Darius Slay said this week that his decision to not report to the Buffalo Bills after being claimed on waivers was due to prioritizing family time and not wanting to move again.
Appearing on the “Speakeasy” podcast with host Emmanuel Acho, the 34-year-old cornerback explained that had he been a younger player, he would have been more open to moving on to the Bills.
“I just got out of Pittsburgh. I don’t feel like packing up and moving again,” Slay said. “I’m like ‘Bro, I’m 13 years in. I done did it.’ Now if they’d have called me at 28 [years old], 29, I’d (be) like ‘OK!’ That’s a top organization. They’ve got a lot great things going. They going to the playoffs, they got a franchise quarterback.
“It wasn’t a bad fit. They just caught me at a bad time. … I talked to them, it was like a little mutual talk, but I said ‘Hey, I’m 34 man. I know y’all be watching tape but I’m trying to relax with my family and kids.’ I ain’t feel like packing up and moving. Then, on top of that, no offense to Buffalo (but) it’s cold as hell. I’m from the south, baby. We don’t know what snow looks like.
“If they would’ve caught me at 28, 29 years old, I would’ve had no problem. I would’ve been ready.”
Slay, who was waived this week by the Pittsburgh Steelers, has not played since Nov. 9 after suffering a concussion, leading him to miss Week 11’s win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He was off the injury report ahead of Sunday’s loss to the Bills, but was a healthy scratch.
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Having already expressed the likelihood that 2025 would be his last season in the NFL, it wasn’t a surprise to see Slay’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, tell ESPN’s Adam Schefter that his client planned to take time away from football and decide if he wanted to continue playing.
Slay joined the Steelers this season on a one-year deal in March after four years and a Super Bowl championship with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles were reportedly interested in Slay and when asked if he would have reported to Philadelphia had they won the claim, Slay said, “I honestly don’t know” and cited the fact that he was able to attend his son’s sporting events this week as a reason why he’s at peace with his decision.
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“I done gave the game a lot,” Slay said. “I’m cool [with] where I’m at. … I ain’t got too much left.”
The Bills retain Slay’s rights should he decide to continue playing.
