The Pittsburgh Steelers are kicking off free agency with a bang. On the eve of the legal tampering period, it was announced that they had worked out a trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf. While wide receiver was a gaping hole on the offense, there are other needs on the team, and one of them is at cornerback. The Steelers drafted Joey Porter Jr. in 2023, and it was clear from the start that they wanted a veteran partner across from him to act as a mentor.
AP
Steelers' Patrick Peterson and Joey Porter Jr. on the sideline.
Then news broke that the Steelers are working out a deal to sign cornerback Darius Slay, who was most recently with the Philadelphia Eagles. Slay, who the Eagles are reportedly releasing, is expected to come across the state on undisclosed terms. The 34-year-old is a six-time Pro Bowler who helped the Eagles win their recent Super Bowl.
The Steelers have always been known for their elite defenses; the current one is no exception. However, despite being the most expensive defense in the league in 2024, it did have some hiccups, including in the secondary. Slay is expected to help improve the team's pass coverage and help Porter take his game to the next level.
Former Steelers cornerback Bryant McFadden joined The PM Team with Poni and Mueller on 93.7 The Fan and was asked what he thinks about the expected move. McFadden won two Super Bowls during his time in the Steel City, so he knows what it takes to win it all; he also understands exactly what is expected of cornerbacks in Pittsburgh. He said he thinks Slay is a solid fit when asked if he believes Slay has enough left in the tank to have a positive impact.
"In terms of being a starting cornerback opposite of Joey Porter Jr., I think he has production still left in the tank," McFadden said. "You look at how he finished the season for the Philadelphia Eagles; he was playing at a high note. The thing I love about Slay is the mental aspect, the above-the-shoulder game. He's very, very instinctive. He can add some leadership to that cornerback room, something that is needed, and also add depth as well. He has enough speed to be sound in coverage. Just look at the playoff tape, sound coverage against the Green Bay Packers. Look at what he did against Washington and Scary Terry [McLaurin]. You look at what he did against the Rams and, of course, in the Super Bowl. All of those offenses had pretty good pass catchers, guys who can run, guys that create separation, and he stood up against every said one."
While age might be just a number, cornerbacks struggle as they get a little long in the tooth. The Steelers did this experiment with Patrick Peterson in 2023 so he could serve as a mentor for Porter. While there is no doubt that Peterson was able to do that, his on-field impact was limited, and he was two years younger than Slay is now.
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Former Eagles CB Darius Slay celebrates after getting an interception.
They followed Peterson with a trade for Donte Jackson, who only had one year left on his contract. While Jackson had some bright spots, he was inconsistent and dealt with injuries. He is now a free agent and expected to be a member of the Los Angeles Chargers.
Steelers Adding Darius Slay Should Suprise No One
The Steelers love to add cornerbacks with a pedigree, and Slay also has connections to Pittsburgh. Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin held the same position for four of the five first years of Slay's career with the Detroit Lions.
On top of the Austin connection, Slay has gone on record saying how much he would like to play for Head Coach Mike Tomlin. He said that if he weren't playing for the Eagles, he would want to play in Pittsburgh for Tomlin, calling him one of the best coaches ever.
Peter Diana / Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin goes over some notes with his players.
Do you think Slay still has enough in the tank to help the Steelers' defense? Tell us what you think below!
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