It’s been a rather eventful offseason so far for the Pittsburgh Steelers, as several new faces have joined the organization while several familiar faces have also left.
Of course, the Steelers are still waiting for 41-year-old quarterback Aaron Rodgers to decide whether he wants to sign with Pittsburgh or the New York Giants or ride off into the sunset for retirement.
Despite being in limbo at the quarterback position, some of the moves the Steelers have made have generated quite a bit of buzz, like the shocking trade for wide receiver DK Metcalf and the huge extension he was signed to. There’s also the signing of cornerback Darius Slay, too.
That move alone has Steelers’ team captain and All-Pro defensive lineman Cameron Heyward fired up.
Appearing on the latest episode of his podcast, “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward,” the Steelers star spoke highly of Darius Slay and what he brings, even at 34 years old, at a demanding position athletically like cornerback.
“Man, I just think he brings a level of professionalism to the game, into the locker room. I think it’s underrated how smart he is and where he needs to be in position,” Heyward said of the Slay addition for the Steelers, according to video via the show’s YouTube page. “I think he communicates really well, has a knack for making timely plays; can be a factor in the run game as well.
“I think when you add a guy like that, it doesn’t matter the age. And so, I’m excited to have him. I really am. Slay is…he’s a fellow Georgia guy, and so, always a respect there. So, glad to have him.”
Though Darius Slay is 34 years old and plays a young man’s position at cornerback, he showed he could still play during the 2024 season, holding down a key role for the Philadelphia Eagles, who went on to win a Super Bowl. He was also a great mentor in the cornerback room for rookies Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean, both of whom were great in 2024.
Last season with the Eagles, Darius Slay played 698 snaps in the regular season, grading out at a 67.6 overall from Pro Football Focus. That included a grade of 68.9 in coverage, where he allowed 32 receptions on 64 targets for 371 yards and two touchdowns, recording 12 pass breakups on the year.
Throughout the season, Darius Slay was a steady player. He improved his game in the postseason, boosting his grade to 77.1 in the postseason in 248 snaps. In the postseason, Slay allowed just 13 receptions on 23 targets for 182 yards and two touchdowns, recording an interception in the Wild Card round while also breaking up four passes.
He’s long in the tooth but still knows how to play the position soundly. Having that type of veteran leadership and experience opposite Joey Porter Jr. should help the Steelers’ cornerback room continue to develop.
It’ll help a great deal to have that type of talent and communicator at cornerback, too, especially after the Steelers had so many miscommunication issues last season, especially late in the year, that played a key factor into their five-game losing streak that turned a promising season into a very disappointing one in the end.
Check out the full episode of “Not Just Football with Cam Heyward” below.
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