Niagara Gazette

‘Buffalo sports fans have an uncanny way to be upbeat this time of the year, no matter what happened during the season. Whether it’s finishing the season strong, a coaching move or a big acquisition, Buffalo fans always find a way to say “next year.”’

‘The 30-year-old, 6-foot-6, 341-pounder suffered a hamstring injury during an interception return by Matt Milano in Week 2, causing him to miss two games. Phillips then dealt with a shoulder injury late in the season that caused him to miss three games, including the AFC Wild Card round against the Dolphins. He also missed 15 games due to injury in two seasons with Arizona in 2020 and 2021.’

‘“As we were getting deeper into the free agency process, it just kept coming back to finding the right opportunity, the right situation, and ultimately, the right fit for myself and my future,” Rapp said. “It just kept coming back to Buffalo and how attractive this opportunity and this fit was.”’

‘The 30-year-old, 6-foot-6, 341-pounder suffered a hamstring injury during an interception return by Matt Milano in Week 2, causing him to miss two games. Phillips then dealt with a shoulder injury late in the season that caused him to miss three games, including the AFC Wild Card round against the Dolphins. He also missed 15 games due to injury in two seasons with Arizona in 2020 and 2021.’

‘With McDermott prepared to call the plays, he also said he doesn’t anticipate hiring anyone new to the staff at this point. The Bills currently have two former coordinators on staff, including senior defensive assistant Al Holcomb, who was hired shortly before Frazier’s departure and was most recently the interim defensive coordinator for Carolina. Defensive line coach Eric Washington was the defensive coordinator in Carolina in 2018 and 2019.’

‘When asked why Buffalo was his preferred destination, Edwards claimed excitement to play with Josh Allen, but his No. 1 reason was to reunite with Kromer. The 26-year-old fifth-round pick played right tackle at Wisconsin and has been primarily a guard in the NFL.’

‘“I know what this organization is about,” Harris said, “I know what this what this offense is about and I know what I can also bring to this offense, or I can bring to this team, not only as a player, but as a competitor and as somebody that just has a desire to win and just do whatever it takes to help this organization be successful.”’

‘Spending gobs of money in free agency has also proven to be fool’s gold. It might net a playoff appearance immediately, but the drop is quick. The Jaguars ranked in the top-10 in free agent spending from 2016-2022 and accumulated two playoff berths.’

‘Sherfield has 67 receptions for 844 yards and four touchdowns during his career and his 30 grabs for 417 yards and two touchdowns with Miami last year marked the best season of his time in the NFL.’

‘During his press conference Thursday, general manager Brandon Beane indicated a decision on McKenzie’s future with the team would be made in the coming days. Signing the 5-foot-6, 170-pound Harty gave the Bills two receivers with comparable statures, including McKenzie, who is 5-8, 173 pounds. Meanwhile, McKenzie also had a $250,000 roster bonus that was due Friday.’

‘Poyer said there were teams that were interested, but after discussing with his wife, he decided to make a decision based on what was going to make him happy long-term. Terms for Poyer’s two-year contract have not been released, but reports circulated that he didn’t receive bigger offers due to his age and there were nearly 20 other starting safeties on the market.’

‘“We’re trying to work our way out so we don’t have a tear-down,” Beane said. “… We want to be competitive every single year and some years you’re not going to be able to add a big-ticket item. I know that’s sexy to do that and we want as many talented players as we can get, but we have to be responsible because it will pile up.”’

‘Bringing Poyer back was thought to be a longshot, given his success and Buffalo’s salary cap woes. But NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe reported that Poyer “felt his age limited his interest” from other teams.’

‘Edmunds and the Bears agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract, which included $50 million guaranteed, according to multiple sources. The contract would make Edmunds the fourth-highest paid linebacker in NFL history.’

‘But Frazier faced scrutiny following the AFC Divisional round loss to the Bengals after 412 yards of total offense in the 27-10 loss. It came one season after the Bills blew a lead in the final 13 seconds against the Chiefs in the playoffs.’