The Pittsburgh Steelers are bolstering their secondary, officially agreeing to a one-year, fully guaranteed deal worth $10 million with veteran CB Darius Slay, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelisssero, Slay has officially been released by the Philadelphia Eagles, facilitating the transaction with Pittsburgh.
A deal between Slay and the Steelers was reported earlier this week but disputed by several outlets who noted an agreement wasn’t firmly put into place. Now, it seems officially agreed upon as Slay potentially finishes his career with Pittsburgh.
At 34 years old, the Steelers are adding another veteran corner in a move similar to signing Patrick Peterson ahead of the 2023 season. But Slay proved he could still play, starting 14 regular season games for the Eagles last season. He recorded 49 tackles with 13 breakups. Active in the postseason, he added 14 tackles and five pass breakups en route to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run.
On his podcast, Darius Slay has often praised Steelers’ head coach Mike Tomlin and expressed a desire to play for him.
“Everybody know Mike Tomlin, you know what I’m saying?” Slay said on his ‘Big Play Slay’ podcast last December. “One of the best coaches that ever do it. I love Mike Tomlin. Like, if I wasn’t playing for Nick Sirianni and the Philadelphia Eagles, he’d be one of the next coaches I’d be wanting to play for. Just because I hear such great things about him. I done met him a couple times. We had great talks, man. I respect what he’s doing over there. He respects my game.”
Though he also mentioned remaining in Philadelphia or heading back to Detroit, where he spent the first seven years of his career, the Eagles are moving on with younger corners. Meanwhile, the Lions signed D.J. Reed to play opposite 2024 first-round pick Terrion Arnold.
A six-time Pro Bowler and one-time All-Pro, Slay has recorded 28 interceptions during his NFL career about to begin its 13th season. He figures to start opposite Joey Porter Jr. and bring a veteran presence to an otherwise young secondary.
Slay is the second corner to ink a deal with Pittsburgh today. The Steelers also added former New York Jets CB Brandin Echols, who could see a backup or slot role.
