The Pittsburgh Steelers have all the resources needed to be extremely aggressive during the 2025 offseason. This can be in free agency, or through the trade market. Pittsburgh currently sits in the top 10 when it comes to cap space for the 2025 season, meaning the franchise can offer some lucrative contracts while also taking some on through trades. General Manager Omar Khan also has eight draft picks at his disposal in the 2025 NFL Draft, and those could be used to improve the team at the event, or in exchange for players.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers General Manager Omar Khan (left) and Head Coach Mike Tomlin (right) sit in the franchise's draft room as they anxiously watch the board in 2023.
One position of interest for the Steelers is going to be wide receiver. Khan was in heavy pursuit of an upgrade at the position ahead of the regular season in 2024, and he should be expected to be aggressive again while targeting productive players through free agency. One name that is expected to be available is Darius Slayton, who has spent the first six seasons of his career with the New York Giants. He has arguably been the most consistent and productive player for New York on offense over the last six seasons, and the Steelers were named likely suitors for the veteran on Tuesday.
“You need chunk plays to score in this league.” Darius Slayton @Young_Slay2 anticipates “a lot of interest” in free agency. I’m told teams like the Chargers, Panthers and Steelers are among the likely suitors for the consistent #Giants receiver https://t.co/fLZ9Pi593y
— Pat Leonard (@PLeonardNYDN) March 4, 2025
Slayton has never broken 1,000 yards in a season, but he has recorded over 550 receiving yards in five of his six years in New York. This is impressive considering how bad the quarterback position has been for the Giants during that time frame, and how inconsistent the offense has been as a whole.
Seth Wenig / Associated Press
Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton begins to run a route as New York plays a professional football game at home.
Steelers fans should know a thing or two about Slayton after his performance against Pittsburgh in 2024. The veteran had one of his best games of the season against the Steelers' defense as he hauled in four passes for 108 yards. He has always been able to remain productive in New York, regardless of who is throwing him the ball, which is a reason the Steelers should be focused on signing him.
There are other wide receivers out on the open market that the team may show some interest in, like Chris Godwin. However, Godwin is going to be the crown jewel of the 2025 free agent class at wide receiver. He is going to be more expensive than Slayton, and is coming off of a season-ending injury. Pittsburgh may be better off putting in some more effort to land Slayton, as Godwin is going to cost a pretty penny.
According to Spotrac, Slayton's current market value sits at $15.8 million per year. He is expected to sign a three-year deal worth $47.3 million, which is something the Steelers would be able to offer during the 2025 offseason. It is a steep price for a receiver who has never crossed 1,000 yards in a single season, but it could be worth it for Pittsburgh.
Vincent Carchietta / Imagn Images
Giants' Darius Slayton hauls in a pass at Metlife Stadium in 2024.
Steelers May Be Too Similar To The Giants For Darius Slayton
Throughout Slayton's six seasons in the NFL, he has seen nothing but inconsistency at quarterback. Whether it was Daniel Jones, or someone else, the quarterback position has not been good in New York since Slayton was drafted. Currently, the Steelers are in a similar situation. The starting quarterback for 2025 isn't even under contract, and Pittsburgh has had some reported interest in Jones. It would be hard to blame Slayton if he wanted nothing to do with the organization, and instead decided to chase a more fruitful opportunity with a contender.
What do you think of Slayton? Would you want him in Pittsburgh? Let us know in the comments below!
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