Bills claim cornerback Darius Slay off waivers from Steelers, release Ja’Marcus Ingram – The Athletic

The Buffalo Bills claimed six-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay off waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers and released cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram, the team announced Wednesday.

Slay signed with the Steelers in free agency after the Philadelphia Eagles released him in March. He played 10 games with Pittsburgh this season — recording 28 solo tackles and zero interceptions — but was a healthy scratch when the Steelers played the Bills on Sunday.

Why it makes sense for Buffalo

The reason for the Bills to claim Slay seems relatively simple at first — adding experienced veteran depth. The Bills have been very happy with the performance of their No. 1 cornerback, Christian Benford, especially after he claimed AFC Defensive Player of the Week honors for Week 13.

The Bills also have been complimentary of the recent performances of both Tre’Davious White and rookie Maxwell Hairston, who have been splitting time as the team’s second boundary cornerback opposite Benford.

Past the Benford, White and Hairston trio, the Bills had only Ingram on the 53-man roster and Dane Jackson on their practice squad, both of whom have struggled when pressed into duty on the boundary. Ingram had become a weekly healthy scratch player for them. The money for Slay works, too, since his base salary was at the veteran minimum and won’t add much to their 2025 salary cap.

In their previous front office regime, the Bills had an interest in Slay dating to his draft year in 2013. — Joe Buscaglia, Bills staff writer

Bills want depth at CB

The Bills have dealt with plenty of challenging injuries at cornerback over the years, especially in the late months of the season and playoffs, so beefing up their overall depth is wise. White has dealt with several injuries over the last few years, and Hairston spent several months rehabbing a knee before his midseason return. Slay gives the Bills, at the very least, some backup if one or both suffer an injury.

There is also an outside chance the Bills could even turn to Slay if White’s or Hairston’s play worsens down the home stretch. Both White and Hairston have struggled in spots this season, though White has played better as of late. Slay is an insurance policy, every way you look at it. — Buscaglia