Darius Slay and the Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly agreed to a contract, adding another key piece to the team’s aggressive offseason moves. After winning a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles, Slay brings championship experience to a Steelers team looking to improve on a Wild Card Weekend exit in 2024.
Darius Slay Agrees to Contract With the Steelers
According to Fox Sports NFL insider Jordan Schultz, Slay and the Steelers have reached a deal. Slay fills a key need at cornerback opposite Joey Porter Jr. for Pittsburgh, replacing Donte Jackson, who currently remains a free agent.
In 2024, Slay recorded 49 tackles (39 solo, 10 assists), 13 pass deflections, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery. The 34-year-old, a six-time Pro Bowler, has 28 career interceptions, adding a proven playmaker to Pittsburgh’s secondary.
Prior to Super Bowl 59, Slay discussed his NFL future, telling PFSN, “Next year will most likely be my last. I would love for it to be with the Philadelphia Eagles.”
While his release from the Eagles is not yet official, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports that Slay could remain in Pennsylvania if he finalizes his deal with Pittsburgh for what might be his final NFL season.
Pittsburgh has been one of the most active teams in free agency. The Steelers acquired DK Metcalf and a seventh-round draft pick from the Seattle Seahawks in exchange for second- and sixth-round selections. Immediately after the trade, the Steelers and Metcalf agreed to a five-year, $150 million contract extension.
Pittsburgh then released defensive lineman Larry Ogunjobi. According to ESPN NFL reporter Brooke Pryor, “The move saves the Steelers $7 million in cap space.”
With no second-round pick after the Metcalf trade, the additional cap space gives the team more flexibility ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft. Pittsburgh holds the No. 21 overall pick, and its draft strategy will likely depend on how the front office continues to address roster needs during free agency.
Additionally, a potential T.J. Watt extension looms large for Pittsburgh. With Myles Garrett and Maxx Crosby signing massive extensions, the edge rusher market has been reset, and Watt — one of several elite pass rushers in the final year of his contract — could be next in line for a new deal.
With several key moves already made and more holes to fill, Steelers general manager Omar Khan is expected to remain active in free agency.