When Darius Slay was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers, many expected him to reunite with the Philadelphia Eagles.
However, the Buffalo Bills swooped in, claiming the cornerback off waivers. But, Slay reportedly was unsure if he wanted to continue playing, with ESPN’s Adam Schefter reporting that he “will not be reporting to Buffalo.”
And that’s exactly what happened, as the Bills have placed Slay on the Reserve/Did Not Report list, per NFL insider Ian Rapoport. In a corresponding move, they claimed safety Darnell Savage, who was released by the Washington Commanders.
As for Slay, Buffalo still retains his rights as he contemplates retirement.
“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 Schefter.
Slay is a six-time Pro Bowler, who won a Super Bowl championship with the Eagles last season, but was released by the team in March and made his move to Pittsburgh, signing a one-year, $10 million contract. In his 10 games with the Steelers this season, he has recorded 36 total tackles with three passes defensed and a fumble recovery.
Sean McDermott Opens Up About ‘Unfortunate’ Darius Slay Situation
On Friday, Sean McDermott spoke with reporters and was asked about the situation involving Slay.
“Yeah, I mean it’s unfortunate that that unfolded and went down the way it did,” the Bills head coach said (per The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia).
As a follow-up, McDermott was asked if he’s still open to Slay playing for the Bills and whether conversations are still being had.
“I’m really going to focus on our team right now,” he responded. “So, focus on our team and coaching this game in a couple of days here. And I wish him the best, him and his family.”
Cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram Claimed Off Waivers by Houston Texans
GettyJa’Marcus Ingram of the Buffalo Bills
To make room for Slay on the roster, the Bills released cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram. So with that, he quickly found a new home, as the Houston Texans claimed him off waivers after four seasons with Buffalo.
McDermott was quick to mention the cornerback, speaking highly of him in his first press conference since the roster move was made.
“I’m a huge Ja’Marcus Ingram fan and will always be, so I’m always going to be in his corner and want the best for him,” McDermott said Friday, adding that the goal was to bring him back after he cleared waivers.
With the Bills, Ingram appeared in 29 games, making one career start and recording 33 total tackles, two tackles for loss, a sack, four passes defended, two interceptions, and a touchdown.
Why Didn’t Darius Slay Fit With the Steelers
GettyDarius Slay of the Pittsburgh Steelers
On Thursday, Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin provided some additional information on why the team decided to release Slay.
“I wish I had an answer, because I really like Slay, but it just didn’t work out, ” he explained when asked why it didn’t work out (per The Athletic). “Sometimes the fit isn’t right, and so it’s in the best interest of both parties to probably move on, and I think that’s where we got. I wish him nothing but the best, because I think he’s a class, individual class guy.”
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