Pittsburgh Steelers defensive back Doneiko Slaughter has been fined for taunting during the team’s preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills. Per the NFL, Slaughter was fined $4,917 for unsportsmanlike conduct.

Doneiko Slaughter was fined $4,917 for Unsportsmanlike Conduct (Taunting) in the Steelers preseason finale against the Bills. He is now on the practice squad. #Steelers #NFL

— Steelers Depot 7⃣ (@Steelersdepot) September 7, 2026

Referees did not penalize Slaughter during the game, but the league issued the fine upon review. The moment occurred late in the second quarter as he covered a deep throw down the left sideline. After the incompletion, Slaughter reacted with two thumbs down and waved at the Bills’ bench.

Mild as it seems, it was enough to draw a fine. The NFL has cracked down on all negative interactions with opponents, and a gesture like that to the Bills’ sideline makes Slaughter’s wallet a little lighter.

An undrafted rookie in 2025, Slaughter joined the Steelers this winter and stayed through the summer. His size and physicality shone in the preseason, aspects of his game we noted in our post-camp review.

“Overall, Slaughter’s game runs hot and cold. Some strong reps with others that exposed his weaknesses. He made the practice squad and deserved the spot but still seems like a fringe player with that [hip] tightness,” we concluded.

He has the versatility to play slot and outside corner. Slaughter will remain on Pittsburgh’s practice squad unless injuries occur. He’s yet to appear in a regular-season game. Players on the practice squad will make at least $13,750 per week before taxes, per Over The Cap.

All money from NFL fines goes to charity. The league has significantly overhauled its fine procedure for this season, creating a “points” system that could lead to suspension but also affording players the chance to receive half or all of their fine money back for clean play over the course of the season. The league didn’t explicitly state that the system would also apply to preseason games, but it’s logical to believe that’s the case.