The Buffalo Bills looked to be making a big addition to their secondary with the addition of veteran Darius Slay after he was waived by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Instead, the Bills may have lost both Slay and another veteran defensive back in the span of just a few hours.
Slay announced early on Thursday that he was considering his NFL future after being claimed by the Bills, raising concerns that he would decide to retire early rather than at the end of the season, as originally planned. While the Bills were waiting for his decision, they lost another cornerback who was waived to make room for Slay on the roster.
Bills Lose Ja’Marcus Ingram While Waiting for Darius Slay Decision
The Bills announced on Wednesday that they waived cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram to clear room for the newly claimed Slay, who had been waived the previous day. Ingram played a key role on special teams and as a reserve cornerback, appearing in 17 games in 2024 and seven games this season.
But on Thursday morning, it was thrown into doubt whether the Bills would see Slay suit up for them this season. The veteran announced through his agent that he would be considering whether to report to the team at all.
“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, told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Later on Thursday, the Houston Texans announced that they claimed Ingram off waivers, ending any hope that the Bills could bring him back to the practice squad.
Now, instead of making an upgrade to their secondary with a former Pro Bowler, the Bills lost some trusted depth and have just three days to find a replacement.
The Bills could have a few in-house options to move into the potentially open roster spot. The team brought back cornerback Brandon Codrington to the practice squad after waiving him, but he has played mostly as a return specialist. They could also elevate veteran Dane Jackson, who had played for the team for four seasons before joining the Carolina Panthers last year.
The Bills have only one other defensive back on the practice squad, Te’Cory Couch.
Darius Slay May Have Wanted Return to Eagles
While it’s not clear whether Slay will play for the Bills or retire, he may have had plans to return to his former team. The Philadelphia Eagles also put in a waiver claim on Slay and there were reports of mutual interest in a reunion, but the Bills were ahead of the Eagles and had priority with their claim.
The Bills now control his future, however, and can choose to press him into either playing or retiring. It may not be likely for the Bills to grant him a release and another chance to play for the Eagles, where he won a Super Bowl last season, especially after losing Ingram.
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