Steelers Nearly Traded for Newly-Released Pro Bowl CB
The Pittsburgh Steelers almost traded for Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay, who was released on Monday.
Six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay is being added to a deep and talented upcoming free-agent class after the Philadelphia Eagles released him on Monday. Slay’s release gives the Pittsburgh Steelers even more options, and one they’ll likely consider.
Back in 2023, several teams inquired about Slay’s availability. He and the Eagles eventually agreed to restructure the final year of his contract and sign a two-year extension, but he revealed he almost became a Steeler.
“Mike Tomlin, one of the best coaches in the NFL, man,” Slay said on his podcast, “Big Play Slay.” “What’s so crazy is I almost was going to them, too. They hit me up, too. T.J. Watt text me, Cam Heyward text me, and they talked about me coming there. Before I ever got to make a decision, they signed Pat Pete, so they kind of chilled out for a minute. But I was almost a Pittsburgh Steeler as well.”
As Slay mentioned, the Steelers ultimately settled with signing veteran cornerback Patrick Peterson, but he disappointed in his one-year stint in Pittsburgh. Father Time seemed to finally catch up to him as he recorded 42 tackles, two interceptions and 11 passes defensed in 17 games.
As for Slay, he has registered 106 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, 28 passes defensed and one touchdown over the past two seasons while also helping the Eagles win Super Bowl LIX.
Slay’s best football is behind him now at 34, but he said he wants to play at least one more season. That may just end up being with the Steelers, given their recent interest in the veteran and his connection to defensive coordinator Teryl Austin.
Slay played for Austin for four years in Detroit and now some think a potential reunion in Pittsburgh could happen, per CBS NFL insider Jonathan Jones.