The Pittsburgh Steelers have secured a major defensive upgrade by signing cornerback Darius Slay to a one-year, $10 million deal, solidifying their secondary as they head into the 2025 season. Slay, a six-time Pro Bowler, will replace Donte Jackson, who recently signed with the Chargers. Despite a quieter 2023 without interceptions, Slay contributed significantly to the Eagles' Super Bowl run, recording 13 pass breakups and a forced fumble. Joining a defense featuring stars like T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick, Slay's experience will be invaluable as the Steelers aim to bolster their pass coverage further.

Despite this significant acquisition, the Steelers still face uncertainty at the quarterback position, especially with Justin Fields signing with the Jets. Rumors swirl around Aaron Rodgers as a potential target, which, if realized, could provide the Steelers with a seasoned quarterback to lead a squad that includes newly acquired wideout DK Metcalf. With impressive defensive acquisitions, Pittsburgh is positioning itself for a competitive 2025 season.

The free agency period has proven challenging for the Chargers as they attempt to keep their roster intact. Cornerback Kristian Fulton has signed a two-year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs, leaving the Chargers to fill the void. Fulton, who started a career-high 14 games last season, was hoping to revive his career after injury struggles. His exit follows that of defensive lineman Poona Ford, who has also left for a deal with the Rams.

In a bid to bolster their secondary, the Chargers have reportedly agreed to terms with cornerback Donte Jackson, formerly of the Pittsburgh Steelers. Additionally, they re-signed safety Elijah Molden before the free agency opened, ensuring some continuity in their defense despite the recent departures.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are gearing up for an active free agency, with plans to sign Justin Fields and re-sign key players like Donte Jackson. Their focus is on bolstering the cornerback position, with eyes on potential big names like Byron Murphy and Charvarius Ward. Murphy, coming off a strong season with six interceptions, could be a strategic acquisition, while Ward offers experience and reliability. With approximately $62 million in available cap space, the Steelers are positioned to make significant moves to enhance their defense.

Donte Jackson's transition from the Carolina Panthers to the Pittsburgh Steelers has been marked by a stark contrast in playoff experiences. After spending six seasons with the Panthers, Jackson was traded as part of the Diontae Johnson deal and found himself in the playoffs with the Steelers almost immediately. In light of ongoing discussions about Mike Tomlin's coaching future, Jackson offered a cautionary perspective. He pointed to his years in Carolina where he witnessed considerable turnover in coaching staff, contrasting this with Tomlin's consistent leadership despite the playoff struggles. Jackson emphasized the importance of stability within an organization, arguing against the impulsiveness of fans calling for change.

Jackson stated, "I've seen three coaches get fired during the season... Not let alone during the season, bro. That's crazy." He underscored that the Panthers have had three head coaches since 1969, a stark reminder that change does not always equate to improvement. The conversation highlights the value of consistency in NFL coaching, especially as fans grow restless for playoff success.

The Houston Texans have waived receiver Diontae Johnson after a disappointing tenure following his acquisition to strengthen their receiving corps. Johnson's short stint included participation in just two games, where he managed a mere catch for 12 yards in the playoff win against the Chargers. His evident frustration in the locker room post-game signaled the end of his time with the team.

This marks a troubling trajectory for Johnson, who has been released by four teams in the last year. His tenure with the Steelers ended acrimoniously, featuring sideline disputes with head coach Mike Tomlin and altercations with teammates. His lack of effort was highlighted by an infamous moment where he disregarded a fumble during a game.

After being traded to the Panthers from Pittsburgh, where he expressed a desire for a fresh start, Johnson had minimal success in Carolina, catching just 30 passes. His subsequent move to the Baltimore Ravens was similarly unproductive, culminating in a suspension for refusing to enter a game. Despite hopes from the Texans, Johnson's frustrations continued, leading to his release.