With the Pittsburgh Steelers locked in a tight AFC North race, the team and the veteran cornerback have mutually agreed to part ways, clearing a roster spot for Asante Samuel Jr. and giving Slay the chance to sign elsewhere for the stretch run.
At thirty four, he is not ready to walk away and is reportedly interested in joining another team as soon as he clears waivers.
Darius Slay Steelers breakup and depth chart shakeup
Slay’s exit has been building for weeks. After suffering a concussion in the November loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, he missed time, then returned only to see James Pierre take over his outside role.
Slay was active but demoted in limited work against the Chicago Bears, then a full healthy scratch for the loss to the Buffalo Bills while Samuel was elevated from the practice squad. Mike Tomlin publicly framed the move as a chance to evaluate Samuel, and now that evaluation has turned into a full transition.
Steelers and CB Darius Slay have mutually agreed to part ways, Slay’s agents Drew Rosenhaus and Robert Bailey told ESPN. Slay is interested in continuing to play, and will consider signing with other teams. But his time in Pittsburgh has come to an end. pic.twitter.com/hyHdBotxkm
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) December 2, 2025
Through ten games, Slay posted modest numbers by his standards, with tackles and a few pass breakups but no interceptions and a high completion rate allowed, a clear dip from his Pro Bowl prime.
Best fits for Darius Slay after Steelers release
Even with that regression, Darius Slay will draw interest because proven corners with his resume rarely hit the market in December. His dominant run with the Philadelphia Eagles, capped by a Super Bowl ring and multiple Pro Bowls, is still fresh in the minds of front offices that are desperate for secondary help.
Contenders battling injuries or thin depth charts at cornerback will be watching closely, especially teams that rely heavily on man coverage and need a veteran who can still process routes and communicate at a high level.
Should the Eagles bring back Darius Slay? pic.twitter.com/LFuppCRgks
— The Eagle Times (@_TheEagleTimes) December 2, 2025
The Steelers, meanwhile, are betting that a trio of Samuel, Pierre and the rest of their revamped secondary can stabilize things as they push toward a crucial showdown with the Baltimore Ravens.
Photo Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
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