Darius Slay is joining the Pittsburgh Steelers after getting cut by the Philadelphia Eagles behind their dominant Super Bowl win in February.
On Monday, Jordan Schultz reported that the Steelers picked up the former second-round pick.
Slay appeared in 14 games for the Eagles in 2024 and recorded 49 tackles, three tackles for loss, 13 pass defenses, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery.
The cornerback got drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2013 and remained in Motor City for his first seven seasons in the NFL. After playing out his rookie deal, the 34-year-old agreed to a four-year, $50.2m extension that guaranteed $23m.
Slay was traded to the Eagles in 2019 and quickly agreed to a three-year extension worth $50m, which included $30m guaranteed with Philadelphia. He is due a $17m base salary in 2023.
The six-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro took a lesser role with the Birds in 2024 with the emergence of Quinyon Mitchell as Philly’s top cornerback.
Darius Slay signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after getting cut by the Philadelphia Eagles
Slay recorded 49 tackles, three tackles for loss, 13 pass defenses, one forced fumble in 2024
Apart from securing a veteran presence by signing Slay, the Steelers acquired superstar receiver DK Metcalf and signed him to a lucrative five-year, $150m contract at the expense of a 2025 second-round pick.
Metcalf had one year and $18m left remaining on his previous contract and the deal was agreed upon days after he reportedly told the Seattle Seahawks he wanted to be traded.
Having acquired Metcalf and Slay, what Pittsburgh does at quarterback remains a question. On Monday, free agent quarterback Justin Fields reached a two-year, $40m deal, which includes $30m guaranteed.
Pittsburgh paired Fields with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson last season as the two took shifts throughout the campaign.
Fields, 25, appeared in 10 games and completed 106 of 161 attempts for 1,106 yards and five touchdowns. He also rushed for 289 yards and found the end zone five times.
On the other hand, Wilson made 11 appearances, 214 completions for 336 attempts, and tallied 2,482 yards for 16 touchdowns. Wilson did find as much success in rushing with 11 carries for 43 yards and two touchdowns.
Despite their collective efforts, the Steelers ended their season with a four-game losing streak and a 10-7 record before falling to the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card round.
