Could Darius Slay Be the Answer to Miami's Cornerback Crisis?
The Miami Dolphins have been walking a tightrope in the secondary all season, and it’s starting to fray. Injuries have hit the cornerback room hard, and while Rasul Douglas made a strong return to action this past weekend and Jack Jones continues to hold his own, the depth behind them is razor-thin. One more injury, and Miami could be scrambling to sign someone off the street just to field a full unit.
That’s what makes the release of veteran cornerback Darius Slay by the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday so intriguing. Slay signed a one-year, $10 million deal with Pittsburgh in the offseason, but things didn’t pan out the way either side hoped. Now he’s on the market, and the timing couldn’t be better for a team like Miami that’s desperate for reinforcements.
Let’s be clear: Slay isn’t the All-Pro version of himself anymore. At 34 and in his 13th NFL season, he’s not locking down WR1s the way he used to.
But he’s still a savvy, experienced corner who’s started 9 of 10 games this year. Even though his snap count has dipped recently, he’s proven he can still contribute in the right system.
For the Dolphins, that might be enough.
Miami’s secondary was finally starting to stabilize before JuJu Brents went down two weeks ago. That injury dealt another blow to a group that’s already been patching holes all season.
Right now, the Dolphins don’t need a long-term solution - they need a veteran who can step in, play meaningful snaps, and help them get through December football. Slay checks that box.
There’s also something to be said about fit. Slay has played for only three teams in his career - the Lions, Eagles, and most recently the Steelers.
He’s been a locker room leader, a film junkie, and a player who understands how to adapt his game as his physical tools evolve. If he’s still hungry - and all signs suggest he is - Miami could offer him the opportunity to showcase what he’s got left in the tank.
Now, if Slay’s priority is chasing a Super Bowl ring, the Dolphins might not be his top choice. Miami is in the thick of the playoff picture but far from a lock. Still, if he’s looking for reps, a chance to prove himself before hitting free agency again in 2026, and maybe a little extra cash, South Beach isn’t a bad landing spot.
At this stage of the season, teams don’t often get lucky with late-season additions. But the Dolphins have a need, and Slay’s availability lines up perfectly.
It might not be a long-term marriage, but it could be a timely one. Miami should absolutely pick up the phone and see if there’s mutual interest.
Because if the Dolphins suffer one more injury in the secondary, they’ll be looking for answers - and Slay might just be the best one left.