The Pittsburgh Steelers had an aggressive offseason in 2025 as General Manager Omar Khan made several signings in free agency, while also making several trades. One of the veteran offseason additions was cornerback Darius Slay, who Pittsburgh signed to a one-year deal. He began the year as one of the starting outside cornerbacks, but his role with the team had diminished as the season went on.
Kirby Lee / Imagn Images
Steelers cornerback Darius Slay looks on as the team works out during a practice at the UPMC Sports Complex in Pittsburgh, PA.
Slay had not played well throughout the 2025 season, and he also dealt with several injuries as he was constantly leaving games. He was healthy for Pittsburgh's Week 13 matchup with the Buffalo Bills, but he was a healthy scratch and was listed as inactive for the contest. It was announced on Tuesday that Slay and the franchise had decided to part ways.
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
The writing was on the wall for this move after Slay was inactive for Sunday's game, despite him being healthy. The move allows the franchise to sign Asante Samuel Jr. to the active roster, as he was the player who took Slay's spot on the active roster against Buffalo.
Alysa Rubin / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' Asante Samuel Jr. during a practice in his first weeks with the organization in 2025.
Pittsburgh signed Samuel to the practice squad earlier in the season, and he made his debut as a Steeler against Buffalo in Week 13. He played decently and tackled well on the perimeter, although the Bills did not throw the ball a lot as he wasn't really tested through the air. He is now guaranteed to be a decent part of the rotation at cornerback, especially with James Pierre being in concussion protocol.
Slay heads to waivers after being a healthy scratch. Asante Samuel Jr earns a promotion. https://t.co/DL6YMGgNbq
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 2, 2025
Samuel has a decent amount of versatility. He has spent most of his career on the outside, but he has the ability to play in the slot as well. It will be interesting to see how he is deployed throughout the rest of the season, but this should be seen as an upgrade for the secondary in Pittsburgh.
David Maialetti / Staff Photographer
Steelers' Darius Slay celebrates after winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles at the end of the 2024 season.
Steelers Could See Darius Slay In 2025 Season
Slay was released to waivers, and at this time of the season, he will have to clear waivers to be able to freely sign elsewhere. It is likely that he clears waivers due to his unpromising play throughout the 2025 season, but he should be able to find an opportunity elsewhere. Two obvious choices for Slay will be either one of his former teams in the Philadelphia Eagles or the Detroit Lions. Both of those teams have been banged up at cornerback and could use some more depth. Pittsburgh takes on Detroit in Week 16, which means Slay could be facing off against the Steelers when that time comes.
What do you think of Pittsburgh releasing Slay? Let us know in the comments below!
#SteelerNation
