Bills' Sean McDermott gets testy when asked about Darius Slay again

The Buffalo Bills' head coach refused to address the awkward situation around the disgruntled veteran cornerback

Oct 16, 2025; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Slay (23) reacts after failing to intercept a pass thrown by Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) during the first quarter at Paycor Stadium. | Katie Stratman-Imagn Images

By the sound of Buffalo Bills' head coach Sean McDermott, cornerback Darius Slay won't be in Orchard Park anytime soon, if ever.

After being claimed off waivers by the Bills, Slay refused to report to the team. As a result, Buffalo moved the 34-year-old cornerback onto the reserve/did not report list, subsequently filling that roster spot by adding safety Darnell Savage.

As the Bills prepare to visit the New England Patriots in a pivotal Week 15 matchup, McDermott fielded a question about Slay's status prior to Wednesday's practice.

"No. If there is [an update], I don't have it. That's more of a [general manger] Brandon [Beane] question," said McDermott.

RELATED: Bills' starting TE has good reason for Week 15 practice absence

A follow-up question was met with even greater opposition from the head coach.

"You talking about Darius Slay? Yea, I'm not gonna answer questions about Darius Slay, respectfully. That's a question for Brandon. I'm focused on our current team and this game this week," said McDermott.

Watch McDermott's answer

Slay's public statement

Appearing on the Speakeasy podcast last week, Slay voiced his opposition to moving to Buffalo at this stage in his career.

"It wasn’t a bad fit, it just caught me at a bad time," said Slay.

Oct 26, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Darius Slay (23) looks on against the Green Bay Packers | Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

McDermott miffed by losing CB

Exposing cornerback Ja'Marcus Ingram to waivers by creating a roster spot for Slay, the Houston Texans stepped in and claimed the Bills' trusted backup. While declining to talk about Slay, McDermott revealed gratitude for Ingram's service to the team.

RELATED: Bills' head coach Sean McDermott 'seething' after Darius Slay spurned Buffalo

"It’s unfortunate that that unfolded and went down the way it did. I'm a huge JaMarcus Ingram fan and will always be," said McDermott.

Sep 12, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Ja'Marcus Ingram (46) runs the ball for a touchdown after intercepting a pass from Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (1, not pictured) | Jasen Vinlove-Imagn Images

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