‘“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.”’
Niagara Gazette
Jordan Phillips re-signs with Bills for one 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.’
Sean McDermott expecting to be Bills defensive play-caller in 2023
‘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.’
Bills sign David Edwards to add depth at guard and Super Bowl experience
‘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.’
Bills beef up backfield with ex-Patriots running back Damien Harris
‘“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.”’
Sabato: Bills are smart not to succumb to temptations of free agent spending sprees
‘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.’
Bills add to receiver depth by adding Trent Sherfield
‘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.’
Bills release Isaiah McKenzie after five seasons
‘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.’
Jordan Poyer picked Buffalo because it was the place that made him happiest
‘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.’
Beane: Bills aren’t done with moves, but won’t be big spenders
‘“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.”’
Bills re-sign Pro Bowler Jordan Poyer on a two-year deal
‘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.’
Bills lose Tremaine Edmunds, bolster offensive line on first day of free agency
‘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.’
Leslie Frazier steps away as Bills defensive coordinator, plans to return in 2024
‘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.’
Sabato: Conference championship games make clear where the Bills need to invest
‘Both conference championship games had two defining traits: quarterback play matters and protecting and harassing that quarterback is imperative.’
Sabato: Where do the Bills look after postseason flameout?
‘Because the Bills have nine players set to make at least $10 million next year — including Josh Allen’s $39.7 million cap hit — it seems unlikely they will be able to retain Tremaine Edmunds and Jordan Poyer. Edmunds is likely the best option long-term, but he’s going to command significantly more on the open market than Poyer due to age and injury.’