The Buffalo Bills have made a significant move to strengthen their formidable secondary, securing veteran cornerback Darius Slay off waivers. This comes just days after the 34-year-old was a healthy scratch for the Pittsburgh Steelers in their Sunday loss to Buffalo.
A Swift Defensive Reinforcement
ESPN's Adam Schefter broke the news on Wednesday, reporting the Bills' decision to claim Slay. The acquisition provides immediate depth to a Bills defensive backfield that has been in impressive form. Since their Week 9 victory over the Kansas City Chiefs, Buffalo has not allowed an opposing offence to throw for more than 200 yards. While Patrick Mahomes managed 250 yards in that game, he was intercepted and completed a mere 15 of 34 pass attempts.
Slay's Journey from Pittsburgh to Playoff Push
Slay's departure from the Steelers was reported as a mutual decision. His exit coincided with Pittsburgh promoting cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. from their practice squad. Samuel, the 26-year-old son of the former New England Patriots star, joined the Steelers in November after recovering from shoulder surgery.
Slay, a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, signed a one-year, $10 million deal with Pittsburgh in the summer as a potential solution for their injury-hit secondary. His role in Buffalo will see him join a cornerback group currently featuring starters Christian Benford, Tre'Davious White, and rookie Maxwell Hairston, with Dorian Williams covering the slot.
What Slay Brings to Buffalo
Primarily an outside corner throughout his career, Slay also offers some valuable experience at the nickel position if required. The Bills currently boast the NFL's premier pass defence, conceding an average of just 163.2 yards per game. To make room for Slay on the roster, the team released cornerback Ja'Marcus Ingram.
This defensive reinforcement follows last week's signing of veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks, as the 8-4 Bills gear up for their annual push towards the NFL playoffs. Adding a player of Slay's pedigree and experience could prove crucial in their quest for postseason success.
