The Buffalo Bills made a late-season depth signing for their secondary when they claimed cornerback Darius Slay off waivers last week. What the Bills didn't see coming was Slay reportedly contemplating retirement.
"Slay is honored that a first-class organization like the Bills claimed him, but he is going to take some time away from football right now and decide in the next few days if he wants to keep playing," Slay's agent, Drew Rosenhaus said via ESPN.
Many have theorized that this was just a ploy by Slay to be released by Buffalo so he can re-join the Philadelphia Eagles, whom he spent five seasons with and helped win the Super Bowl last season.
Slay is a six-time Pro Bowler and a former First-Team All-Pro. The Bills were hoping to add valuable depth to their cornerback room behind Christian Benford, Max Hairston, and Tre'Davious White on the boundary, as well as Taron Johnson at nickel.
Head coach Sean McDermott was asked about the Slay situation on Wednesday, to which he told the media to ask general manager Brandon Beane.
"No," Mcdermott replied when asked if he had an update on Slay. "If there is, I don't have it. That's more of a Brandon question... I'm not gonna answer questions about Darius Slay, respectfully. That's a question for Brandon. I'm focused on our current team and this game this week."
This has led to speculation that there is some tension between the Bills' head coach and general manager. Beane has failed to provide the Bills with high-caliber players on either side of the ball, specifically at the wide receiver position and in the defensive front seven. The lackluster free agent signings and missed trade opportunities has brought heavy criticism aimed at Buffalo's general manager, and frankly, it is warranted.
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