The Pittsburgh Steelers have mutually agreed to part ways with veteran cornerback Darius Slay after just 10 games into the season. The six-time Pro Bowler was released following injuries and inconsistent performances, with the team adding Asante Samuel Jr. to fill the roster spot.
The Pittsburgh Steelers and Darius Slay have parted ways after a short stint, as reported by ESPN. Slay, a six-time Pro Bowler, joined a revamped secondary that included the acquisition of seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey. However, injuries and inconsistent play led to Slay losing his starting job to James Pierre ahead of the Week 12 loss to the Chicago Bears. He was a healthy scratch in the subsequent 26-7 defeat to the Buffalo Bills in Week 13, where Asante Samuel Jr. made his season debut.
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin had previously stated that Slay would remain in the starting lineup when healthy. Just hours before the release, Tomlin explained the healthy scratch decision as an opportunity for Samuel, a former second-round pick who joined the practice squad last month.
This move marks another adjustment for Pittsburgh's secondary, which has seen numerous changes through the first 12 weeks. The unit began the season with Slay, Ramsey, and Joey Porter Jr. at cornerback, alongside safeties Juan Thornhill and DeShon Elliott. Current starters include Pierre alongside Porter and Brandin Echols, with Ramsey shifted to free safety after Thornhill's release. Kyle Dugger, acquired in a trade with the New England Patriots on Oct. 31, has taken over at strong safety for the injured Elliott.
The Steelers' pass defense ranks 28th in the NFL in passing yards allowed and faces a test against Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson this Sunday. Jackson has struggled recently, completing under 60% of passes with one touchdown and three interceptions over his last four games.
As Slay searches for his next opportunity, Pittsburgh continues to navigate a turbulent defensive backfield.