As we’ve done in previous years, we’re taking a look at Pittsburgh Steelers who are on Reserve/Future contracts for the 2026 offseason, as well as what we can expect from them during training camp and (hopefully) into the regular season. Today, an outlook on DB Doneiko Slaughter
Doneiko Slaughter/DB Arkansas – 5112, 195 pounds
Objectively, Doneiko Slaughter is one of the coolest names in the NFL. I’d be lying if I said that wasn’t a factor in our decision to write one of our final 2025 NFL Draft scouting reports on him. But it wasn’t just the name. His Razorbacks workout turned heads: a 4.39 40, 36-inch vertical, and 17 reps on the bench press popped.
On tape, Slaughter played to his name. He could hit and throw his weight around. But he showed to be a straight-line player who struggled to change directions. Issues shown on the film and in the rest of his testing, posting ugly agility-drill numbers (4.41 short shuttle, 7.30 three cone). Combined, our report signaled a move to safety might be best.
“Overall, Doneiko Slaughter is an interesting player with his build, physicality, and nickel experience. Some traits will play well as a slot corner. However, Slaughter struggles too much in coverage and is too reckless to compensate for a lack of physical tools. His tightness will be an issue that’s hard to look past and could limit him to playing on special teams. Some draft outlets suggest a move to safety, and that wouldn’t be a bad idea, even if he’ll be slightly undersized at strong safety.”
Undrafted, he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars last April. Slaughter stuck with them all summer before being waived at final cutdowns. In the preseason, he stayed at corner and split time between outside corner (45 snaps) and slot (25). Pittsburgh signed him to a Reserve/Futures deal on Jan. 20, days before Mike McCarthy was tabbed as the team’s new head coach.
Now, Slaughter finds himself in a crowded secondary. Four of six cornerback spots are spoken for: Joey Porter Jr., Jamel Dean, Brandin Echols, and Asante Samuel Jr. At least three off five are occupied at safety: Jalen Ramsey, DeShon Elliott, and Jaquan Brisker. Draft picks will soon be added and only stiffen the competition.
Slaughter’s best bet is to grab one of those final cornerback spots. Some of his immediate competition is injured. Cory Trice Jr. and Donte Kent are coming off season-ending injuries, and it’s unclear when they’ll be available. Kent tore his ACL in December and may not be ready for training camp. There’s still D’Shawn Jamison, Daequan Hardy, and rookies about to be added that make Slaughter’s path narrow.
He’ll need to become an ace special teamer and fill the role of James Pierre or Miles Killebrew to compel this team to keep him around. The odds are low. But at least it’ll be fun to say his name during training camp. Hopefully, he makes enough plays to ensure no one forgets it.
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