Steelers Have Quick Fix To Cornerback Room After New Information Leaks

The Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback room was expected to be better in the 2024 season with the acquisition of Donte Jackson via trade from the Carolina Panthers. While Jackson had five interceptions and showed flashes of solid play, his struggles with injuries and inconsistency down the stretch limited his overall impact. According to Pro Football Focus, Jackson was among the worst cornerbacks in the NFL last season, and while Joey Porter Jr. did a solid job on one side, the Steelers' secondary as a whole failed to meet expectations. Now, they find themselves in need of reinforcements, and an intriguing opportunity has emerged—though it comes with significant risk.

The Philadelphia Eagles released veteran cornerback Darius Slay on Monday morning in a cap-saving move that could free up $4.3 million if he’s designated as a post-June 1 cut. Slay, a six-time Pro Bowler, has been a key contributor since joining the Eagles in 2020 and played an important role in their Super Bowl victory. However, at 34 years old, there are natural concerns about whether he still has enough left in the tank to perform at a high level. For the Steelers, the need for a reliable presence opposite Porter makes Slay an intriguing option despite his age.

Pittsburgh has a history of taking chances on veteran defensive backs, and Slay’s experience and leadership could be valuable additions to a unit that struggled in 2024. While his best years may be behind him, Slay still has the instincts and ball skills to provide an upgrade over Jackson if he can stay healthy. The Steelers will need to weigh the risk of adding an aging cornerback against the immediate benefit he could bring to a secondary in need of stability. Given their defensive identity, they could very well be a team to watch in the Slay sweepstakes.

At first glance, the Steelers adding Slay at 34 years old might seem like a risky and unconventional move. However, at this stage in his career, Slay likely wouldn’t command a hefty contract, making him an affordable option. 

His veteran presence could also provide invaluable mentorship for Porter, who is entering a crucial season in his development. The 2025 campaign will be a defining one for Porter, and having an experienced cornerback alongside him could help accelerate his growth.

Steelers Need Help At Cornerback Before 2025 Season Begins

Slay earned a 67.6 grade from PFF for his 2024 season, ranking 69th out of 223 graded cornerbacks. In comparison, Jackson struggled significantly, finishing 187th with a grade of 50. The Steelers must decide whether to bring Jackson back or explore outside options to bolster the position. Many believe Pittsburgh could also look to the draft for additional help at cornerback, making their approach to free agency even more critical.

Signing Slay at this point in his career would undoubtedly be an intriguing move, but it’s one the Steelers may seriously consider. Slay has been vocal about his desire to keep playing and has even hinted at past interest from Pittsburgh. With his experience and proven track record, he could be an asset if the price is right. The question now is whether the Steelers see him as the right fit—and what kind of market will develop for a veteran cornerback of his caliber.

Despite his age, Slay could still be a strong option to pair with Porter on the other side of the field. With his release, the market for Slay is expected to heat up, and it will be interesting to see how Steelers decision-makers Omar Khan, Andy Weidl, and Mike Tomlin evaluate the possibility of bringing him in for the 2025 season.

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