Steelers Bolster Roster with Adam Thielen and Release Darius Slay
The Pittsburgh Steelers have made significant moves in their roster, acquiring wide receiver Adam Thielen and releasing experienced cornerback Darius Slay. Thielen’s arrival comes after being released by the Minnesota Vikings, seeking a more prominent role in what he himself has declared will be his last season in the NFL. So far this season, Thielen has demonstrated his worth with an outstanding performance. In parallel, the Steelers have mutually agreed to part ways with Darius Slay, who came to the team with high expectations after winning the Super Bowl with the Philadelphia Eagles. In a related move, the Steelers have promoted cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. from the practice squad to the active roster. Coach Mike Tomlin explained that the decision to leave Slay out of the game against the Buffalo Bills was based on the need to evaluate Samuel, whom the team added to the practice squad on November 11, more than on Slay’s recent performance. Slay, who signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Steelers, played in nine games this season. He missed the Week 11 game against the Cincinnati Bengals due to a concussion suffered in the loss against the L.A. Chargers. Upon his return, he played from the bench. In the short time he was with the Steelers, Slay recorded three passes defended, a fumble recovery, 36 total tackles, and a tackle for a loss of yards. With Slay inactive against the Bills, Samuel had an opportunity to prove his worth, playing 28 defensive plays and recording three tackles. With Slay and Pierre still in concussion protocol, Samuel could have even more prominence against the Ravens on Sunday.Tomlin commented on Samuel. “And we’ll make decisions about how we’ll divide the work a little later in the week.”We liked some of the things we saw.
Mike Tomlin
