Former Eagles cornerback Darius Slay has been claimed off waivers by the Buffalo Bills, effectively ending any prospects of a reunion with the Philadelphia Eagles. ESPN”s Adam Schefter broke the news on Wednesday.
Head coach Kevin Patullo addressed the media on Wednesday, where he was asked about his home being vandalized following a loss to the Bears. Slay, who had previously expressed interest in returning to Philadelphia after his release from the Pittsburgh Steelers, will instead be joining the Bills, facing the Eagles in Week 17 when Buffalo hosts Philadelphia.
Reports from NBC Sports Philadelphia”s John Clark indicated that there was mutual interest in a reunion between Slay and the Eagles, contingent upon his clearance through waivers, which ultimately did not happen.
This season has not been ideal for Slay, who was a healthy scratch before his release. In ten games with the Steelers, he was targeted 37 times, allowing 26 completions for 302 yards and one touchdown, while posting an opponent passer rating of 103.7, according to NextGen Stats.
Slay played for the Eagles from 2020 to 2024 and was a three-time Pro Bowler. He performed at a high level during the Eagles” Super Bowl LIX season last year, but the team released him during the offseason due to financial constraints. Additionally, the Eagles also failed to sign cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, who opted for Minnesota in free agency.
Throughout this season, the Eagles have struggled to find consistency at the cornerback position opposite their standout, Quinyon Mitchell, who excels on the outside, and Cooper DeJean, who plays the nickel. The opposite cornerback position has seen various players rotate in and out. Recently, veteran Adoree” Jackson has settled into that role, reducing the need for constant changes.
The Eagles signed Jackson to a one-year deal in hopes he would elevate former draft pick Kelee Ringo, but Ringo has not secured the starting position. The Eagles also made trades for Jakorian Bennett, Jaire Alexander, and Michael Carter II. Bennett has seen little playing time, Alexander has retired, and Carter serves as a backup nickel and safety.
This development regarding Slay could have implications for the Eagles” defensive strategy moving forward, as they continue to seek stability in their cornerback lineup.
