Pittsburgh parts ways with veteran CB Darius Slay, claims WR Adam Thielen off waivers, and promotes Asante Samuel Jr. to the active roster.
After signing a one-year, $10 million deal in March 2025, Darius Slay’s tenure in Pittsburgh came to an abrupt end on Dec. 2. The team and Slay mutually agreed to part ways after he had been a healthy scratch recently and his on-field production failed to meet expectations.
Slay appeared in 10 games for the Steelers this season, but struggled, compiling 36 tackles, 3 pass defenses, one fumble recovery, and a limited impact overall.
Steelers and CB Darius Slay have mutually agreed to part ways, Slay’s agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told ESPN. Slay is interested in continuing to play, and will consider signing with other teams. But his time in Pittsburgh has come to an end. pic.twitter.com/hyHdBotxkm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2025
The move underscores a pivot away from veteran depth toward younger players and a restructured balance in Pittsburgh’s secondary.
In tandem with the release, Pittsburgh promoted Asante Samuel Jr. from the practice squad to the active roster, a signal that they want to evaluate a younger, more mobile cornerback group moving forward.
Thielen arrives to boost receiving depth in final campaign
On the same day, the Steelers claimed veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen off waivers after the Minnesota Vikings granted his request for release.
Thielen, 35, had seen limited action in 2025, totaling only eight catches for 69 yards across 11 games.
Two-time Pro Bowl WR Adam Thielen was claimed off waivers by the Steelers, per source.
Thielen, 35, wanted one more shot at a Super Bowl in his final season and now lands with longtime NFC North rival Aaron Rodgers in Pittsburgh. pic.twitter.com/if1NOr2XGS
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) December 2, 2025
Thielen brings a career résumé of 693 receptions, 8,380 yards, and 64 touchdowns.
For a Steelers offense that has looked for playmaking downfield weapons, the addition offers a veteran presence. With just a few weeks left in the regular season, if healthy and locked in, he could provide a late-season lift and perhaps a mentor for younger receivers.
What the changes mean for Pittsburgh now and down the stretch
Defensively: The Darius Slay departure and Samuel Jr.’s promotion signal a youth-first approach. The Steelers appear to accept short-term risk (less experience) for long-term potential, betting on Samuel Jr.’s athleticism and energy down the stretch. The move lessens the reliance on veterans and opens more snaps for developing corners.
Offensively: Adding Thielen is a modest bet on veteran production and depth. With the playoff push underway and injuries affecting pass-catching corps in many teams, Thielen offers a low-cost, low-risk piece with upside. He’ll need to quickly familiarize himself with Pittsburgh’s scheme and earn the quarterback’s trust, but if all aligns, he could be a valuable slot or red-zone option.
Strategically: This trio of moves reflects urgency. The Steelers are trying to balance staying competitive immediately (with Thielen) while retooling core areas (secondary, youth injection) — a hybrid short-term/long-term reset. It’s a gamble, but perhaps a necessary one after a rough stretch of defensive lapses and offensive hiccups.
What to watch next:
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How quickly Thielen can integrate into the offense and contribute meaningfully.
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Whether Samuel Jr. secures a starting cornerback role and improves Pittsburgh’s pass coverage.
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Slay’s status: if he clears waivers, he could draw interest from other teams or quietly exit the league.
