After winning Super Bowl LIX, Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles have seen a number of contributors pack their bags. On Monday, they learned that a member of the championship team is joining Mike Tomlin‘s Pittsburgh Steelers.
With free agency underway, NFL insider Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports reported that cornerback Darius Slay has agreed to terms on a contract with the Steelers for the 2025 season.
Tom Pelissero of NFL Network confirmed the move on Wednesday as the Eagles officially released Slay after the start of the new league year. NFL media reported earlier in March that the 34-year-old would be cut. Adam Schefter of ESPN adds that Slay is getting a one-year, $10 million fully guaranteed contract in the Steel City.
The veteran cornerback, who earned a Super Bowl ring with Hurts and company last season, spent five years in Philadelphia since joining the Eagles via trade from the Detroit Lions in 2020.
A six-time Pro Bowler, Slay brings experience to a Steelers defense that will also have veteran presence with Joey Porter Jr. joining the secondary this offseason. Tomlin and Steelers, however, have yet to make a decision on the most important position.
Tomlin, Steelers have to choose a quarterback
Justin Fields will no longer play in Pittsburgh, with the former Chicago Bears quarterback taking his talents to the New York Jets for the 2025 NFL season. This reduces the list of candidates to lead the Steelers’ offense next year.
Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers now seem to be favorites to claim the job, so it will be interesting to see on which quarterback Tomlin leans on. Both are aging but have a Super Bowl ring on their résumés, which makes it a hard decision for the team.
More Super Bowl champions leaving the Eagles
In regard to the Eagles, Slay isn’t the first Super Bowl champion leaving the team. The most notable departure in the first day of free agency may be Milton Williams, who is joining the New England Patriots. The defensive tackle will reportedly make $26 million a year in Foxborough, a kind of salary that may have been to expensive for the reigning champs.
On top of that, Josh Sweat is reportedly joining the Arizona Cardinals. Adam Schefter of ESPN reports that the defensive end, who shone in Super Bowl LIX, is leaving the Eagles for a four-year deal worth $76.4 million, including $41 million guaranteed with the Cardinals.
The Eagles, however, made sure to retain important pieces in offense for Hurts this offseason, including a new deal for running back Saquon Barkley.