The Philadelphia Eagles have only played one game in the 2025 NFL season, but the buzz surrounding the team feels like a season’s worth of drama. With their second game looming—a high-stakes showdown against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET—the Eagles are already making headlines, both for their roster moves and a surprising comment from a former star.
In the past week, Philadelphia made strategic additions to bolster their pass rush and running back depth. However, one position group continues to raise eyebrows: the cornerback spot. The Eagles’ secondary, particularly the outside corner position opposite rookie standout Quinyon Mitchell, has been a hot topic after a shaky performance in Week 1. And no one has fueled the conversation more than former Eagles cornerstone Darius Slay.
Slay, who spent five stellar seasons in Philadelphia, is now suiting up for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The veteran cornerback recently spoke with former Pro Bowl corner Richard Sherman, offering a candid take on his former team’s struggles at the cornerback position. His remarks have sparked both intrigue and controversy among Eagles fans.
“Same old dogs, there’s nothing but love,” Slay said, reflecting fondly on his time with the Eagles and their passionate fanbase. “I love my boys. I love my fans.” But his tone shifted when discussing the team’s current cornerback play. “They had a tough night,” Slay noted about the outside corner spot opposite Mitchell. “They was getting a lot of stuff going on over there. I was watching, tuning in, and I’m like, I’m glad to be where I’m at, but, man. Dang… We don’t fall too far from the tree. There aren’t too many of us (cornerbacks) out there.”
Slay’s words carry weight. As the Eagles’ former star corner opposite Mitchell last season, he was a linchpin in their secondary. His departure left a void that Philadelphia has yet to convincingly fill. Some fans and analysts are now questioning whether letting Slay go was a misstep. Could the Eagles have benefited from one more season with the veteran? While that debate is now in the rearview mirror, Slay’s comments have reignited discussions about the team’s defensive backfield.
Despite the early-season concerns, there’s no need for panic in Philadelphia. With just one game in the books and 16 more to play, the Eagles have ample time to address their cornerback woes. The team’s front office has shown a knack for making savvy moves, and the coaching staff will likely experiment with personnel to stabilize the position. Young talents like Quinyon Mitchell, who has already shown flashes of brilliance, provide hope for a bright future in the secondary.
Slay’s remarks, while pointed, also reveal his lingering affection for Philadelphia. His “nothing but love” sentiment underscores the bond he built with the city and its fans. Yet, his observation about the cornerback struggles serves as a wake-up call for an Eagles team with Super Bowl aspirations. As they prepare to face Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs’ high-powered offense, Philadelphia’s secondary will be under the microscope.
Can the Eagles silence the doubters and shore up their defense? With a long season ahead, the answers will come in time. For now, Slay’s comments have added fuel to the fire, ensuring that the Eagles’ early-season narrative is anything but dull.