“I just got back from Pittsburgh. I don’t mind packing up and moving again,” Slay said. “I’m like, ‘Brother, I’m 13 years old.’ I did it. Now if they had called me at 28 (years old), 29, I would (be) like “OK!” It is a top organization. They have a lot of great stuff going on. They go to the playoffs, they got a quarterback.
“It wasn’t a bad fit. They just caught me at a bad time. … I talked to them, it was like small talk, but I said ‘hey, I’m a 34 man. I know you’re all watching tapes, but I’m trying to relax with the family and the kids.” I don’t mind packing up and moving. So, on top of that, no offense Buffalo (but) it’s cold as hell. I’m from the south, baby. We don’t know what snow looks like.
“If they had caught me at 28, 29, I wouldn’t have had a problem. I would have been ready.”
Slay’s decision wasn’t exactly shocking. He had been open about his plans to play one final season in the NFL before the 2025 campaign, and expressed a desire to return to Philadelphia or Detroit to do so. He was instead with the Steelers, appearing in 10 games (nine starts) but also showing signs of age while struggling to break down Pittsburgh’s poor 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 be relaxing at home and watching from his couch, happy with the career he’s amassed.
“I gave the game a lot,” Slay said. “I’m cool (with) where I am … I don’t have too much left.”
Meanwhile, Buffalo will turn away from Slay and move on as the Bills prepare to take on the Cincinnati Bengals. The team retains veterans’ 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 few days here, and I wish (Slay) the best, him and his family.”