Darius Slay
The Pittsburgh Steelers’ defense has been a big disappointment this season. In their seven games played, they have allowed four games of over 30+ points scored by their opponents. At the core of it has been their secondary. On Wednesday, ESPN reported that offseason acquisition Darius Slay could be traded by Tuesday’s deadline.
​Slay, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, was signed in March as part of a secondary overhaul. This included trading away Minkah Fitzpatrick for Jalen Ramsey, signing Juan Thornhill, Brandin Echols, Chuck Clark, and Jabrill Peppers.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerbacks Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. during a game against the Green Bay Packers on Oct. 26, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
​So far, despite forcing 10 turnovers this season, the moves made on defense haven’t panned out. Slay, unfortunately, has been at the center of that, according to the report.
​The 13th-year veteran has been a part of miscommunications, missed tackles, and eventually saw his snaps decrease Sunday in favor of Echols. Though no one in the secondary has been lights out, it appears his acquisition is the most discouraging.
​Slay was seen as someone who, despite being at the tail end of their career, a potential steady starter this year. The veteran had a good performance in 2024 that hasn’t translated this year.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase tries to break a tackle by Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Slay on Oct. 17, 2025. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
​According to Pro Football Focus tracking, he has been targeted 32 times, resulting in 23 catches, 322 yards gained, and three touchdowns. He has also missed 21.2% of his tackles.
​Though Slay has called out PFF multiple times, the charting is now starting to match the underwhelming performance.
​It remains to be seen if this will come to fruition or if it is more speculation. The Steelers play the Colts on Sunday and then have decisions to make the following Tuesday. They have already made moves ahead of that 4 PM Nov. 4th deadline.
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