Darius Slay said this week that he decided not to report to the Buffalo Bills after clearing waivers because he prioritizes family time and doesn’t want to move again.
The 34-year-old cornerback appeared on the “Speakeasy” podcast with host Emmanuel Acho and explained that he would have been more willing to transfer to the Bills as a young player.
“I had just left Pittsburgh. I didn’t want to pack up and move again,” Slay said. “I’m like ‘Man, I’m 13 years old. I did it.'” Now if they’d called me at 28 [years old]29, I would be like, “Okay!” That’s a top organization. They have a lot of great things to do. They make the playoffs and they get a franchise quarterback.
“It wasn’t a bad choice. They just caught me at a bad time. … I talked to them, and it was like a little mutual chat, but I said ‘Hey, I’m a 34-year-old man. I know you’re all watching the tape, but I’m trying to relax with my family and my kids.’ I didn’t want to pack up and move. And then, on top of that, no offense to Buffalo (but) it’s freezing cold. I’m from the South, baby. We don’t know what snow is like.”
“If they had caught me when I was 28, 29, I would have been fine. I would have been ready.”
Slay, who was waived by the Pittsburgh Steelers this week, has not played since Nov. 9 after suffering a concussion that caused him to miss the Week 11 win over the Cincinnati Bengals. He was not on the injury report before Sunday’s loss to the Bills but was healthy.
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Slay’s agent, Drew Rosenhaus, has already indicated that 2025 could be his final season in the NFL, telling ESPN’s Adam Schefter that it’s not surprising that his client plans to take a break from football before deciding whether to continue playing.
Slay joined the Steelers on a one-year deal in March after four years and a Super Bowl championship with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Eagles are reportedly interested in Slay, and when asked if he would report to Philadelphia if they win their claim, Slay said, “Honestly, I don’t know,” citing the fact that he was able to attend his son’s sporting events this week as a reason he feels at peace with his decision.
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“I’ve put a lot of work into this game,” Slay said. “I’m cool [with] where am i. …I don’t have much left. “
If Slay decides to continue playing, the Bills will retain his rights.