The Pittsburgh Steelers have more work to do over the course of the 2025 offseason. Aside from the quarterback position, the front office is off to a nice start before the 2025 NFL Draft, as they've added key pieces to both the offensive and defensive units. After finally finding a franchise-caliber wide receiver, DK Metcalf, through trade, General Manager Omar Khan and the Steelers decided they needed to sign a cornerback that's still playing at a high level. Darius Slay, who spent the last five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, could end up finishing his career in the Steel City after signing a one-year contract.
Slay and the Eagles just concluded the 2024 season by hoisting the Lombardi Trophy for just the second time in franchise history. Philadelphia's 2024 roster, specifically on defense, was loaded with talent from top to bottom. With that comes big contracts that the Eagles were going to have to pay, which meant other formidable players were going to be forced to play elsewhere in 2025. Along with Slay, the Eagles also lost CJ Gardner-Johnson, Josh Sweat, and Milton Williams this offseason.
On his recent podcast, Slay spoke about how veteran players are beginning to be let go by teams more often, even if their production is still high. In his response, Slay shared his personal opinion on the Eagles deciding to move on from him, after having his first season in 2024 without an interception since his rookie year in 2013.
"I know people get older, you know that, but they're still playing at a high level and still give you the same type of numbers, what's the point of moving on?" Slay said during his podcast on Thursday. "I appreciate the Eagles forever, you know what I'm saying, they helped me get my first Super Bowl."
Slay continues his response to former NFL cornerback Richard Sherman with the utmost confidence and shares his belief that he can still play at a high level.
"I'm just sitting here saying like, I'm glad for the great opportunity to go to Pittsburgh to play for one of the best coaches I feel too as well, but my play ain't decline for me to get moved on from. But, I was cool with it, because I understand the business part of it."
Slay is now 34 years old and is getting up there in age, despite reaching his sixth Pro Bowl appearance last season. Slay's leadership role for Philadelphia didn't go unnoticed. He was given a big task in mentoring two other young rookie cornerbacks with the Eagles, and he'll need to do the same for the others in Pittsburgh.
Joey Porter Jr, Cory Trice Jr, and Beanie Bishop Jr will all need experienced mentoring from Slay in 2025. Slay also revealed that his time in the NFL is coming to a close in the near future, whether this year, or in 2026. That means Pittsburgh's young cornerbacks will have to take huge steps in 2025 if they want to have long careers with the Black and Gold.
Steelers' Defense Was Desperate For Veteran Leadership Within The Secondary In 2024
Amidst the frustrating losing streak to close out last season, the defense began to fall apart quickly. The run defense had it's glaring issue late in the year, but there were also many times when the defensive backs didn't seem to be on the same page. There's some leadership at the safety position with Minkah Fitzpatrick, but his overall performance throughout the season was also questionable. The Steelers didn't have any leading veterans at the cornerback position, and it wound up haunting them in the grand scheme of things.
While Porter Jr seems to be a clear-cut cornerback one (CB1) in the NFL, he turns just 25 years old this summer and still has a lot to learn. Even if Slay is just above average next season, his most important role is to help Porter and the others develop and maintain the defense with communication.
