'Slick', Goldblum's character, was a gambler who had worked a town with Cobb in the past.
Cobb had sent for Slick to run a game, and to split the profits of his winnings with Cobb. Probably to run the Gambling in the Midnight Star after Cobb Fired Kelly (who was skimming profits). Paden just happened to show up and take over before Slick could get into town. Also to act as eyes and ears within the Midnight Star and to otherwise be useful.
The scene with the Knife Slick was about to throw the knife (underhanded) but with enough force to cause injury or death to (in my opinion) Paden as Tyree was one of Cobb's men and a trusted subordinate.
Paden had proven un the past that he was not completely without conscience and therefore less trustworthy.
But make no mistake about it, Slick and Cobb were in it together.
A Mountain Lion does not concern himself with the opinion of sheep.

I didn't really see him as necessary to the film. Bit of luxury to have him involved. Too many characters in this film.

He appeared to be someone who chose a life that had risks but high returns. And he aligned himself with the person he thought had the best chance of winning. He was obviously wrong.

I think he just sided with whom he viewed would be the "winner".

I just kind of assumed that the Sheriff sat down with him and talked him into joining them or he already knew the Sheriff previously but they kept that to themselves. Either way it did seem out of place a little bit but he got what he deserved

Yes, after that type of abdominal wound, a person can lose consciousness and bleed out very quickly.

Would a man die that quickly after getting stabbed? He went down in seconds without even trying to yank the knife out.

He was killed, therefore he was a bad guy.
"Good night, and grease for peace."

I agree, I saw this movie years ago and caught part of it the other day and I was left wondering if some of his scenes were utor something?
When I was a kid I could never tell if he was supposed to be good or bad and even when I watched part of it the other day I couldn't remember if he was good or bad, even thoughi had seen the movie around when it came out.
I agree with others tht said he was just out for himself.

He's so damn out of place in this movie, but I love that he's in it all the same. And his mother called him "Slick'. That's awesome.

Jeff is only in this film because he and Kasdan are friends.

I always figured that Slick was brought in by Cobb as a "ringer" and that they were in cahoots from the beginning.
"Good night, and grease for peace."

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I wonder if Jeff originally had more scenes that just didn't make the final cut

If you'd seen Silverado upon its release, Goldblum's role made more sense as just some added comic relief, same as Cleese. Coming off The Big Chill, where Goldblum was the funniest character, it gave audiences a good chuckle to see him show up halfway through the movie, as one of the classic Western archetypes, the shady travelling gambler.
That Kasdan was able to work him into the story as a (semi-)credible bad guy is a testament to his writing skill.

I loved Goldblum and I really wished that he ended up as a good guy in here, it just seemed to come out of nowhere when he switched sides like that.
"I am the ultimate badass, you do not wanna *beep* wit' me!" Hudson in Aliens.

I watched the movie again on Sunday and I came here to make a comment. Lo and behold, you all beat me to the subject
I liked almost ev erything about Silverado - except Slick. There was nothing wrong with Jeffs portayal, but the character just seemed to be totally out of place and pace. He felt like an anachronism although I can't say why.

Jeff's character was pointless, more so than John Larroquete in SUMMER RENTAL and Vince Vaughn in JURRASIC PARK 2.

I think Slick came to town clean, and Cobb eventually thought he could use him and just made him an offer and Slick accepted. Purely mercenary.

Well said!
Bleu Cheese Salad Dressing is made on the Moon! My Uncle from Mars told me, so I know it's true!

Slick was, first and foremost, an opportunist. Like others have said, a gambler goes with the wind and bets on the most likely winner in any situation.
In this case, that was Cobb. After all, Cobb had become firmly entrenched in the town. He was the Sheriff, had made connections with McKendrick (the most powerful land/cattle baron in the area), had the freedom to hire whomever he chose including a murdering thug like Tyree and could make illegal moves without repercussion. Hell, even Stella knew Cobb was bad news, but her convictions kept her from doing all but the bare minimum to stay in Cobb's favor so she could run her business.
Slick had no such convictions. I agree with those who said Slick was sitting on the fence until very near the end. Until then, he really wasn't sure who was going to win. When he figured the winner was going to be Cobb, he made the choice that gamblers make: he went all in. Of course, that didn't mean he was going to try to fight Mal straight up. Get real.lol He tried to shank Mal, but Mal was ready for it.
So in the end, the gambler crapped out. I think the character was pretty good. Just another interesting flavor to one of the most flavorful casts in a western in decades.

I got the distinct impression that Slick and Cobb knew each other. They gave each other a look when Slick first appeared that seemed almost friendly, plus Slicks comment about being "an honest gambler" seemed to be an inside joke between them.
But I agree, Slick was one of the more poorly developed characters in the film, but a worthy stereotype to be included.

It's not explained too clearly. He is a hired employee of the Sheriff.
Bleu Cheese Salad Dressing is made on the Moon! My Uncle from Mars told me, so I know it's true!

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