Steelers Veteran On Verge Of Being Released After Surprising Inactive Status

The Pittsburgh Steelers have taken quite a bit of heat for their offseason plans in 2025. While the franchise did make a bunch of moves, it got significantly older at certain positions with some of the decisions, and many of the acquisitions have not panned out very well. Overall, it's been a mixed bag with Jalen Ramsey struggling at first, then doing great at safety. Quarterback Aaron Rodgers has also done better than many expected him to, but there are also unfortunate instances, like Juan Thornhill getting released in the middle of the season despite originally being listed as a starter. 

It seems like another defensive back could be on the verge of being released. Right before the Steelers' critical Week 13 game against the Buffalo Bills, they announced that starting cornerback Darius Slay would be a healthy scratch and would not play in that contest. 

The Steelers have defended Slay time and time again despite his struggles, but the coaches clearly see what all the fans have seen: he is not the guy that they signed him to be. He missed Week 11 due to injury, and his backups played significantly better, as Brandin Echols and James Pierre made themselves known with big stops and a takeaway. Many fans wanted them to see more time over Slay. 

Slay has not had a pass defended since Week 6, and he is very close to allowing a career-high in completion percentage against. When he is on the field, it seems like opposing quarterbacks know that he is the weak link, and they try to target him. Nearly all of his stats are on pace to be the second worst of his career, only behind his 2020 season. His time in Pittsburgh just has not worked out at all. 

Steelers Activating New Cornerback Sealed Darius Slay's Fate

While Asante Samuel Jr. has not played yet and may not be a significant factor in Week 13, he has still been elevated from the practice squad to see his first game action in a while. With him getting brought up, someone had to be a healthy scratch in the secondary to make room for him. Slay was the only one that could be justifiably benched due to his recent performances. 

What do you think about Slay being a healthy scratch? Do you think he will be released soon? Let us know in the comments or on X at @Steelers_ChrisB.

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