In a surprise mid-week splash, the Buffalo Bills have claimed cornerback Darius Slay Jr. off waivers, and he will immediately join the active roster. Slay, who signed a one-year, $10m contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March, requested his release this week to seek a new playing opportunity this season.
Buffalo Bills claim Darius Slay Jr.
The Buffalo Bills were unwilling to wait for Slay to hit the open market. They wanted him now, and they liked the price tag. Of his contract, Slay has well under $1m remaining, making him a bargain at a position of need.
The team has made notable efforts to improve at cornerback, signing Tre'Davious White, extending Christian Benford, and drafting Maxwell Hairston this offseason. Now, they add a new move to the group.
Slay likely doesn't start right away for the Bills, if at all. His role is not guaranteed, as Buffalo hopes the rookie Hairston controls the starting position. Still, Slay is a proven talent who can elevate this group in a way Tre'Davious White cannot.
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At worst, the roster gets a boost from adding another high-level veteran. At best, he could be a difference maker in the playoffs.
Darius Slay has 28 career interceptions, and three touchdowns to his name, if his six Pro Bowl nods weren't enough to convince fans of his worth. He also won Super Bowl LIX as a starter in Feburary, locking down Patrick Mahomes in a blowout. Less than a year removed from his win, Slay wanted another opportunity to take the Lombardi trophy home. With the Buffalo Bills, he has that chance.