The Buffalo Bills have strengthened their secondary by claiming former Detroit Lions All-Pro cornerback Darius Slay Jr. off waivers after his release from the Pittsburgh Steelers on Tuesday.
According to the NFL waiver wire, Buffalo was awarded the veteran defensive back after submitting a claim for the six-time Pro Bowler. Slay, who is currently the NFL’s oldest active cornerback at 34, had hoped to continue his career and was reportedly open to joining multiple teams if he cleared waivers.
Bills Land Veteran CB Amid Playoff Push
The move gives the 8-4 Bills, who occupy the AFC’s No. 7 seed, an experienced boost as they push toward the postseason. Slay is expected to play a key role down the stretch and will notably face one of his former teams in Week 17 when Buffalo takes on the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won a Super Bowl as a starter last season.
Steelers Move On After Disappointing Fit
The Steelers, currently 6-6 and outside the AFC playoff picture, released Slay to make room for Asante Samuel Jr., whom they promoted from the practice squad. Pittsburgh had signed Slay in March to a one-year, $10 million deal that included a $1.26 million base salary.
Slay’s Detroit Legacy
Slay’s NFL career began when the Detroit Lions drafted him in the second round of the 2013 NFL Draft out of Mississippi State. Detroit remains his longest stop, where he played seven seasons, appearing in 103 games (94 starts) and recording:
28 interceptions (three returned for touchdowns)
104 passes defended
1 forced fumble
2 fumble recoveries
