The Pittsburgh Steelers made some big-time moves in the 2025 offseason to improve both sides of the football. They spent quite a bit of time on the defensive side, specifically in their secondary. Early in the offseason, Pittsburgh signed 34-year-old cornerback Darius Slay to a one-year deal worth $10 million. While that’s an exciting addition given Slay’s experience and playmaking ability, it also raises questions about durability and long-term impact.
The concern surrounding Slay mainly stems from his age and injury history. Over the past few seasons, Slay has dealt with various knee issues that have caused him to miss games and limited his effectiveness on the field. Steelers fans and analysts alike are hoping Slay can stay healthy and provide veteran leadership, but there is understandable apprehension about how well he can hold up over a full NFL season.
Adding to those worries, NFL insider Adam Caplan shared some troubling reports on Fox Sports Radio Monday regarding Slay’s knees. Caplan’s update suggests the cornerback might not be at 100 percent physically as the Steelers head into training camp. This news could complicate Pittsburgh’s defensive plans and put additional pressure on younger players in the secondary to step up if Slay’s availability becomes an issue.
"No offense to Darius Slay, he got cut by the Eagles, but he did look good late last season," Caplan said. "As I'm told, one of his knees is a concern. He actually had arthroscopic surgery on it late in 2023. He's got great length, and he was super fast coming out of Mississippi State. You have to wonder how well he can run. And the Eagles learned this with James Bradbury, who they cut, who signed a big extension two years ago. You never know when a guy's going to lose it, and they could lose it in an instant. The Steelers know this."
After that surgery in late 2023, Slay took to Eagles Everything on Instagram to share an update about the procedure.
He mentioned that he had been playing through a lot of adversity with the injury for at least two seasons. If that knee injury can subside for the 2025 season then Pittsburgh won't have anything to worry about. However, it does feel like something Slay knows he will continue to have to play through.
"It was something that needed to be done," Slay said via Eagles Everything on Instagram. "Been dealing with it for four years, since 2019, since I got traded over here. I've been going through it every day. I've been playing probably on like a 30-percent leg for two years."
A 34-year-old cornerback naturally comes with question marks. The one thing that can’t be regained as an NFL player falls out of their prime is speed. Slay built his reputation on his quickness and coverage ability, and some experts still believe he has enough left in the tank. However, knowing he has a bad knee is definitely cause for concern among Steelers fans.
The Steelers made several big moves this offseason and likely understand the risks that come with signing Slay for 2025. He’s a valuable veteran presence, but questions remain about his health and ability to stay quick. Pittsburgh plans to use Joey Porter Jr. and Slay on the outside, while new addition Jalen Ramsey is expected to take the nickelback spot. Some even believe Ramsey could see time playing safety, adding versatility to the secondary.
Overall, the Steelers are banking on a blend of experience and youth to strengthen their defense, but the success of this plan will hinge on Slay’s ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level throughout the season. Slay dealt with injuries in the 2024 season but he managed to look good enough for Pittsburgh to pay him $10 million. Steelers fans are very excited but also curious to see what the veteran can do in 2025.
