Bills claim CB Darius Slay off waivers with Week 17 game vs. Eagles looming

The Darius Slay era is over in Pittsburgh as the cornerback went unclaimed on waivers, and he's now free to sign with any team, including the Philadelphia Eagles. Slay was released to make room for Asante Samuel Jr. on the roster. According to reports, Slay lost his starting spot to cornerback James Pierre, who made his third consecutive start at outside cornerback in place of the veteran. Slay suffered a concussion during a Nov. 9 loss at the Los Angeles Chargers and missed the following game.

Slay was a healthy inactive in the loss to the Buffalo Bills, and according to Adam Schefter, the parting of ways was a "mutual decision." While Slay's time with Pittsburgh is over, Schefter noted that he wants to continue playing and "will consider signing with other teams."

During the spring, the Eagles released the Pro Bowl cornerback with a post-June 1 designation. The move will save Philadelphia $4 million in cap space and end one of the most dominant runs by a cornerback in franchise history.

Slay started 14 games in 2024, recording 49 tackles (39 solo) and leading the NFL’s No. 1 pass defense. He also led the Eagles with 13 passes defended, marking the third straight season he has recorded 13+ pass breakups. Slay recorded his first career playoff interception when he picked off a Jordan Love pass with 14:52 remaining in the second quarter of the Eagles' 22-10 win over Green Bay in the NFC Wild Card game.

Slay is a six-time Pro Bowl honoree (2018, ‘19, ‘20, ‘22, ‘23, ‘24) named first-team All-Pro by the Associated Press in 2017 and Philadelphia could use his presence at the cornerback position opposite Quinyon Mitchell.

Through 10 games this season, Slay recorded 36 tackles and one fumble recovery, while Adoree' Jackson, Jakorian Bennett, and Kelee Ringo have all struggled at the left cornerback spot in his absence.

This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: Darius Slay is heading to the Buffalo Bills off waivers