The Buffalo Bills came up short when they claimed defensive back Darius Slay late in the season, with the veteran deciding not to report to the team and the Bills ultimately placed him on the reserve list.
But Slay still found his way to a playoff game on Sunday — though not for the Bills.
Slay was seen on the field before the Philadelphia Eagles took on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, supporting his longtime team. The appearance sparked some controversy, as Slay is still technically on Buffalo’s roster.
Darius Slay Takes Heat for Eagles Game Appearance
Many criticized Slay for his appearance, especially after her spurned the Bills after being claimed late in the season.
“Nice to see Bills cornerback Darius Slay was able to make it to Philly to watch the Eagles,” noted Barstool Sports in a post on X.
Reporter Billy Heyen of The Sporting News called out Slay for showing his face at a playoff game while technically on another roster.
“It’s really pretty lame by Slay,” Heyen wrote. “And it’s brutally unfortunate for Buffalo. He probably should avoid ever showing up in Western New York. He’d likely be greeted by more than a few boos.”
Darius Slay Explained Decision to Skip Out on Bills
Slay was cut loose by the Pittsburgh Steelers in December, with the Bills picking him up on waivers. But Slay did not report, explaining that he didn’t feel like moving again.
“I just got out of Pittsburgh. I don’t feel like packing up and moving again,” Slay said, via NFL.com. “I’m like ‘bro, I’m 13 years in. I done did it.’ Now if they’d have called me at 28 (years old), 29, I’d (be) like ‘OK!’ That’s a top organization. They’ve got a lot great things going. They going to the playoffs, they got a franchise quarterback.
“It wasn’t a bad fit. They just caught me at a bad time. … I talked to them, it was like a little mutual talk, but I said ‘hey, I’m 34 man. I know y’all be watching tape but I’m trying to relax with my family and kids.’ I ain’t feel like packing up and moving. Then, on top of that, no offense to Buffalo (but) it’s cold as hell. I’m from the south, baby. We don’t know what snow looks like.”
Many speculated that Slay wanted to finish his career for the Eagles, but the Bills would have needed to release him and general manager Brandon Beane chose to put him on the reserve list instead. That means Slay is not eligible to play for the Bills or for any other team, unless the Bills were to relent and waive him.
The Bills may have been bitter because they lost a trusted cornerback, Ja’Marcus Ingram, in trying to land Slay. The Bills waived Ingram, who was then claimed by the Houston Texans.
After the incident, Bills head coach Sean McDermott said the team was moving on.
“I’m really going to focus on our team right now,” McDermott said, via ESPN. “So focus on our team and coaching this game in a couple days here, and I wish (Slay) the best, him and his family.”
Ex-Bills CB Darius Slay Sparks Controversy With Eagles Appearance