Steelers' Darius Slay Reveals His Passionate Thoughts On The Recent Blockbuster Trade With Miami

The Pittsburgh Steelers have made multiple key moves on both sides of the ball over the past few months. The team signed superstar linebacker TJ Watt to a three-year extension most recently, as the veteran is now the highest paid non-quarterback in NFL history. Pittsburgh also acquired Pro Bowl tight end Jonnu Smith and All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins in exchange of veteran free safety Minkah Fitzpatrick, as Pittsburgh was able to make significant upgrades to the secondary and tight end room.

Many were surprised by the Fitzpatrick trade, as the veteran was not involved in arguably any trade rumors in the weeks leading up to the deal. Fitzpatrick was a star in the Steelers' secondary for many years, but a recent decline in play over the past two seasons more than likely played a big role in the free safety's departure. Ramsey is expected to find his role on the Steelers' defense rather quickly, as the veteran has thrived throughout every stage of his career.

While making an appearance on Richard Sherman's podcast this week, Steelers cornerback Darius Slay took a moment to share his thoughts on the trade.

"When I saw the trade go through, I'm thinking it was just some draft picks," Slay stated. "I thought it would be me, him, Minkah, all of us back there. I'm like, 'This is going to be crazy.'"

Slay then went on to share his excitement on playing with Ramsey next season, highlighting the veteran cornerback's fit on the Steelers' defensive unit.

"Then I seen the final results like, 'This is a little different.' I'm looking forward to it. I met Minkah a couple times down there. He's a smart player. He is what Pittsburgh nation is."

Slay finds himself in the Steelers' secondary following five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, as the former All-Pro will look to make a solid impact throughout his first season in Pittsburgh. A 12-year veteran, Slay is expected to quickly establish himself as a solid contributor in the Steelers' secondary. The former Eagle may play a key role off the field as well, as Slay will be an excellent mentor for younger corners like Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr.

Ramsey may find himself taking on an expanded role in 2025 as well, as he's already been rumored to take snaps at free safety throughout the course of training camp. Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler, is an elite cornerback who has remained as a top corner in the league for a number of years. The former Dolphin may be faced with a mentor-mentee role similar to Slay, as Ramsey is another experienced player who would be the perfect teacher for younger members of Pittsburgh's secondary.

Steelers' Defense Expected To Be Elite In 2025

With Fitzpatrick officially in Miami for a second stint with the Dolphins and both Ramsey and Slay set to play significant roles in the Steelers' secondary this season, Pittsburgh will enter the 2025 campaign with one of the better defensive units in all of football. Ramsey and Slay should perform at a high level, despite both players being in the later stages of their careers, as the Steelers find themselves with a promising mix of young and veteran talent throughout the secondary. Combine that with the likes of Watt, Cameron Heyward, Patrick Queen, and Alex Highsmith, this unit will once again look to finish in the top half of the league.

What do you think of the recent blockbuster trade with Miami? Did the Steelers get better, or were they better off keeping Fitzpatrick? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below!

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