AFC contender prevents Eagles from reuniting with former Super Bowl champion that fans were begging to see return

The Eagles will not get an opportunity to sign a former fan favorite.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Nov 26, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback James Bradberry (24) celebrates with cornerback Darius Slay (2) and linebacker Christian Elliss (53) after his interception against the Buffalo Bills during the third quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-USA TODAY Sports

A player that got some buzz to return to the Philadelphia Eagles organization over the past 48 hours actually won’t get that opportunity right now. The former Super Bowl champion will head to the AFC, instead.

Bills claim Darius Slay before Eagles get chance to sign him

Veteran cornerback Darius Slay is headed to the northeast, and it will not be to Philadelphia. He has been claimed by the Buffalo Bills after he was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday. The player and team agreed to part ways, as Slay has missed time this season due to multiple injuries.

Slay could have stepped into a key depth role for the Eagles defense who have struggled to find many options behind Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean. Injuries have also made that process more difficult throughout this season, so a reunion made all of the sense in the world for Slay and the Eagles.

“Slay struggled to a 58.3 coverage grade from Pro Football Focus, but that was alongside a depleted and somewhat unproven CB group with Pittsburgh. He often was on the field more than a team would probably prefer at this point of his career. With the Eagles set at the top of their depth chart at CB, he could slot in further down to provide depth.” — A to Z Sports

Michael Carter II, who was a trade deadline acquisition, could step into an even more prominent role now, too. He gives the defense more upside than playing Adoree’ Jackson at this point of his career. Jakorian Bennett and Kelee Ringo are other depth pieces at CB for Philly. Their practice squad also has Parry Nickerson, Tariq Castro-Fields, and Ambry Thomas on it at the position.

Philly fans are certainly frustrated with this outcome, but it should not prevent the team from looking to the free agent market for potential veteran depth at the CB position.

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