Cornerback Darius Slay Declines Waiver Claim by Buffalo Bills, Opts for time Away from Football
In a surprising turn of events, veteran cornerback Darius Slay will not be joining the Buffalo Bills after they claimed him off waivers on Wednesday. Slay’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, confirmed that the player is taking time away from the game and will make a decision about his future playing career in the coming days.
Rosenhaus stated,Slay is honored that a premier organization like the Bills claimed him,but he is going to take some time away from football and will decide in the coming days whether he wants to continue playing it.
The 34-year-old defensive back was released by the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier this week. Slay had signed a one-year deal with the Steelers last spring. Prior to his stint in Pittsburgh, he spent seven seasons (2013-2019) with the Detroit Lions and five seasons (2020-2024) with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Reports from the Philadelphia Inquirer indicated that the Eagles had also placed a waiver claim on Slay. Though, the Bills held priority in the waiver order. It has been suggested that Slay might have been interested in a return to the Eagles, the reigning Super Bowl champions.
During his 2025 season with the Steelers, Slay played in 10 games, recording 36 tackles. Over his 13-year NFL career, Slay has been a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and has won one Vince Lombardi Trophy.
