The New England Patriots are doing more than just rebuilding-they're winning. Thirteen weeks into Mike Vrabel’s first season at the helm, the Patriots sit at 11-2, perched atop the AFC standings as they head into their bye week. It’s a position few expected this quickly, but here they are: one win away from clinching the division and suddenly in the thick of the Super Bowl conversation.
And now, they’ve got an intriguing opportunity to bolster their roster for the stretch run.
On Tuesday, the Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran cornerback Darius Slay agreed to part ways. Slay, a six-time Pro Bowler and recent Super Bowl champion, is now available-and New England might want to make a call.
Let’s be clear: this isn’t the same Darius Slay who once routinely shadowed No. 1 receivers and flipped games with timely picks. At 34, his best days are behind him. But experience matters in December and January, especially in a cornerback room that’s already been tested by injuries.
The Patriots have already placed two corners on injured reserve this season. While Carlton Davis, Christian Gonzalez, and Marcus Jones have held things down admirably, the depth is razor-thin.
If one more injury hits, special teams contributor Charles Woods could find himself thrust into a starting role. That’s not a knock on Woods-it’s just the reality of how thin this group has become.
In Monday night’s dominant win over the Giants, Davis and Gonzalez played every single defensive snap-for the fourth straight week. That’s a heavy workload, and it speaks to both their reliability and the lack of rotational options behind them.
Enter Slay.
Even if he’s not the All-Pro version of himself, Slay still brings something valuable to the table. Just last season, he helped the Eagles win a Super Bowl, breaking up 13 passes in 14 games. Sure, he didn’t record an interception for the first time since his rookie year, but his presence, leadership, and ability to hold his own in coverage still carry weight-especially in a locker room with playoff aspirations.
And let’s not overlook the timing. It’s not every day a player with Slay’s résumé becomes available this late in the season. For a team with legitimate postseason hopes, this is the kind of low-risk, high-upside move that can pay dividends in January.
Vrabel’s defense has been one of the league’s most disciplined units, but even the best-coached groups need reinforcements. Slay wouldn’t be asked to carry the load-he’d be a savvy veteran presence who can step in when needed and help stabilize a secondary that’s been holding strong, but walking a thin line health-wise.
If New England wants to keep this momentum going and make a serious run, adding depth at cornerback isn’t just a smart move-it might be a necessary one. And Darius Slay, even in the twilight of his career, could be exactly the kind of late-season pickup that helps push a contender over the top.