Darius Slay, now preparing for a new season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, identified Houston Texans wide receiver Nico Collins as one of the NFL’s most underrated players early in his career. Slay shared his thoughts on Collins during a recent discussion on The Mina Kimes Show, highlighting the receiver’s rising impact in the league.
Slay, a veteran cornerback with a 12-year NFL career spanning the Detroit Lions and Philadelphia Eagles, reflected on the challenges of facing talented receivers. When asked about who he considered underrated, Slay hesitated briefly before naming Nico Collins, who signed a lucrative three-year, $72.75 million contract with the Texans in 2024.
Why Darius Slay Considers Nico Collins Underrated
Slay explained that when he first faced Collins, the receiver was not yet the star he has become, making his early skills even more impressive in Slay’s eyes. He focused on Collins’ size, speed, and precise route running.
“The most underrated one, I feel as in… Who I went up against one time and had like, ‘Oh, man, this man got some stuff to him.’ At that time, he was not who he is now. Nico Collins was so underrated to me. He was the first one that came to my mind.”
—Darius Slay, NFL Cornerback
Slay further described Collins’ unique combination of attributes that make him a challenging opponent for defensive backs.
“The fact that he is big, he can run and his routes look like he’s running like he’s 5’8″. He can stop on a dime. He was very underrated for a minute, but now he’s where he’s at.”
—Darius Slay, NFL Cornerback
“I’m telling you, he gets up out the breaks and when he catches it, he gets vertical. Crazy. And he’s running past a lot of guys. Big boy post like you wouldn’t think it.”
—Darius Slay, NFL Cornerback
Collins’ statistics illustrate his rapid advancement in the league. After modest beginnings with 33 and 37 receptions in his first two seasons, he surged to 80 catches and 68 catches in subsequent years. Despite missing five games due to injury in 2024, Collins finished the year with 68 receptions, 1,006 yards, and seven touchdowns. His ability to perform amid the Texans’ injury-riddled offense, which included losses of key players Tank Dell and Stefon Diggs, underscores his importance to the team.
Darius Slay’s Transition to the Pittsburgh Steelers
This season marks Slay’s 13th in the NFL and his first with the Pittsburgh Steelers. After stints with the Lions and Eagles, where he won Super Bowl LIX, Slay adds significant experience to a Steelers defense eager for stability. His career totals include 619 tackles, 28 interceptions returned for 469 yards and three touchdowns, alongside other defensive contributions.
In Pittsburgh’s offseason, major roster changes unfolded, including the acquisition of veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers on a one-year, $13.6 million deal. Rodgers aims to guide the Steelers deep into the playoffs, with many expecting the 2025 season to be his final NFL campaign.
Slay has also expressed his intention to mentor younger players, particularly cornerback Joey Porter Jr., a third-year player on the Steelers’ roster.
“I’m gonna make sure to get him right,” Slay said on his podcast in April. “I told him, I watched him, he does that cinch in-step where he gets it in. Now, he’s just gotta work on being better down the field.”
—Darius Slay, NFL Cornerback
Slay’s blend of leadership and seasoned gameplay will be vital as the Steelers adapt to their new lineup, aiming to strengthen both defense and offense in the competitive 2025 NFL season.