Oct 16, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tee Higgins (5) scores a touchdown against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Slay (23) during the second quarter at Paycor Stadium Joseph Maiorana-Imagn Images

Bills make consequential decision on Darius Slay's roster status

Originally posted on Buffalo Bills on SI
By Ralph Ventre | Last updated Dec 5, 2025 5:19 PM ET

The Darius Slay saga continues.

If one thing is certain, it's that veteran cornerback won't dress for the Buffalo Bills in Week 14.

After claiming Slay off waivers, and releasing cornerback Ja'Marcus Ingram in a corresponding move, the Bills learned that the 34-year-old had no intention of reporting to the team. As a result, Buffalo placed Slay on the reserve/did not report list on Friday afternoon.

By tabbing Slay with the designation, the Bills retain his rights, making him ineligible to join another team.

Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

When asked if the conversation about Slay potentially joining the Bills was ongoing, head coach Sean McDermott declined to address the reporter's question on Friday.

"I'm really gonna focus on our team right now. Let's focus on our team and coaching this game in a couple days. I wish him the best, him and his family," said McDermott.

Why snub Buffalo?

Slay appeared on the Speakeasy podcast on Thursday night, and he proclaimed that the Bills just caught him at a "bad time."

"I don’t feel like packing up and moving again," said Slay.

Slay's absence costs Bills

With Ingram exposed to waivers, the Houston Texans placed a successful claim on the fourth-year cornerback. After signing with Buffalo as an undrafted free agent in 2022, Ingram played 29 regular season games for the Bills, including all 17 in 2024.

The Bills thought they were upgrading their defensive backfield, but it turns out they lost a trusted depth piece to an AFC rival instead.