Should the Tennessee Titans sign CB Darius Slay?

If the Tennessee Titans are searching for veteran help at cornerback, an intriguing option just became available. The Pittsburgh Steelers waived veteran cornerback Darius Slay on Tuesday. Slay became expendable in Pittsburgh following the addition of Asante Samuel Jr. from the practice squad to their active 53-man roster.

The Titans entered Sunday’s contest versus the Jacksonville Jaguars shorthanded at cornerback. With Jalyn Armour-Davis ruled out due to an Achilles injury, the Titans only had four healthy corners on the 53-man roster, and one of them was Kaiir Elam, who had joined the team just earlier that week. It was a strange week to release cornerback Samuel Womack III, but that’s what Mike Borgonzi did. Dennard Wilson had to get creative at cornerback as a result.

Darrell Baker Jr. and Marcus Harris started outside. That represented a position change for Harris, who had previously been playing the nickel. Replacing him in the slot was safety Kevin Winston Jr. The Titans essentially didn’t trust Elam or fellow recent waiver-wire addition Micah Robinson to play defensive snaps.

The results were poor. Both Harris and Winston appeared miscast in their new roles. Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence encountered little resistance from the Titans’ pass defense, completing 16-of-27 passes for 229 yards, two touchdowns, and zero turnovers in a blowout 25-3 win.

Slay does possess an intriguing connection to the Titans. He played under Coach Wilson for the Philadelphia Eagles for two seasons (2021-22). Wilson served as Slay’s defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. Turron Davenport shrewdly pointed that out.

Slay probably possesses interest in joining a postseason contender instead of the 1-11 Titans. It’s worth noting he was a healthy scratch for the Steelers before being released. Slay may not find many suitors via the open market.

The 34-year-old Slay could be a temporary solution for the Titans at cornerback with five games left, but the rebuilding Titans probably have little interest in short-term solutions, rightfully so. Slay is unlikely to be a 2026 solution at 35 years old. That should probably prevent Borgonzi from considering the move despite the connection to Wilson.