Steelers Urgently Need Defender’s Return for Improved Performance
The Pittsburgh Steelers are facing significant challenges in their cornerback position, a situation they did not anticipate. Recent offseason moves didn’t yield the desired results. General manager Omar Khan signed veteran cornerback Darius Slay to a one-year, $10 million contract and traded for Jalen Ramsey to fortify the secondary.
While Ramsey has outperformed expectations, he is not enough to solve the woes at cornerback. Slay’s performance has been concerning. As of Week 8, he has allowed 20 receptions on 28 targets, resulting in 302 yards and two touchdowns. This reflects a staggering passer rating of 130.4 against him, as reported by Pro Football Focus. Additionally, Slay has missed six tackles this season and, at 34 years old, is the oldest starting cornerback in the NFL.
The Need for a Young Defender
The Steelers clearly require a younger cornerback to address their defensive struggles. Cory Trice Jr. may soon be called upon to fill this void. However, his injury history raises concerns about his reliability. During his college career, Trice endured multiple season-ending injuries, followed by an ACL tear in his first NFL training camp and hamstring injuries that have kept him off the field since 2024.
Injury Impact on Trice’s Career
- Multiple season-ending injuries during college.
- ACL tear during first NFL training camp.
- Recent hamstring injury in training camp.
Despite these setbacks, Trice showcases tremendous potential when healthy. Standing at 6’3″ and weighing 206 pounds, he possesses impressive ball skills and agility. Coach Mike Tomlin has mentioned that Trice will return to practice soon, though the official announcement of his 21-day practice window has yet to come.
The pressures on the Steelers’ defense highlight the challenges of relying on an aging secondary. If Darius Slay continues to struggle, it may be time for a change. The need for a young defender is urgent as the team aims to stabilize its secondary and enhance its overall performance.
