The Philadelphia Eagles saw their Super Bowl dreams come crashing to an end with Sunday's loss to the San Francisco 49ers. It's far from the outcome that Eagles fans wanted back in September, but what's done is done, and all that's left for general manager Howie Roseman to do is to figure out how his team can return stronger than ever next season.
As you can imagine, the stars and familiar faces were out for the Eagles’ first playoff game. One of those familiar faces in attendance at the game is former Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay, who surprised many onlookers.
The veteran defensive back, who is currently on the Buffalo Bills’ reserve/did not report list, was spotted, along with his wife, Jennifer, at the 4th and Jawn tailgate (h/t The Eagle Times). According to Jason Dumas of 6ABC, Slay said that he was supporting his guys. Earlier this week, it was rumored that Slay and his would be in attendance for the playoff contest.
That said, it’s not a surprise to see Slay back at Lincoln Financial Field, as he helped the Eagles capture their second Super Bowl title in franchise history last season. He also spent the past five years of his career in Philadelphia before departing across the state, as he signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
So, was Sunday's appearance a sign of things to come once he becomes a free agent in March? Or was it a one-off showing meant to tease Eagles fans?
Darius Slay’s Appearance at Eagles’ Playoff Game Keeps Hope Alive for Reunion
Slay’s tenure in the Steel City did not go well, as the Steelers released the veteran CB at the beginning of December. The ex-Eagles cornerback immediately hit waivers, which means the other 31 teams, including Philadelphia, could’ve claimed him. At the time, John Clark of NBC Sports Philadelphia reported that there was "mutual interest" between the Eagles and Slay for a reunion.
As we know, the reunion never took place, but he hasn’t and will not suit up in a game for the Bills, who are also currently in the playoffs. Slay is scheduled to become a free agent this offseason, so maybe there’s a chance he returns to Philadelphia for one last ride, especially if his heart truly lies in the City of Brotherly Love.
According to Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network, Slay’s agents, Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey, said after his release from the Steelers that the veteran defensive back is interested in continuing to play and will consider other teams.
At this stage of his career, you wonder how much Slay has left in the tank after seeing how bad his Steelers stint was. That said, if there’s one place and one team that knows how to use him, it's defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and the Eagles.