ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills shocked the league on Wednesday by claiming veteran cornerback Darius Slay off waivers, just days after the Pittsburgh Steelers unexpectedly released the six time Pro Bowler.
The move arrives at a critical moment for Buffalo, which sits at 8–4 after the Week 13 bye and has been battling major injuries across its secondary throughout the first three months of the season.
Slay, 34, signed a one year, $10 million deal with Pittsburgh in the offseason but struggled through nine starts, posting 36 tackles, three pass breakups, and one fumble recovery before being waived.
His coverage numbers dipped significantly, allowing a 75 percent completion rate and a 108.0 passer rating when targeted, worsened by a Week 10 concussion against the Chargers.
Last week, Slay was a healthy scratch in Pittsburgh’s 26–7 loss to Buffalo, watching from the sideline as Josh Allen carved up the Steelers’ defense for a comfortable victory.
Now, in a dramatic turn, Slay will join the same Buffalo secondary he prepared to face, becoming an immediate veteran reinforcement for a team eyeing another postseason surge.
The Bills have been stretched thin at cornerback, with Rasul Douglas on injured reserve, Kaiir Elam traded midseason, and backups like Dane Jackson delivering inconsistent performances under heavy defensive pressure.
Head coach Sean McDermott praised the acquisition, calling Slay’s mindset and experience a natural match for Buffalo’s defensive culture and leadership expectations entering a pivotal stretch run.
Slay carries a veteran minimum salary of $1.26 million, making him a low risk, high reward addition for a Bills team aggressively trying to stabilize its defensive backfield.
His career remains one of the most decorated among active corners, with 43 interceptions, 180 passes defended, and six Pro Bowls since entering the league as Detroit’s 2013 second round pick.
Slay later earned three more Pro Bowl nods with Philadelphia, helping the Eagles capture Super Bowl LIX in 2025 before joining the Steelers for a short lived stint this season.
Bills fans quickly erupted on social media, dubbing the waiver claim “Slay Day,” as excitement spread about adding one of the league’s most recognizable veteran defensive backs.
If all goes smoothly in practice, Slay could suit up as early as Sunday when Buffalo hosts the New York Jets in a crucial AFC East matchup with playoff stakes rising quickly.
