Steelers Surprising Move: Darius Slay Waived for Asante Samuel Jr.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have shaken up their roster in a surprising turn of events, waiving veteran cornerback Darius Slay. Originally brought in to bolster the team’s secondary, Slay’s time with the Steelers has come to an unexpected end. His exit comes after the decision to scratch him from the lineup in favor of newcomer Asante Samuel Jr.
Darius Slay Reflects on His Release
In a heartfelt conversation on Speakeasy with Emmanuel Acho, Slay opened up about his release, characterizing it as a mutual decision between him and head coach Mike Tomlin. “It was a little mutual decision, man,” Slay shared. He emphasized the respectful nature of the conversation, noting, “Me and (Tomlin) chopped it up. We just thought that was what’s best for us. Much respect to Mike T and that organization. It just ain’t pan out as it needed to be. It was all good though. No bad blood with it. He’s a great dude, great coach. He did me the right way and 13 years in, we had a great understanding.”
What Slay’s Departure Means for the Steelers
With Slay no longer part of the team, the pathway is now clear for Samuel Jr. to solidify his position within the secondary. The 26-year-old cornerback, who joined the Steelers as a free agent a few weeks prior, has shown promise in his return to the field after a year away due to health concerns. Following successful spinal fusion surgery, Samuel Jr. appears poised to earn a starting role and maintain it for the foreseeable future.
The Steelers are counting on Samuel Jr. to bring his talent and experience to the defensive unit, and his performance will be closely monitored as the team navigates through the season. As the roster continues to evolve, this decision reflects the Steelers’ commitment to building a competitive team while making tough choices in the pursuit of success.
