The Pittsburgh Steelers are shaking things up at cornerback, making a surprising move that has fans and analysts alike buzzing. According to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero, Darius Slay is being released, and Asante Samuel Jr. is being promoted from the practice squad to the active roster.
Slay, who was a healthy scratch against the Bills, was reportedly hoping for a release to explore other opportunities. His fate is now in the hands of other teams, as he'll be available on waivers, and if cleared, he'll become an unrestricted free agent. This move comes as a disappointment for the Steelers, who signed Slay to a substantial one-year, $10 million contract in March, envisioning him as a key defensive player.
However, Slay's time in Pittsburgh has been less than ideal. His contract, structured with a high signing bonus of $8.74 million and a low base salary of $1.255 million, has raised questions about his value. If another team claims Slay off waivers, they'll only be on the hook for a fraction of his base salary, approximately $350,000, for the remainder of the season.
This decision aligns with Steelers coach Mike Tomlin's philosophy that players should be volunteers, not hostages. With Slay's apparent dissatisfaction in Pittsburgh, Tomlin's willingness to part ways is a clear indication of his commitment to a positive team culture. The move signals a strategic shift in the team's approach to cornerback, leaving fans and analysts curious about the future of the position.
