Darius Slay, a six-time Pro Bowler, has quickly found a new team after being released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. The 34-year-old cornerback is set to join the Buffalo Bills following a successful claim, as reported by ESPN”s Adam Schefter.
Slay”s tenure with the Steelers was brief, having been cut on Tuesday after starting nine games. He is signed to a one-year, $10 million contract, but the Steelers will bear the brunt of that financial obligation, including an $8.75 million signing bonus. The Bills will only take on a fraction of that, approximately $370,000, as they add Slay to their roster.
In terms of experience, Slay will bolster the Bills” depth significantly. His 176 career starts rank him just outside the top 20 all-time for cornerbacks in the NFL. While he was a healthy scratch in the last game against the Bills, Pittsburgh has since shifted their focus to Asante Samuel Jr., who was signed during the season to replace him.
As the Bills aim for their sixth consecutive AFC East title, they face a challenging path, especially with the New England Patriots holding an impressive 11-2 record. Currently, the Bills sit at 8-4 and will need additional assistance, even if they secure a victory in their upcoming game in Foxborough.
This offseason, the Bills have made several moves to strengthen their cornerback position, including the first-round draft selection of Maxwell Hairston and the return of Tre”Davious White. White has been the primary starter opposite Christian Benford in 11 of the Bills” 12 games this season. Pro Football Focus has rated Hairston as the stronger option, although his limited snaps do not yet classify him as a reliable starter.
Despite being a seasoned player, Slay”s performance this season has raised some concerns. Pro Football Focus ranked him 71st among cornerbacks, and metrics from Pro-Football-Reference indicated he allowed a completion rate of 75% while serving as the nearest defender. This is a notable increase from his 2024 performance, which saw a completion rate of 54.7%.
Transitioning to a new scheme may bring renewed hope for Slay, as each defense operates differently. The Steelers” decision to keep him on the field for 81% of their defensive snaps also highlights his reliability, even in his 13th season. Slay”s addition to the Bills marks a reunion with veteran corners, as coach Sean McDermott has historically integrated experienced players like Josh Norman and Stephon Gilmore into the team.
With Slay now joining the ranks alongside White, both players are in their 30s, and Slay remains one of the most accomplished active cornerbacks. While he missed out on All-Decade recognition for the 2010s, he has secured six Pro Bowl selections and has been named an All-Pro once. Slay has also played in two Super Bowls with the Philadelphia Eagles, contributing significantly to their success in 2022 and 2024.
To make room for Slay, the Bills waived cornerback Ja”Marcus Ingram, who had not seen any playing time in the past three weeks. As Slay navigates this new chapter, he has previously indicated that he might consider retirement after this season. His move to a Super Bowl contender adds an intriguing dynamic to his potential career conclusion.
