Darius Slay Weighing Retirement After Being Claimed by Bills, Unsure of NFL Future

Veteran cornerback Darius Slay is weighing his options after the Buffalo Bills claimed him off waivers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"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," agent Drew Rosenhaus told Schefter.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network posited a different plan could be at play:

Slay signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the offseason but struggled in his 10 appearances for the team. According to Pro Football Reference, He allowed 8.4 yards per target and a 108.0 opponent passer rating when quarterbacks looked his way.

With Pittsburgh trying to contend for the playoffs, the decision to part ways with the six-time Pro Bowler spoke for itself. Teams in the Steelers' position don't typically don't waive veterans whom they think can still help on the field.

Maybe a change of scenery is all it will take for the 34-year-old to rebound.

But Slay wants to resume his NFL career on his terms, and the Bills may not acquiesce to his wish.

Buffalo plays Philadelphia on Dec. 28, and the teams could potentially meet again in the Super Bowl. Imagine Slay lining up on the Eagles and playing a role in a costly Week 17 loss for the Bills.

If the alternative is trying to sign Slay and watching him walk into retirement, that's a preferable outcome for general manager Brandon Beane.