Steelers Sign Hard-Nosed Former Cardinals Defensive Tackle Jacob Slade

The Steelers have signed former Michigan State standout and Cardinals defensive tackle Jacob Slade to a reserve/future contract, the team announced on Wednesday. He was part of the 17 players inked by the team on Wednesday.

Slade came out in the 2023 NFL Draft and signed as an undrafted free agent with the Arizona Cardinals. A four-year contributor in East Lansing, Slade racked up four sacks, 86 tackles, and 11.5 tackles for loss over his career. Known as a quality run stuffer, Slade earned several guarantees from the Cardinals when signing after the draft but was released following cut-downs. A solid athlete, Slade primarily played as a shade in college.

The lack of sack production stands out, but he has football bloodlines in his family, which is always a plus for the Steelers. His brother played football at Michigan State, too. So, this is another case of Pittsburgh showing interest in a guy who loves football and played it from when he was small to now as a professional. He fits into the system as a shade or nose tackle depth.

Slade was the second defensive lineman signed, and the returning Jonathan Marshall joined the team in 2021. As it stands, Pittsburgh will have depth needs and Armon Watts and Montravius Adams are free agents, which could open up room for someone like Slade to nab a spot.