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Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Doneiko Slaughter at training camp on Aug. 3, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
The Pittsburgh Steelers have signed cornerback Doneiko Slaughter to their practice squad, the team announced on Monday. Slaughter was among the Steelers’ final roster cuts for the 53-man roster.
Slaughter entered training camp competing for a spot in a crowded Steelers secondary after joining Pittsburgh on a reserve/future contract earlier this year. The former Tennessee and Arkansas defensive back had an opportunity to earn a roster spot with his versatility and physical style of play.
The 24-year-old showed flashes throughout the offseason and preseason, making the decision to move on from him a difficult one for Pittsburgh. However, with the Steelers having several defensive backs competing for limited roster spots, Slaughter ultimately found himself on the wrong side of the roster bubble.
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Doneiko Slaughter and Devan Boykin at practice on August. 25, 2026. — Ed Thompson / Steelers Now
Slaughter originally entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent with the Jacksonville Jaguars in 2025. He spent time in Jacksonville before landing with Pittsburgh.
At Arkansas, Slaughter finished his college career with a productive 2024 season, starting all 13 games and recording 80 tackles, seven passes defended, a sack and a forced fumble.
Slaughter started his collegiate career at Tennessee before transferring to Arkansas for his final season of eligibility in 2024.
Slaughter grew his role over his four years at Tennessee. He started one game and totaled eight tackles as a freshman, recorded 16 tackles in 11 games in 2021, and finally earned a starting role in 2022, making two starts as a safety and five starts as a cornerback during the course of 12 games.
During his final two seasons at Tennessee, Slaughter racked up 63 tackles, one sack, one interception and seven passes defensed.
In 2024, Slaughter used the extra year of eligibility granted to college athletes due to the COVID-19 pandemic by enrolling at the University of Arkansas. He played as a starting defensive back in 13 games, registering 78 tackles, one sack, one forced fumble, one interception and six passes defended.
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