The NFL trade deadline has arrived with the Pittsburgh Steelers contemplating trading veteran cornerback Darius Slay due to his underperformance and injury issues this season. Once signed as a veteran upgrade, Slay's play has been average at best, and his constant injuries have contributed to team disappointment. The Steelers' decision-making process has been criticized for overcomplicating a straightforward choice; they opted not to pursue younger, cheaper cornerbacks in free agency, possibly due to reliance on the compensatory pick formula which influenced their signing of Slay. This strategy led to acquiring a 34-year-old player for a short-term rental, which is viewed as a costly mistake now impacting the team's future at the position. Potential trade destinations for Slay include the Washington Commanders, who need a veteran after Marshon Lattimore's season-ending injury; the Detroit Lions, who are facing secondary injuries and could benefit from Slay's experience; and the Indianapolis Colts, who have been linked to acquiring veteran cornerbacks. The move highlights a broader issue of misjudgment in roster management and strategic planning, with the cornerback position remaining a significant need for the Steelers in 2025 and a major concern heading into 2026.