‘Finalizing an extension a year before a player is set to hit free agency says an awful lot. Players want the money. But they also want respect and feel appreciated. And that’s why they are often willing to take less to get the deal done earlier.’
Archives for March 2025
Ex-Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht reportedly agrees to deal with Bills
‘Hoecht, 27, had been a veteran presence for a Rams edge rushing group that included NFL defensive rookie of the year Jared Verse and Byron Young. He was a leader of a defense that also included linemen Kobie Turner and Braden Fiske.’
Bills reach deals WR Joshua Palmer and DL Michael Hoecht, AP sources say
‘Palmer, who spent his first four seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers, agreed to a three-year, $36 million contract, two people said. Hoecht, who spent his first four seasons with the Rams, agreed to a three-year $24 million deal, a third person said. The people spoke to the AP on the condition of anonymity because the agreements aren’t official until the NFL’s business year opens on Wednesday.’
Sources: Bills, WR Joshua Palmer reach 3-year, $36M deal
‘Adding Palmer brings a new outside receiver to the Bills offense with two of the team’s receivers –Mack Hollins and Amari Cooper — set to become free agents Wednesday. The team has also recently signed slot receiver Khalil Shakir, who had one year left on his contract, to a four-year extension.’
2025 NFL free agency: Bills, veteran WR Josh Palmer agree to three-year, $36 million deal, per report
‘In 2024, Palmer caught 39 passes for 584 yards and one touchdown. He came to L.A. as a third-round pick out of the University of Tennessee in 2021, and has caught 182 passes for 2,287 yards and 10 touchdowns in four NFL seasons. Palmer’s best campaign statistically came in 2022, when he caught 72 passes for 769 yards and three touchdowns.’
Why Bills QB Josh Allen’s new contract puts pressure on Patrick Mahomes
‘But here’s what the Bills have been dealing with at a macro level. As Allen’s contract takes up more space in the cap, the Bills have fewer opportunities to fill out the roster. So Buffalo’s team was short on talent this year. Now, that actually helped Allen win the MVP honor. Quarterback Lamar Jackson had the better stats. Allen, however, had more to overcome, with six of his team’s starters departing by trade, cuts or free agency from 2023. The idea — with this new contract — might be that Allen is forgoing his earnings to help his team build a deeper roster.’
Bills Agree to Deal With Josh Palmer to Boost Receiving Corps for Josh Allen
‘Palmer, 25, caught 39 passes for 584 yards for the Chargers in 2024. He was selected by the team in the 2021 NFL draft and seemed on the verge of breaking out with Justin Herbert after a great 2022 season in which he caught 72 passes for 769 yards.’
Takeaways: Inside the Josh Allen and Maxx Crosby Deals
‘But the reality, again, is if Allen keeps playing at the level he is, then this will all likely be revisited again after four years, with $220 million in the bank, and another raise coming.’
Bills Agree to Three-Year Deal With Former Rams LB Michael Hoecht
‘Hoecht has spent all four of his NFL seasons with the Los Angeles Rams. He signed as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and spent the year on the team’s practice squad. He made the roster for his second season in 2021 and has played in every game since, making 31 starts in 68 appearances.’
Patriots Agree to Add Former Bills Receiver Mack Hollins on Two-Year Deal
‘Hollins is known best for appearing to game days wearing fun and quirky outfits, and, of course, for always being barefoot. Luckily for him, he’s staying in cold conditions in New England, so his fun pregame outfits probably won’t change much in 2025.’
Bills land big-play receiver for Josh Allen in $36 million deal
‘The Bills have agreed to terms with wide receiver Joshua Palmer on a three-year, $36 million deal. Palmer spent the first four years of his career catching passes from Justin Herbert with the Los Angeles Chargers. His best season came in 2022, catching 72 passes for 769 yards and six scores. Across four seasons with the Chargers , Palmer has caught 182 passes and 10 touchdowns.’
Bills add Super Bowl champion defensive tackle to middle of defensive line
‘Buffalo has agreed to terms with former Los Angeles Rams outside linebacker Michael Hoecht. The Brown product helped the Rams win a Super Bowl in 2021 as an undrafted rookie, and he has been a focal point of the Rams’ defensive front over the last four seasons. In that span, Hoecht never missed a game and was one of the top run-stopping edge rushers in the NFL.’
Bills lose fan-favorite touchdown leader to AFC East rival
‘Mack Hollins has agreed to a two-year deal with the New England Patriots, per Mike Garafolo. The deal maxes out at a potential $10.4 million. Hollins became very popular very quickly in Buffalo with his free spirit personality, starting in training camp when he revealed he doesn’t wear shoes. Teammates very quickly adapted that to their own lives around the facility, walking around without shoes on.’
Opinion: What do the Bills need?
‘The 2024 group of wide receivers was good, but good isn’t enough when you’re trying to win a Super Bowl.’
Opinion: Capaccio: 2025 State of the Bills: safety
‘This is a spot the Bills will need to address this offseason, at least for depth purposes, but maybe even more if they aren’t totally confident in Cole Bishop being a full-time starter next season.’