Orchard Park, N.Y. -- Defensive back was viewed as a position of need for the Buffalo Bills, and they addressed that need within an hour of free agency opening by signing former Packers safety Micah Hyde and former Browns safety Jordan Poyer.
Hyde is the higher profile of the two signings and his $30 million contract with $14 million guaranteed reflects that. However, Poyer will have a chance to contribute to the Bills in 2017 as well.
Here's what to know about him.
He's versatile
Poyer was an All-American cornerback at Oregon State but has since moved to safety in the NFL. That versatility is important in Sean McDermott's coverage scheme. Poyer can play multiple positions in the secondary, something the Bills could use after losing Stephon Gilmore, Aaron Williams and Nickell Robey-Coleman this week.
He ended last season in IR
Poyer's final season in Cleveland was cut short due to a lacerated kidney he suffered against the Tennessee Titans on this dirty hit.
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That's a tough injury to bounce back from. He started all six games before the injury, however.
He can play special teams
Poyer has experience playing on special teams as a gunner and as a return man. He returned punts for Cleveland at the end of the 2013 season and was among the Browns' leaders in special teams tackles in 2013, 2014 and 2015.
He fills a need
The Bills got awfully thin at defensive back in a matter of days losing Aaron Williams, Nickell-Robey Coleman and Stephon Gilmore. Poyer, along with Hyde, helps ease the blow a bit. This signing points to the value McDermott is putting on versatility in the secondary.
He was recruited as a two-sport athlete
Oregon State originally recruited Poyer to play both baseball and football. His early success on the football field caused him to focus all of his attention on that sport, and it paid off. He made it to a second NFL contract.
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