By Moses Joshua 
Three NFC Contenders Suddenly Have a Rare Chance to Add a Battle-Tested Veteran
The Pittsburgh Steelers made one of the most surprising roster decisions of the season on Tuesday, parting ways with a six-time Pro Bowl cornerback whose résumé alone ensures he won’t stay on the market for long. And as soon as the news broke, one thing became immediately clear: the Cowboys, Eagles, and Lions should be paying very close attention.
Steelers and Darius Slay Go Separate Ways
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Pittsburgh and veteran cornerback Darius Slay mutually agreed to move on before he even completed a full season with the team.
“Steelers and CB Darius Slay have mutually agreed to part ways, Slay’s agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told ESPN. Slay is interested in continuing to play, and will consider signing with other teams. But his time in Pittsburgh has come to an end,” Schefter reported.
Slay’s stint in Pittsburgh was turbulent from the start, and after an uneven 2025 campaign, both sides decided a reset was the best solution. The numbers reflect the dip in performance: Slay allowed a 70% completion rate, surrendered three touchdowns, and gave up a 126.7 passer rating when targeted. Still, his 176 career starts and 13 seasons of experience make him one of the most proven defenders available this late in the year.
And contenders with secondary issues should be lining up.
Cowboys and Eagles: Two Familiar Destinations With Immediate Needs
Dallas: Depth, Insurance, and a Fit in Eberflus’ Scheme
The Cowboys have been thin at cornerback all season with Trevon Diggs recovering from injury. Even if Diggs does return in Week 14, Dallas would be wise to insulate itself with a veteran who understands complex cover schemes and can stabilize a defensive backfield spiraling through inconsistency.
Slay may no longer be the lockdown force he once was, but in Matt Eberflus’ defense, his instincts, experience, and leadership could provide exactly the kind of insurance Dallas needs heading into the final push.
Philadelphia: A Reunion That Makes Too Much Sense
Slay spent five memorable seasons with the Eagles, earning three Pro Bowl selections and helping deliver a Super Bowl LIX victory over Kansas City. Philadelphia is still searching for reliability opposite rookie standout Quinyon Mitchell, and Adoree’ Jackson has struggled to hold down the CB2 role.
A reunion isn’t just sentimental—it’s logical. Slay knows the culture, understands the expectations, and remains familiar with many of the pieces in that locker room.
Detroit Lions: The Most Underrated—and Most Urgent—Fit
Detroit may be the team with the biggest immediate need. Losing Terrion Arnold for the season after shoulder surgery left a massive void in a secondary already stretched thin. The Lions are firmly in the playoff hunt, but their cornerback depth has evaporated.
Adding Slay—who began his rise to stardom in Detroit—would give Dan Campbell an experienced stopgap capable of steadying a position group reeling from injuries. For GM Brad Holmes, this would be the definition of a savvy, high-upside midseason move.
What Comes Next for Slay?
If Slay clears waivers, the 34-year-old should field a competitive market. Contenders are rarely able to add a cornerback with his pedigree this late in the season, and even a diminished version of Slay brings value—knowledge, composure, and adaptability—that teams crave in December and January.
Dallas, Philadelphia, and Detroit all have clear pathways to signing him. And for a veteran who still wants to play meaningful football, those three teams make as much sense as any in the league.
Slay’s next chapter is coming—quickly. The only question is which NFC contender seizes the opportunity first.