Steelers' Bold Offseason Moves Leave Darius Slay Fired Up: "It’s Going to Be Fun"

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made a number of moves this offseason that have significantly reshaped the roster. From notable departures to key acquisitions, the team's lineup has undergone a noticeable transformation. These changes have not only caught the attention of fans, who are now filled with hope and anticipation for the upcoming season, but have also generated excitement within the locker room itself. Even new additions have voiced their enthusiasm about the direction the team is headed, creating optimism throughout the organization.

One of the players expressing excitement about the Steelers’ offseason is newly acquired cornerback Darius Slay. During a recent appearance on The Mina Kimes Show, Slay discussed several of the team’s major moves, including the high-profile addition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers. Slay shared his belief that Rodgers' presence will create a positive ripple effect throughout the team, especially among the new additions.

"I think he’s a great addition because the fact that we got a younger guy that got drafted from Ohio State," Slay said. "He can train him and help him get to where he’s at. Bringing DK [Metcalf] along, so he don’t have to actually find him a true number one receiver. He’s got one that’s right there and that’s ready to go. It’s going to be fun."

Slay joined the Steelers this offseason and brings with him a lot of experience, being a strong veteran presence in the locker room. He’s openly expressed his desire to mentor younger players and clearly sees that in Rodgers as well. While Rodgers is the clear starting quarterback, fans are very excited about the "younger guy that got drafted from Ohio State," as Slay says.

The young quarterback Slay referred to, is Will Howard, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2025 NFL Draft and is fresh off a National Championship victory. While many fans are excited about his potential, there are also some concerns about how much of an impact he can make given how late he was drafted. Despite that, Howard has been making the most of his opportunities, learning from Rodgers and gaining valuable experience during offseason programs. His development behind a future Hall of Famer puts him in a promising position for growth, as Howard has already expressed a good relationship between him and Rodgers. 

Another major addition to the Steelers’ roster this offseason was the acquisition of wide receiver DK Metcalf. Pittsburgh got Metcalf in a trade early in the offseason and quickly showed their long-term commitment by signing him to a five-year deal worth $150 million. This move not only solidifies the receiving corps, but also signals the team’s confidence in Metcalf as a key piece of their future.

In recent years, both the Steelers and their fans have been eager to see a strong wide receiver duo. Many believed that acquiring Metcalf would finally make that a reality. However, shortly after the 2025 NFL Draft, the Steelers made the surprising decision to trade away their former star receiver, George Pickens. 

Despite the move, Metcalf stands out as a clear upgrade at the WR1 position, giving Rodgers a powerful and reliable target. Interestingly, Metcalf and Rodgers had already engaged in a throwing session together even before Rodgers officially signed with Pittsburgh, hinting at early chemistry between the two. Recently, they were seen hanging out together at the golf course along with other Steelers players as well. 

Steelers Look To The Future

The Steelers have been strategically making moves that benefit both their short-term competitiveness and long-term growth. Signing veterans like Rodgers and Slay to one-year deals brings immediate leadership and experience to the team. Their presence is not only valuable on the field, but also off it, as both players are already mentoring younger teammates. This blend of veteran influence and youth development is shaping a promising future for Steelers football while keeping the team competitive in the present.

With all the big offseason moves, the Steelers have also been strategically accumulating valuable draft capital. In addition to their own picks, the team is also in a strong position to receive a solid number of compensatory picks, thanks to various free agent departures. This growing collection of draft assets gives the Steelers flexibility moving forward, as they can either leverage picks to make big moves, or use them to build the roster with fresh, young talent. Either way, it positions the team well for both immediate improvement and long-term success.

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