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.
Slay, reportedly unsure if he wanted to continue playing, did not report to Buffalo. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Slay “will not be reporting to Buffalo,” and that’s exactly what happened. The Bills subsequently placed Slay on the Reserve/Did Not Report list, according to NFL insider Ian Rapoport.
In a corresponding roster move, the Bills claimed safety Darnell Savage, who had been released by the Washington Commanders. Although Slay has yet to report, 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’s Career and Recent Performance
Slay is a six-time Pro Bowler who won a Super Bowl championship with the Eagles last season. Despite that success, he was released by Philadelphia in March and subsequently signed a one-year, $10 million contract with Pittsburgh.
During his 10 games with the Steelers this season, Slay recorded 36 total tackles, three passes defensed, and one fumble recovery.
### Sean McDermott Comments on the Situation
On Friday, Bills head coach Sean McDermott addressed the situation involving Slay during a press conference.
“Yeah, I mean it’s unfortunate that that unfolded and went down the way it did,” McDermott said, according to The Athletic’s Joe Buscaglia.
When asked if he’s still open to Slay playing for the Bills or if conversations are ongoing, McDermott responded, “I’m really going to focus on our team right now. 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.”
### Ja’Marcus Ingram Claimed by Houston Texans
To make room for Slay on the roster, the Bills released cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram. Ingram quickly found a new home, as the Houston Texans claimed him off waivers after four seasons with Buffalo.
McDermott spoke highly of Ingram during his first press conference since the roster move.
“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. He also added that the original plan was to bring Ingram back after he cleared waivers.
During his time 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 Slay Fit With the Steelers?
On Thursday, Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin provided additional insight into why the team decided to release Slay. Details from Austin’s comments shed light on the situation, though specifics were not included in this report.
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The situation around Darius Slay remains uncertain as he takes time to contemplate his future, while the Buffalo Bills continue to manage their roster through strategic moves.
https://heavy.com/sports/nfl/philadelphia-eagles/darius-slay-saga-with-bills-turn/