Darius Slay’s time in Pittsburgh ended this week after the Steelers and the veteran cornerback mutually agreed to part ways. The move came shortly after Slay was made a healthy scratch against the Buffalo Bills, a clear sign that his role had diminished and the team was ready to shift toward younger options in the secondary.
Slay, who signed a one-year, fully guaranteed deal with Pittsburgh earlier this year, finishes his 2025 stint with nine starts and inconsistent results that failed to match expectations.
At 34, Slay is no longer the All-Pro lockdown corner he once was, but his experience, instincts, and leadership still carry real value for teams with thin depth or playoff aspirations.
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. pic.twitter.com/hyHdBotxkm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2025
Several franchises were already viewed as strong schematic fits for him back in November, and those evaluations remain relevant now that he’s a free agent. Here are the top five landing spots that make the most sense for Slay as he explores his next move.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders are a logical fit for Slay due to concerns about their cornerback depth and a scheme that benefits from veteran, assignment-sound defensive backs. Washington has leaned heavily on a young secondary, and the group struggled with consistency against top quarterbacks throughout the season.
Adding Slay would give them a stabilizing presence in zone-match concepts and a mentor for their developing corners. His experience against NFC East receivers also adds value.
Detroit Lions
Detroit is another team that is a natural fit for Slay. Despite their progress on defense, the Lions continued to deal with injuries and rotational inconsistency at cornerback. Bringing Slay back to Detroit, where he spent the first seven years of his career, would reunite him with a franchise now in a competitive window.
Indianapolis Colts
The Colts are one of the most interesting destinations for Slay due to their ongoing search for veteran support in the secondary. Indianapolis has invested draft capital at corner but has lacked a steady veteran presence to anchor the group.
With the Colts pushing to stay competitive in a shifting AFC South, Slay’s experience in both man and zone schemes would give them flexibility.
Baltimore Ravens
Baltimore is another potential match for Slay because their defense relies heavily on disciplined corners capable of thriving in complex, disguise-heavy coverage shells. Injuries and rotating depth pieces led Baltimore to explore veteran help, and Slay’s skill set aligns with what the Ravens ask of their perimeter defenders.
He wouldn’t need to be a full-time CB1, and Baltimore’s emphasis on situational usage fits where Slay is in his career. The Ravens have a long history of maximizing older defensive backs with strong instincts.
San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers have consistently battled thin cornerback depth, and their defensive structure makes them one of the league’s most logical landing spots for aging veterans.
Slay’s experience in zone coverage fits perfectly with San Francisco’s approach, and the team has repeatedly shown a willingness to reinforce the secondary midseason or late in the year with veteran additions.
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