The Pittsburgh Steelers are in the middle of a calculated rebuild, not a tear-down, but more of a long-needed identity shift. Under Mike Tomlin’s steady leadership and GM Omar Khan’s sharp eye, the team has started reshaping the offense while quietly reinforcing the defense.
The first major move of that transition occurred in early March when the front office signed Super Bowl champion Darius Slay to a one-year, $10 million deal.
At the time, it felt like a smart addition. Slay brought experience, pedigree, and leadership to a secondary that had been through its fair share of growing pains.
Slay's ability to shadow top receivers and hold his own in press coverage gave fans reason to believe the Steelers were finally addressing a lingering need.
But just when it looked like Pittsburgh had locked in the right piece, the market shifted—drastically.
The Pittsburgh Steelers are unlikely to land Jaire Alexander after signing Darius Slay this offseason
On Monday, the Green Bay Packers shocked the football world by releasing two-time Pro Bowler Jaire Alexander. Known for his aggressive play, sharp instincts, and relentless motor, Alexander suddenly became the most intriguing free-agent defender available.
Since entering the league in 2018, he’s logged 78 games and 12 interceptions—numbers that speak volumes, especially for a defense like Pittsburgh’s that thrives on takeaways.
The fit alongside Joey Porter Jr. is tantalizing. Porter’s length and physicality could pair beautifully with Alexander’s ball skills and swagger. The idea of the two locking down the perimeter is enough to make any Steelers fan giddy. But here’s the harsh reality: it’s probably too late.
Pittsburgh already committed valuable cap space and trust to Slay, signaling they’re set at the position, at least for 2025. Financially, pursuing Alexander would be a complicated endeavor.
He’s younger than Slay, yes, and probably more explosive at this point in his career, but he’s also reportedly seeking a long-term commitment. That’s a risk the Steelers aren’t in a position to take—unless they believe he’s truly a franchise-changing defender.
I think Alexander is a luxury, not a necessity. Yes, he’s a better long-term asset than Slay, and yes, I’d trade him in a heartbeat if the roles reversed. But hindsight doesn’t win football games.
The Steelers made their choice early, and now they have to live with it—hopefully without regret.