressure against the Dallas Cowboys and Chicago Bears.
After the Slay news, there’s not much the Eagles can do from a personnel standpoint to improve their cornerbacks. What they can do, though, is get back to pressuring the quarterback. If they can keep the opposing team’s QB off balance and uncomfortable, it will make it easier on the secondary. It will be a big test in this regard for the Eagles against the Los Angeles Chargers. It is a battle they should have success with, given that they will be facing either Trey Lance or a banged-up Justin Herbert. Regardless, they will have to do it without the former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl player.
Eric is a sports writer and lifelong fan for the Philadelphia Eagles. From analysis to news, he seeks to provide you with an honest and unique perspective on all things Eagles.
