Steelers admit fault after controversial offseason signing gets released despite starting for the majority of the season
The writing was on the wall when it comes to Slay’s tenure in Pittsburgh.
When the Steelers retooled their secondary this offseason, many were left scratching their head. Typically, the DB position is one where you want as low miles on the legs as possible. Corners and running backs age out of the league faster than any other position.
But the Steelers were content that they found their CB No.2. That the revolving door opposite of Joey Porter Jr. was finally closed, and that a 34-year-old defensive back by the name of Darius Slay would solve their problems.
Boy, were they wrong.
Steelers release Darius Slay, sign Asante Samuel jr. to active roster
“Steelers and CB Darius Slay have mutually agreed to part ways, Slay’s agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told ESPN,” wrote Adam Schefter on X-Twitter. “Slay is interested in continuing to play, and will consider signing with other teams. But his time in Pittsburgh has come to an end.”
Slay was signed to a one-year $10 million deal this offseason. A deal that the Steelers will still be on the hook for if Slay goes unclaimed on waivers, which you can probably assume will happen. The six-time Pro Bowler and former All-Pro was anything but in Pittsburgh. At 34 years old, for whatever reason, the Steelers brass thought Slay could be their answer to high-flying passing attacks like the Cincinnati Bengals.
But if you think back to that Thursday Night Football game where Slay manned up Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins, it was pitch and catch all night long for the victorious Bengals and Joe Flacco. The Steelers quite literally changed their identity on the back end after the game, playing more split safety coverage and off zone to give their corners, but primarily Slay, a cushion.
So it’s safe to say that this signing by Omar Khan and Mike Tomlin was a massive whiff. Asante Samuel Jr. who was first elevated from the practice squad last week, will now take Slay’s place on the roster.
Having just turned 26 years old, he’s not nearly as long in the tooth, but similar to Slay this year, he has battled injuries as his career has gone on.
So it’s no surprise to see a relationship that was questionable to begin with end early, but it’s still an indictment on the decision makers in Pittsburgh nevertheless.
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