After Darius Slay signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers during the offseason, many applauded the free agent signing. He inked a one-year deal worth $10 million, but things have quickly soured for the respected cornerback. Slay has struggled during his first season in Pittsburgh, and his age appears to be catching up to him. He is one of the weakest links on defense thus far.
It's no secret that the Steelers' secondary is in shambles as the trade deadline nears.
Pittsburgh just acquired Kyle Dugger to replace injured DeShon Elliott. The underperformance of the secondary this year might compel Omar Khan to allocate additional resources to an already costly defense. Slay has struggled enough that the Steelers might inquire about some cornerbacks potentially available before the trade deadline passes.
The Pittsburgh Steelers might have to trade for an upgrade to replace CB Darius Slay
Tariq Woolen, Seattle Seahawks
Fewer cornerbacks have been in trade chatter more than Tariq Woolen. He is a former Pro Bowler and someone who produced six interceptions during his rookie campaign. After that breakout season, his career quickly took a downturn. A once-promising cover guy has now slowed down his turnover margin, and that has forced him into trade discussions.
At only 26 years old, Woolen is someone who could still provide value to another team. The Seattle Seahawks likely wouldn’t demand much in a potential deal, making it a situation the Steelers should explore. They need to get younger and faster on defense, which Woolen provides. If he can provide an uptick in interceptions on a new team, then he could become a steal.
READ MORE: Steelers might find perfect trade partner among struggling NFL teams
Deonte Banks, New York Giants
During the 2023 NFL Draft process, Pittsburgh showed considerable pre-draft interest in Deonte Banks.
Since being a top pick by the New York Giants, his career hasn't panned out. He continues to line up against some of the best receivers in football, but he hasn’t performed well in those matchups. Banks is someone Mike Tomlin would love to add to his team. Someone with a high draft pedigree and is a good athlete who could potentially rebound on his next team.
After a recent surge, the Giants are starting to crumble after rookie running back Cam Skattebo got hurt. They're sitting at a 2-6 record and might become sellers before the trade deadline. If New York starts to make players available, Pittsburgh would be wise to inquire about Banks. At just 24 and under his rookie contract through 2027, he could be an intriguing reclamation project.
L'Jarius Snead, Tennessee Titans
After the Dugger trade, it’s clear that Khan isn’t afraid to address financial challenges in potential deals. Slay isn't cutting it, but perhaps L'Jarius Snead would help Pittsburgh. The veteran cornerback has a proven track record of winning during his time with the Chiefs. He signed a massive contract with the Titans during free agency 2024, and things haven't worked out.
New England was willing to pay a hefty price to offload Dugger's contract, and maybe the Titans would do the same for Snead. It is clear the veteran cover man doesn't do great things as the top guy on a defense, but he would excel with the Steelers. His massive contract doesn't expire until after the 2027 campaign, but if Tennessee eats some of his money, it could make it work.