Should The Steelers Target Newly-Released Darius Slay?

Photo Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images

Back in December, veteran cornerback Darius Slay Jr. expressed his admiration for Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin and his desire to someday play for him. Well, three months later, that could become a reality following the news of Slay Jr.'s release from the Philadelphia Eagles.

At this juncture, the Steelers have several question marks within their group of cornerbacks, apart from bona fide starter Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr., who is likely to see his role expand in the secondary this upcoming season. After his questionable play this past season, the team is likely to move on from veteran Cameron Sutton. Additionally, there has been little to no news about the team re-signing Donte Jackson, despite him leading the team with five interceptions.

Taking these factors into consideration, all signs should point to pursuing Slay in free agency.

One potential downside to such a move is his age, as he turned 34 this past January. In 2023, the Steelers took a chance on a 32-year-old Patrick Peterson. Although the signing benefited rookie Porter Jr., Peterson was no longer the All-Pro cornerback he once was, as his physical decline made him a liability in coverage. Based on his play this past season, there is little signs of decline.

In his five seasons with the Eagles, Slay Jr. played an instrumental role in the success of their secondary, appearing in two Super Bowls and winning one this past February in dominant fashion against the Kansas City Chiefs. Moreover, Slay Jr.'s physical style of play is the type Tomlin generally looks for in his secondary.

During his career, Slay Jr. has been selected to the Pro Bowl six times, with his All-Pro season coming in 2017 with the Detroit Lions. This past season, he finished with 49 tackles, 13 passes defensed, a 54.7% completion percentage, and a 68.9 coverage grade.