The Philadelphia Eagles saw several defensive players leave the organization this offseason in free agency, including veteran cornerback Darius Slay.
Slay, who became a fan favorite over his five-year tenure in Philadelphia, was released before free agency and then signed a one-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. It wasn’t a surprise to see Slay stay inside the Keystone State and join the Steelers, as they needed a veteran CB to play opposite of Joey Porter Jr.
Meanwhile, the Eagles didn’t do a good job replacing Slay in the offseason, as Adoree’ Jackson didn’t have a great preseason and struggled on the outside in Philly’s Week 1 win.
However, it seems as if Slay isn’t having an easy time in his first game of the year against the New York Jets.
Former Eagles CB Darius Slay Gives Up Big Play TD vs. Jets in Week 1
The 34-year-old cornerback couldn’t keep up with Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson on a deep crosser, giving up a 33-yard touchdown catch in the first quarter.
It wasn’t Slay’s finest moment, and Steelers fans weren’t happy with the ex-Eagle’s performance as his job is not to give up big plays. Meanwhile, one wonders if Philly’s front office considered the veteran age and the potential decline when they ultimately released him.
Now, Slay was outstanding last season with the Eagles. He did a great job being the CB1, while Quinyon Mitchell handled CB2 duties, with Cooper DeJean in the slot.
Slay had a 54.7 completion percentage allowed on targets, an 81.9 pass rating allowed when targeted, and only gave up two receiving touchdowns.
Then in the postseason, the veteran cornerback’s solid play continued, possessing a 60.0 completion percentage allowed on targets, a 92.5 pass rating allowed when targeted, and again only giving up two TDs.
If you’re the Eagles, you couldn’t ask for anything better from Slay. However, knowing that he would be 34 and turning 35 towards the end of this season, the Eagles likely understood that decline could be on the horizon, and they didn’t want to be on the hook for it.
That said, Eagles fans will be watching from afar to see how the veteran cornerback will play in the Steel City this season.