In a move that’s sure to spark debate among NFL fans, the Pittsburgh Steelers have decided to part ways with veteran cornerback Darius Slay, marking an unexpected end to his tenure with the team. But here’s where it gets controversial: Is this a mutual decision, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter suggests, or a strategic shift by the Steelers to address their struggling secondary? Let’s dive in.
At 34, Slay is one of the rare cornerbacks still competing at an advanced age, but his time in Pittsburgh has come to a close. The Steelers are set to waive him, replacing his roster spot with Asante Samuel Jr., who will be promoted from the practice squad. This decision was foreshadowed when Slay was a healthy scratch for the Steelers’ Week 13 loss to the Bills—a game that left fans booing and questioning the team’s direction.
Slay, a two-time Super Bowl starter, is on a one-year, $10MM deal, though his base salary is the veteran minimum of $1.26MM. This makes him an attractive waiver option for teams desperate for cornerback help. If he goes unclaimed by Wednesday at 3pm CT, he’ll hit free agency, potentially extending a career that many believed was nearing its end. And this is the part most people miss: Despite his age, Slay’s experience and past success could still make him a valuable asset for a contender.
Pro Football Focus ranked Slay 71st out of 110 cornerbacks this season, placing him on the fringes of the middle tier. While he’s not the dominant force he once was—earning six Pro Bowl selections during his prime—his presence and leadership were expected to bolster the Steelers’ defense. However, with a 75% completion rate allowed and a 108.0 passer rating against him this season, his performance hasn’t met expectations.
The Steelers’ decision to move on from Slay isn’t entirely surprising, given their history of relying on aging cornerbacks. They’ve previously brought in veterans like Jalen Ramsey, Patrick Peterson, Joe Haden, William Gay, and Ike Taylor under Mike Tomlin’s tenure. But the question remains: Is this a step forward or a bandaid fix for a team at a crossroads?
Meanwhile, Asante Samuel Jr., who joined the Steelers’ practice squad after neck surgery stalled his free agency, will now get his shot on the 53-man roster. The 26-year-old former Chargers starter played 28 defensive snaps in Week 13 and could be a key piece in improving Pittsburgh’s 28th-ranked pass defense.
As Slay potentially heads to free agency, his legacy as one of this era’s better cornerbacks remains intact. Whether he lands with another team or calls it a career, his impact on the game is undeniable. But here’s the real question for fans: Did the Steelers make the right call, or will they regret letting Slay go? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
