Darius Slay, Steelers Agree to Part Ways, CB Started 9 Games After Offseason Contract

The Pittsburgh Steelers are moving on from one of their cornerbacks.

Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Steelers and Darius Slay have mutually agreed to part ways. While Slay's time with Pittsburgh is over, Schefter noted that he wants to continue playing and "will consider signing with other teams."

Slay played for the Detroit Lions from 2013 to 2019 and joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020. Though he had a solid five seasons with the Eagles, the team cut him over the offseason to save salary cap space.

Shortly after being released by the Eagles, Slay joined the Steelers on a one-year, $10 million deal.

The six-time Pro Bowler hasn't been the best version of himself this season. He's started nine games and played 10 games total, recording 36 tackles and three passes defended. Last year, he had 49 tackles, 13 passes defended and a forced fumble in 14 games.

Slay was a healthy scratch for the Steelers' Week 13 matchup against the Buffalo Bills, indicating his time with the team was nearing its end.

Slay, 34, indicated earlier this year that the 2025 season might be his last. He also expressed interest in retiring with one of his former teams, the Eagles or Lions.

"If it is, it is. If it ain't, it ain't," he said in February. "For sure, the two spots I would love to always be at is Philly or Detroit. The main two, the main ones I'd love to be at."

Now released into free agency, Slay has the chance to reunite with one of his former squads, or join another contender looking for a veteran corner.

The Steelers, who are 6-6 after last week's loss to the Bills, have one of their biggest games of the season on deck as they travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens. Pittsburgh's playoff hopes are still alive, and a win over the Ravens would significantly increase their chances of a postseason bid.