The Pittsburgh Steelers are shaking things up after a humbling 26-7 loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 13, and the fallout has already reshaped parts of their roster. The headline move? The release of veteran cornerback Darius Slay, a high-profile offseason signing who never quite found his footing in Pittsburgh.
Slay, 34, was a healthy scratch against Buffalo, and that absence spoke volumes. Injuries and a noticeable decline in athleticism had plagued his season, and the Steelers decided it was time to move on. In his place, the team is turning to Asante Samuel Jr. to provide depth at corner-an intriguing shift given Samuel’s upside and the need for more consistency on the back end.
What made the move even more notable was the investment Pittsburgh made in Slay just a few months ago. The team handed him $10 million in the offseason, a clear sign they expected him to be a cornerstone of their secondary.
But in classic Steelers fashion, sentiment took a back seat to performance. When the tape doesn’t lie, tough decisions follow.
And the changes didn’t stop there. The Steelers also added 35-year-old wide receiver Adam Thielen off waivers from the Minnesota Vikings.
With the receiving corps struggling to generate separation or big plays, Thielen’s savvy route-running and experience could provide a much-needed boost. He’s not the burner he once was, but his hands and football IQ still make him a reliable option-especially in key third-down situations.
But back to Slay, whose next chapter is already underway.
Bills Take a Flier on Darius Slay
Just days after torching the Steelers, the Bills decided to add Slay to their own roster, claiming him off waivers in a low-risk, potentially high-reward move. Buffalo already boasts the league’s stingiest pass defense, giving up just 163.2 passing yards per game, so this isn’t a desperation play-it’s about depth and veteran insurance.
With Christian Benford, Tre'Davious White, Taron Johnson, and rookie Maxwell Hairston all firmly entrenched in the rotation, Slay likely won’t be asked to do much right away. But in a league where one injury can change everything, having a six-time Pro Bowler waiting in the wings is a luxury few teams can afford.
And while Slay’s best days may be behind him, there’s reason to believe he could be a better fit in Buffalo’s system. The Bills rely heavily on zone coverage, which could play to what Slay still does well-read quarterbacks, anticipate routes, and make plays on the ball. His speed and range aren’t what they used to be, but his instincts and ball skills haven’t vanished.
This move also brings a bit of playoff-tested experience into the locker room. Slay’s time with the Eagles included deep postseason runs, and for a Bills team with Super Bowl aspirations, every ounce of leadership and know-how matters.
Whether Slay sees meaningful snaps or simply serves as a veteran presence, his new environment gives him a chance to reset. For Pittsburgh, the decision to move on was tough but necessary. For Buffalo, it’s a calculated bet on a player who, even in decline, still knows how to play the position.
Now, it’s up to Slay to show that his story isn’t finished just yet.