Archives for February 2024

‘Acquired during McDermott’s first offseason in 2017, Hyde and Poyer have served as beacons for the defense and entire franchise, helping build the Bills from NFL afterthought to their current status as perennial playoff participant.’

‘The needs of the team may look very different after free agency, but right now, there’s just so many holes on defense. The defensive side of the ball is where they’ve lost in the playoffs the last few years, and last year’s defensive line group is full of unrestricted free agents. Only four of the 12 are under contract for next season. I know Beane drafting defensive linemen early almost feels like a recurring bit at this point, but with deficiencies at both defensive tackle and edge, I think there’s simply more need there, at this moment.’

‘Ten players off the board at non-positions of need for the Bills. Perfect for Beane, who could have all his preferences still available.’

‘“I think he’s done a really good job. He really has,” McDermott said in January. “You talk about development of players, right – that is coaches’ responsibilities, and players’ responsibilities, as well. And I think James, where you look at where he was in Year 1, to where he was in Year 2, difference, right? And to come in and say, here’s a young man that maybe wasn’t the primary back at Georgia, but became the primary back this season in his second year in the NFL, for the Buffalo Bills, I thought that was very impressive.”’

‘“It didn’t take long for me to have to think about it other than making sure I could handle the responsibilities and the time spent, in addition to the time … that I spent already with our team,” McDermott said. “I wanted to make sure that I could serve both and serve both well. And once (Vincent) gave me a better feel for what that will entail, we went ahead and I gave the green light.”’

‘Araiza had worked out with other teams since his release from the Bills, but this is his first time signing with a team since the initial accusations.’

‘Diggs’ future with the Bills shouldn’t be a question because of the financial ramifications. If the Bills cut him in a pre-June 1 move, they would have a whopping $18.146 million dead cap hit; if they trade him before June 1, they would have three consecutive years of $6 million dead cap hits. Bad business for a cap-strapped team and really bad business for a team that believes it remains in the Super Bowl conversation.’