The Pittsburgh Steelers are reshaping their cornerback lineup by releasing Darius Slay and signing Asante Samuel Jr. from their practice squad. This decision, reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, marks a significant shift in the team’s defensive strategy.
Darius Slay Released by Steelers
Darius Slay, who joined the Steelers in March on a one-year contract worth $10 million, struggled to meet expectations. His contract included a substantial signing bonus of $8.74 million and a lower base salary of $1.255 million. Unfortunately, he has not performed up to par, becoming a healthy scratch in recent games.
- Release Impact: Slay will be available on waivers for any team interested in signing him. If he clears waivers, he will become an unrestricted free agent.
- Financial Implications: A team claiming Slay on waivers would owe him approximately $350,000 for the remainder of the season.
Asante Samuel Jr. Joins the Roster
Asante Samuel Jr. has been promoted from the practice squad to take Slay’s place. This move indicates the Steelers’ commitment to improving their defensive lineup after Slay’s disappointing stint.
Coaching Philosophy
Steelers coach Mike Tomlin has a unique perspective on team dynamics. He believes players should be “volunteers, not hostages.” This attitude reflects the organization’s willingness to move on from players who do not fit into their system or are unhappy in their roles.
With these roster changes, the Steelers aim to enhance their defensive strategies moving forward. The release of Darius Slay and the introduction of Asante Samuel Jr. signify a pivotal moment in the team’s season.
