Two Bills Drive

'In establishing a rapport with Taylor the past two months, McDermott said he was impressed by the quarterback's character and work ethic.'

'Suitors were lining up for Taylor, including the New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and possibly the Chicago Bears, but the Bills re-opened negotiations with their starter this week with the aim of keeping him long-term.'

'The Bills front office's faith in Taylor appeared to erode last season, when several of his passing statistics declined from their 2015 levels amid injuries to Sammy Watkins and several other of the team's receivers. After firing Ryan, the Bills chose to deactivate Taylor for their regular-season finale in order to avoid paying him his $27.5 million salary in 2017 that would be guaranteed if he suffered a serious injury.'

'With the quarterback class limited, it made sense to keep Taylor. I don’t think he will ever be a star, but is he a better option than taking a passer in the first round? Yes. Would you rather have him or Tampa Bay’s Mike Glennon or Brian Hoyer or any of the other quarterbacks on the market?'

'The Bills had an option that they could have picked up, guaranteeing Taylor $30.75 million in the next two years. They were understandably reluctant to do so, which is what led to this restructured deal.'

'Schmidt was scheduled to become a restricted free agent Thursday. He has been with the team since 2014, signed as an undrafted free agent out of UC-Davis.'

'Goodwin was the Bills 3rd round pick back in 2013. The former Olympian's NFL career never reached it's full potential with the Bills due to injuries. He missed 24 games in his first three seasons.'

'The Bills have made it official. They are keeping Tyrod Taylor.'

'Juszczyk is an athletic fullback who was originally drafted in the fourth round in 2013 by Baltimore. He’s considered a good blocker, but his real value is in his versatility. The 6-2, 248 pounder has caught 97 passes over the last three seasons. Although he has only seven rushing attempts in his career, the Harvard product is also a major special teams contributor. Last year, Juszczyk earned 1st-Team All Pro honors and an invite to the Pro Bowl after catching 37 passes for 266 yards.'

'Well, it was clear early on in the process for Tyrod and our relationship that – that was one of the first things that we discussed, was that. We want guys who want to be here and so we got that out of the way very early on in the process. He made it very clear that he was definitely interested in being a Buffalo Bill.'

'The Bills had until Saturday at 4:00 pm to make the final decision, before Taylor's option kicked into gear.'

'Juszczyk, although listed at fullback, is a hybrid at the position, and can also play tight end. With Felton being a free agent and Nick O'Leary serving as the current second tight end, there is a crying need at both positions, and Juszczyk fills both of them.'

'Ducasse worked with Bills offensive line coach Juan Castillo last year in Baltimore and could even be a candidate to play right tackle for Buffalo in 2017. The Bills have yet to announce that move, either.'

'Tolbert comes to Buffalo after spending the past five seasons with the Carolina Panthers. A 5-9, 250-pound Coastal Carolina product, Tolbert originally entered the league in 2008 with the San Diego Chargers. Tolbert has appeared in 131 games, starting 44, while compiling 630 carries for 2,402 yards and 33 rushing touchdowns to go along with 203 catches for 1,783 yards and 12 touchdowns receiving.'

'“We’ve had some very good productive, healthy conversations and he’s been first class the whole way,” said McDermott. “This thing shaped up the right way.”'