The Pittsburgh Steelers' cornerback room isn't the primary focus of the 2025 offseason, but it certainly warrants attention, especially with Donte Jackson set to hit free agency. Jackson’s injury struggles in 2024, which affected his ability to stay in games, have raised concerns about the depth behind Joey Porter Jr. Many Steelers fans are calling for better options or additional depth across from Porter, especially with the 2025 season shaping up to be a critical one for Porter in his third year in the NFL.
Jackson, who was traded to Pittsburgh ahead of the 2024 season, initially generated excitement for his potential to strengthen the opposite side of Porter. He played well, recording five interceptions, but struggled down the stretch, earning a ranking as one of the worst cornerbacks of the 2024 season by Pro Football Focus.
On Monday, the Philadelphia Eagles parted ways with veteran cornerback Darius Slay to free up cap space, making the 34-year-old available for a new opportunity. NFL insider Jonathan Jones, working for CBS Sports, took to social media to share what he's heard from sources regarding the possibility of Slay joining the Steelers for the 2025 season.
"Darius Slay wants to play one more year, and his level of play dictates he'll get a respectable offer and will likely want to go to a contender," Jones posted to his social media on Monday. "Slay played for Teryl Austin for 4 years in Detroit, so some sources wonder if a potential reunion in Pittsburgh could happen."
Steelers Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin has become a highly controversial figure in Pittsburgh. His defense was expected to be a force, especially given that the Steelers boasted the highest-paid defense in the entire NFL. However, despite being filled with elite talent like TJ Watt, Cam Heyward, Minkah Fitzpatrick, and others, the defense drastically underperformed as the season progressed. What was once regarded as one of the best defensive units in the league slipped down the rankings, leaving fans and analysts alike questioning what went wrong.
While the Steelers’ offense certainly didn’t help, as it struggled to produce consistently, the defensive collapse was particularly shocking given the talent on hand. Austin’s unit failed to live up to expectations, and this inability to make crucial stops played a significant role in the team’s five-game losing streak that capped off the 2024 season.
The defense, which was supposed to be the backbone of the team, couldn’t deliver when it mattered most. The result was a bitter disappointment, especially considering the talent the Steelers had on their roster.
Now, as the Steelers head into the 2025 season, the organization faces the difficult task of understanding what went wrong and how they can fix it. The defense’s struggles left many wondering whether the coaching staff could get the most out of the talent at their disposal, and whether a shake-up in philosophy or personnel is necessary to turn things around.
Steelers Could Reunite Teryl Austin And Darius Slay
An intriguing development regarding potential changes comes in the form of a 34 year old cornerback. Slay, who had a productive season with the Eagles before being released, has played under Austin in the past. From 2014 to 2017, Austin was the defensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions, where Slay spent several years as a key part of their secondary.
This shared history has sparked some chatter among Jones' sources reporting that sources have mentioned the possibility of Slay reuniting with his former coordinator in Pittsburgh. The potential for Slay to join the Steelers for the 2025 season could provide a much-needed boost to the cornerback position and help shore up the defense as the team looks to bounce back. This connection could be a factor in shaping the direction of the Steelers’ defense for the 2025 season.
