Last week, the Buffalo Bills made a waiver claim for veteran cornerback Darius Slay, preventing him from returning to the Philadelphia Eagles, prompting the 34-year-old defensive back to stay home instead of reporting to his new team.
Slay has since said his reasons for not reporting to Buffalo.
“I talked to them,” Slay said during an interview with Emmanuel Acho on his show, The Speakeasy. “It was a neutral talk. I just said, “Hey, man. I’m 34. I know ya’ll be watching tape, but I’m trying to relax with my family and kid. I ain’t feel like packing up, moving.’ And then, on top of that - no offense to Buffalo — it’s cold as hell in Buffalo. I’m from the south.”
Slay played his entire NFL career in Detroit, Philadelphia, and Pittsburgh, three cities that aren’t exactly known for mild winters.
Nonetheless, Bills head coach Sean McDermott was asked if there have been any updates on Slay suiting up for the team that holds his rights.
“No. If there is, I don’t have it,” McDermott said. “That’s more of a Brandon [Beane] question.”
Sean McDermott makes it clear Darius Slay is no longer his concern
McDermott was asked a follow-up question about Slay, the reporter mentioning Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin’s saying, ‘We want volunteers, not hostages.’ McDermott didn’t bite, shutting down any conversation on his part about Slay.
“I’m not going to answer questions about Darius Slay, respectfully,” McDermott said. “That’s a question for Brandon. I’m focused on our current team and this game this week.”
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While we await the opportunity for Brandon Beane to provide some clarity, it’s not a surprise to Bills fans that the team appears to be simply moving on. The Bills do appear petty for hanging on to Slay and preventing him from just going to Philadelphia, but there are financial implications to the decision as well. Should Buffalo waive him and he goes unclaimed (because every team in the league, including the Eagles, knows he won’t report anywhere but Philly), then the Bills have to eat the contract he signed with Pittsburgh while he plays elsewhere.
The headache probably wasn’t worth the price of admission, but Buffalo should come away with a financial boost for his absence, recouping a portion of his signing bonus when the contract ends.
Regardless, it’s clear Slay isn’t going to suit up for Buffalo, and based on his play in Pittsburgh this season, it’s probably for the best.