The Buffalo Bills can’t seem to catch a break.
After starting the year 4-0, the team has went 4-4 over its last eight games and is right on the playoff bubble in the seventh and final spot in the AFC playoff race.
With the AFC East-leading New England Patriots (11-2) running away with the division, Buffalo’s likely only avenue to the postseason is through a wild-card spot.
Making things even more difficult is the mounting number of injuries the Bills have had in recent weeks.
Wide receiver Joshua Palmer, tight end Dalton Kincaid, offensive tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown, linebacker Terrel Bernard, and defensive end Joey Bosa are all listed as questionable for Sunday’s matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Additionally, wide receivers Curtis Samuel and Mecole Hardman, defensive ends Michael Hoecht and Landon Jackson, cornerback Dorian Strong, defensive tackles Ed Oliver and DeWayne Carter, safeties Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, and Wande Owens are all on injured reserve while kicker Tyler Bass is out for the rest of the season.
Bills Dealt Brutal Blow Days Before Bengals Game
GettyCB Darius Slay informed the Buffalo Bills he may retire
With Buffalo being banged up at many different positions, the team has made a few recent moves to bolster some positions.
The Bills signed former 1,000-yard wide receiver Brandin Cooks days ago, and they also claimed former All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay on waivers on Wednesday to bolster their struggling secondary.
However, it seems that Slay won’t even play a down for Buffalo after the latest report from NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
“Six-time Pro Bowl CB Darius Slay informed the Bills he is contemplating retirement and will not report after being claimed off waivers, per sources,” Pelissero wrote on X. “Slay, 34, was cut by the Steelers on Tuesday. Buffalo retains his rights for now in case Slay changes his mind.”
The 34-year-old Slay was recently released by the Pittsburgh Steelers. He logged 36 tackles, 3 passes defensed, and a fumble recovery in 10 games with the team.
During his 13-year NFL career, Slay has made six Pro Bowls, was a first-team All-Pro selection, and won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
“Slay is honored that a first-class organization like the Bills claimed him, but he is going to take some time away from football right now and decide in the next few days if he wants to keep playing,” Slay’s agent Drew Rosenhaus said, via ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Where Do the Bills Go From Here?
The Bills depth chart at cornerback isn’t exactly inspiring.
Behind starters Christian Benford and Tre’Davious White, the teams has just two CBs who’ve played 100 or more coverage snaps this season — rookie first-round pick Maxwell Hairston and 29-year-old Taron Johnson.
Hairston has played in just six games after missing the first six games of the season due to a knee injury suffered in the preseason.
Should Buffalo explore the free-agent route, there are a few experienced veterans who could get a look. Former Philadelphia Eagles CB James Bradberry, ex-Chicago Bears corner Kendall Fuller, and former Bills first-round pick Stephon Gilmore are all still available.
Bradberry, 32, a former second-team All-Pro and Pro Bowler, missed the 2024 season with an Achilles injury and was released by the Eagles back in March.
Fuller, 30, appeared in 11 games with the Miami Dolphins last season, logging 50 tackles, 7 passes defensed, and a fumble recovery.
Gilmore, 34, a former Defensive Player of the Year, two-time first-team All-Pro, and five-time Pro Bowler, played 15 games for the Minnesota Vikings last season. He totaled 56 tackles, 9 passes defensed, and an interception.
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