One week after the Bills claimed veteran cornerback Darius Slay off waivers from the Steelers, the situation remains in limbo. Slay has yet to report to the team, and there’s growing uncertainty about whether he plans to suit up at all in 2025.
According to his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, Slay is still weighing his options and hasn’t made a decision about continuing his career. For now, he’s stepping away from football and spending time with his family - a pause that’s left the Bills in wait-and-see mode.
Buffalo responded by placing Slay on the reserve/did not report list, a procedural move that essentially holds his spot while freeing up a roster space. Beyond that, the team hasn’t made any public moves or declarations. Head coach Sean McDermott, when asked about the situation, deferred to General Manager Brandon Beane - a clear signal that this is a front-office matter for now.
There are a few directions the Bills could go from here. One option on the table: they could attempt to recoup a portion of the $8.74 million signing bonus Slay received from the Steelers when he inked a one-year deal earlier this year. That would require a formal process and could potentially set off a grievance if challenged.
Another option? Buffalo could simply release him.
If they go that route, Slay would hit waivers again, just as he did last week. And that’s where things get interesting.
During the initial waiver process, the Eagles also submitted a claim - but the Bills had higher priority and landed him. Around the league, there’s been some quiet chatter that Slay may have been hoping for a reunion in Philadelphia. When he appeared on a podcast last week, Slay sidestepped a direct answer about whether he would’ve reported had the Eagles been the team to claim him.
That’s left some to wonder if this is less about retirement and more about destination. But for now, the only thing that’s clear is that Slay hasn’t made up his mind - and the Bills are left holding a roster spot for a player who may not be walking through the door.
This isn’t unfamiliar territory for a team juggling injuries and playoff positioning. Buffalo’s secondary has dealt with its share of setbacks this season, and the addition of a seasoned corner like Slay - even this late in the year - could’ve been a valuable boost. But until a decision is made, the Bills are stuck in a holding pattern, with a veteran cornerback on their books and no clarity on whether he’ll ever wear the uniform.