After spending less than a season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, the team has cut veteran cornerback Darius Slay. According to the breaking news, the Steelers are moving on from the former All-Pro as he intends to still play in the league at age 34. With the recent release, the Steelers will add former Chargers cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to the starting lineup, so it makes sense that they announced the sudden departure. Slay now joins several free agents available in the market in a sweet time of December, right before the postseason begins next month.
Steelers Cut Former Six-Time Pro Bowler Darius Slay; Possible Landing Spots Emerge
Originally selected as a former second-round pick, the former Mississippi State product began his career with the Detroit Lions, becoming one of the best defensive backs in the league. Slay co-led the league in interceptions in 2017 and was named his first All-Pro in the same season. After having one of the most illustrious tenures with the Lions and Eagles while helping Philadelphia win a Super Bowl last season, the cornerback should receive plenty of interest.
He isn’t the same player he once was, but he could fill the void on teams that need another cornerback as a veteran presence. Slay indicated earlier this offseason that this season could be his last, and these four teams could give him one last run before he hangs it up.
Possible Next Teams
Philadelphia Eagles
A return to the Eagles would be a no-brainer for both sides, and this possible landing spot would be the first on his wishlist. The Eagles haven’t had a lot of luck with Adoree’ Jackson performing up to standards as a backup corner for Cooper DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell. After losing Jaire Alexander due to stepping away from football activities, it’s fair to say that the team is still in the market for a cornerback.
Slay won’t be the same when he returns, but it’s better than what the team has, as they need to find a replacement for Jackson in the worst possible way.
Detroit Lions
Meanwhile, Slay could end his career where he started. The Lions are having injury and consistency issues at the cornerback position once again, and with Terrion Arnold now out for the season, Slay could play a crucial role at the starting position again and push Detroit into the playoffs. At 7-5, he might be the final piece that the Lions are looking for as far as making themselves legitimate contenders.
Dallas Cowboys
While Trevon Diggs is planning to come back, there’s no guarantee that he will perform like his old self. The former 2021 All-Pro hasn’t been the same since suffering a multitude of injuries, and the Cowboys have been struggling to find the next man up. They had a chance to acquire Minkah Fitzpatrick, but instead got Logan Wilson and Quinnen Williams to strengthen the interior and linebacker group. Slay might be the missing puzzle piece to a well-rounded team in Dallas.
Los Angeles Rams
Slay doesn’t need to start. He could join the Rams in a backup role to help both Emmanuel Forbes and Darious Williams. The Rams have one of the most talented offenses, but they could use some depth on defense. Slay joining the Rams should get them back in the Super Bowl.
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