Darius Slay is totally embracing the Steelers’ need that he function a pacesetter within the secondary, extending into summer season. In accordance with WPXI’s Shelby Cassesse, a few of the younger defensive backs confirmed that they plan to work with Slay over the break following obligatory minicamp. Whereas Joey Porter Jr. is the title that almost all typically comes up, that additionally contains Beanie Bishop Jr., amongst others.
On the lookout for a veteran who wouldn’t harm their compensatory components, the Steelers signed Darius Slay this offseason. The Eagles launched him in a considerably stunning transfer, and the Steelers introduced him in on a one-year, $10 million deal. Whereas he’s right here to start out at cornerback, he may even assist nurture the subsequent technology.
“A few of these younger gamers are planning to affix him in Houston for exercises this summer season”, Cassesse reported, by way of X. It’s not unusual for gamers to work collectively through the down time, although much less widespread for lately acquired gamers to guide. However Slay isn’t your typical new face—additionally, don’t name him Darius.
“All people has completely different tales. All people has a distinct mindset. So I [am] making an attempt to be an open e book”, Slay mentioned, “and simply take up what they’re speaking about and provides details about what I’ve been via or how did I get thus far. And so they ask questions, in order that’s a wonderful thing about them”.
Now 34 years previous, Darius Slay is among the oldest cornerbacks within the NFL. He’s additionally among the many most embellished, with six Professional Bowls and a first-team All-Professional to his title. Previous to final season, he went to 6 Professional Bowls over a seven-year interval.
Slay additionally continues a sample of the Steelers bringing in veteran assist at cornerback. Whereas we most frequently flip to the final two years with Patrick Peterson and Donte Jackson, it goes again additional. Essentially the most profitable instance is Joe Haden, after all, but additionally Steven Nelson. To a lesser extent, one may additionally level to Coty Sensabaugh, who didn’t work out. In addition they reunited with a number of gamers as veterans, specifically William Homosexual and Bryant McFadden.
Outdoors of Darius Slay, the Steelers have a youngish cornerback room. Along with Porter and Bishop, additionally they have third-year Cory Trice Jr. and rookie Donte Kent. On the older facet are Brandin Echols, whom additionally they signed as a free agent this offseason, and James Pierre.
However Slay is clearly the grizzled veteran of the group, by far probably the most skilled and completed. He additionally is aware of what it’s prefer to play championship-level protection, and to win a hoop. However when he’s not educating, he’ll additionally nonetheless must play ball. Even when the Steelers need him to educate up the younger defensive backs, they’re paying him to play.
