Steelers Now
NFL Insider Adam Caplan told FOX Sports Radio that Darius Slay’s 2023 knee injury could be a lingering concern.
The Pittsburgh Steelers appear to have a strong roster at cornerback. Not only did they acquire Jalen Ramsey in a trade last week, but they also signed Darius Slay to a one-year deal earlier this offseason. However, NFL Insider Adam Caplan revealed on Monday why Slay was available on the market.
Slay had a strong 2024 season en route to Philadelphia’s Super Bowl victory. Despite this, the Eagles appeared to be content moving on from the 34-year-old veteran. The reason? A potentially lingering knee injury from 2023.
“As I’m told, one of his knees is a concern. He actually had arthroscopic surgery on it late in 2023,” Caplan said on FOX Sports Radio. “You have to wonder how well he can run … And the Eagles learned this with James Bradberry, who they cut, who signed a big extension two years ago.”
While the play of Slay at the end of the 2024 season suggests he may have one more season left in him, this, combined with his age, makes things unpredictable. After all, as we saw with Patrick Peterson, father time strikes at any point.
“You never know when a guy’s going to lose it, and they could lose it in an instant. The Steelers know this.” Caplan said of Slay.
Ramsey’s acquisition not only provided flexibility to his role in the defense, but it also may be a good insurance policy for Slay.
Slay, who is entering his 13th season, was originally drafted by the Detroit Lions in 2013. He played under the Steelers current defensive coordinator from 2014-2017. He was traded to Philadelphia in 2020 where he played a strong, steady presence in the Eagles’ secondary.
His veteran presence could not only benefit third-year corner Joey Porter Jr., but it could also impact Cory Trice Jr.–whom the Steelers are high on.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: NFL Insider Reveals Darius Slay Concerning Injury
