The Pittsburgh Steelers and veteran cornerback Darius Slay have mutually agreed to part ways, bringing a swift end to his brief tenure with the team. The decision comes just days after Slay was a healthy scratch for Pittsburgh's Sunday loss to the Buffalo Bills.
The End of a Brief Steelers Stint
According to a report from ESPN's Adam Schefter, the separation was a mutual decision between the player and the organisation. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for both Slay and the Steelers for further comment. Slay, a Super Bowl champion with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, joined Pittsburgh in the summer on a one-year, $10 million contract. He was initially seen as a seasoned solution for the team's injury-hit secondary.
Roster Shuffle: Samuel Jr. Gets the Call-Up
The immediate consequence of Slay's departure is a promotion from the practice squad. The Steelers have elevated cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. to their active 53-man roster. Samuel, the 26-year-old son of the former New England Patriots star, was signed by Pittsburgh in November. He had been working his way back to full fitness after sustaining a shoulder injury in 2024 while with the Los Angeles Chargers.
What This Means for Pittsburgh's Defence
This move signifies a significant shift in the Steelers' defensive planning so late in the season. Letting go of an experienced player like Slay, even by mutual consent, is a bold statement. It places immediate pressure on the remaining defensive backs and puts the spotlight squarely on Asante Samuel Jr. to prove he can contribute at a critical juncture. The Steelers' secondary, already a patchwork unit, now faces the challenge of regrouping without one of its most notable offseason acquisitions.
The Steelers will now look ahead with a revised defensive backfield, hoping the younger Samuel can help stabilise the position as they push for a playoff berth.
