Darius Slay's surprising decision to decline joining the Bills now has an explanation.
The 34-year-old cornerback isn't interested in moving to a new city to join another squad in December. Slay spoke on the "Speakeasy" podcast Thursday night and divulged into why he stayed home instead of heading to Buffalo, telling host Emmanuel Acho he realized family time was more important to him than chasing a Super Bowl with a new team.
"When I got home the other day, I was like 'shoot, boy, this feels too good to be at the crib,'" Slay said.
Slay said he realized he enjoyed spending time with his wife and teenage sons more than he felt the need to continue playing football, leading to him informing the Bills he was considering retiring instead of heading to Buffalo.
"I just got out of Pittsburgh. I don't feel like packing up and moving again," Slay said. "I'm like 'bro, I'm 13 years in. I done did it.' Now if they'd have called me at 28 (years old), 29, I'd (be) like 'OK!' That's a top organization. They've got a lot great things going. They going to the playoffs, they got a franchise quarterback.
"It wasn't a bad fit. They just caught me at a bad time. ... I talked to them, it was like a little mutual talk, but I said 'hey, I'm 34 man. I know y'all be watching tape but I'm trying to relax with my family and kids.' I ain't feel like packing up and moving. Then, on top of that, no offense to Buffalo (but) it's cold as hell. I'm from the south, baby. We don't know what snow looks like.
"If they would've caught me at 28, 29 years old, I would've had no problem. I would've been ready."
Slay's decision wasn't entirely shocking. He'd spoken openly about his plans to play one final season in the NFL prior to the start of the 2025 campaign, expressing a desire to return to Philadelphia or Detroit to do so. He instead latched on with the Steelers, appearing in 10 games (nine starts) but also showing signs of his age while struggling in coverage for Pittsburgh's underperforming defense.
When the Steelers decided to release Slay -- a decision Slay described as largely mutual -- he wasn't too eager to add another chapter to his 13-year NFL journey.
Instead, Slay will relax at home and watch from his couch, content with the career he's compiled.
"I done gave the game a lot," Slay said. "I'm cool (with) where I'm at. ... I ain't got too much left."
Buffalo, meanwhile, will pivot away from Slay and continue forward as the Bills prepare to host the Cincinnati Bengals. The team does retain the veteran's rights.
"I'm really going to focus on our team right now," coach Sean McDermott said Friday, via ESPN. "So focus on our team and coaching this game in a couple days here, and I wish (Slay) the best, him and his family."
