The Pittsburgh Steelers have parted ways with veteran cornerback Darius Slay, with both sides agreeing to a mutual separation. The move comes in the wake of a demoralising 26-7 defeat to the Buffalo Bills, a game for which Slay was a healthy scratch.
Roster Shake-Up Following Buffalo Collapse
ESPN's Adam Schefter reported the decision to release Slay was mutual. The 34-year-old, who won a Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles last season, was signed in the summer on a one-year, $10 million deal as a potential stop-gap solution for Pittsburgh's secondary. His departure coincides with the Steelers promoting cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. from the practice squad to the 53-man roster.
Samuel Jr., the 26-year-old son of the former New England Patriots star, joined Pittsburgh in November. He has been working to recover from a 2024 shoulder injury and spinal fusion surgery. The Steelers have also brought back veteran wide receiver Adam Thielen, recently released by the Minnesota Vikings, to provide depth in what is expected to be his final season.
Rodgers' Frustration and Tomlin's Hot Seat
The transactions are a direct response to an epic second-half collapse against the Bills. After leading 7-3 at halftime, the Steelers conceded 23 unanswered points. The loss dropped Pittsburgh to a 6-6 record, leaving fans chanting for the dismissal of head coach Mike Tomlin.
Tomlin, only the third head coach for the franchise since 1969, acknowledged the fans' anger. "I share their frustration tonight," he told reporters post-game. "We didn't do enough. That's the reality." The team has not advanced past the first round of the NFL playoffs since 2017.
Quarterback Aaron Rodgers expressed clear frustration with his receivers during the loss, admitting he and tight end Jonnu Smith were not on the same page. Rodgers, who completed only 10 of 21 passes for 117 yards, also took responsibility for a wayward throw, stating, "I have to make that throw." He later emphasised the importance of attendance at team meetings and off-site sessions.
Bosa's Sack Sparks Buffalo Rout
The game's pivotal moment came early in the second half. With Pittsburgh starting at their own 26-yard line, Rodgers dropped back to pass but failed to see Bills edge rusher Joey Bosa charging from his blind side. Bosa launched himself over Rodgers' shoulders, slamming the 41-year-old quarterback to the turf and forcing a fumble.
The violent collision caused a bloody cut across the bridge of Rodgers' nose, briefly sidelining him. Buffalo's Christian Benford recovered the loose ball for an easy touchdown, giving the Bills a 10-7 lead they would not relinquish. The turnover fuelled Buffalo's dominant second-half performance, which included a touchdown pass from Josh Allen to Keon Coleman and an eight-yard rushing score from Allen himself.
Despite the turmoil, Rodgers publicly defended Coach Tomlin after the game, saying, "I believe in the coaching staff and I believe in Mike Tomlin," while also conceding he needs to play better. The Steelers, who started the season 4-1 with their new quarterback, have now lost five of their last seven games.
