Darius Slay Cites Buffalo Weather in Decision Not to Join Bills

Darius Slay, a six-time Pro Bowl cornerback, has expressed his reluctance to join the Buffalo Bills, attributing his decision in part to the city’s harsh winter weather. Slay was claimed off waivers from the Pittsburgh Steelers but ultimately opted not to report to Buffalo, citing personal considerations and the climate.

In a conversation with Emmanuel Echo on the Speakeasy platform, Slay stated, “I talked to them. It was a neutral talk. I just said, ‘Hey, man. I’m 34. I know y’all be watching tape, but I’m trying to relax with my family and kid. I ain’t feel like packing up, moving.’ And then, on top of that — no offense to Buffalo — it’s cold as hell in Buffalo. I’m from the South.” His comments reflect a broader sentiment regarding the challenges of relocating to a city known for its severe winter conditions.

Despite having played in colder climates, including a recent stint in Pittsburgh, where temperatures dipped to -1 °C, Slay highlighted his preference for a more temperate environment. Buffalo’s average temperature was recorded at -2 °C when he made his decision.

While speculation arose regarding a potential return to the Philadelphia Eagles or Detroit Lions, two teams he previously played for, Slay remained noncommittal. “I don’t know how that would have hit, if it would have hit,” he said about Philadelphia, referring to his feelings towards returning. When discussing Detroit, he remarked, “That’s a good question right there. I don’t know.”

Ultimately, Slay decided against moving to Buffalo for what would have been a playoff push with the Bills, who currently share an 8-4 record with the Eagles and an 8-5 record with the Lions. “I don’t feel like packing up and moving again,” Slay explained. “I’m 13 years in. … Like, they would have caught me at like 28, 29, I might have been like, ‘OK.’ That’s a top organization. They have a lot of great things going. They win, they go to the playoffs, they got a franchise quarterback. So, it wasn’t a bad fit, it just caught me at a bad time.”

The Bills’ roster adjustments included releasing veteran quarterback Ja’Marcus Ingram to make space for Slay. Following his departure, Ingram was signed by the Houston Texans. With the NFL trade deadline having passed, the Bills are unable to negotiate a deal with either the Lions or Eagles to regain any assets.

As Slay contemplates retirement, his decision not to join the Bills highlights the personal factors athletes weigh beyond just professional opportunities. For now, it remains to be seen how both Slay’s future and the Bills’ playoff aspirations will unfold in the coming weeks.