Niagara Gazette

‘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.’

‘Details on how the contract is structured hasn’t been released, but Allen was previously slated to rank 14th in annual average value. Now his $55 million-per-year average is tied for second with Cincinnati’s Joe Burrow, Jacksonville’s Trevor Lawrence and Green Bay’s Jordan Love, trailing only Dallas’ Dak Prescott ($60 million).’

‘Rousseau has been a menace in run defense over the last two seasons, developing into one of the best defensive ends in the league in that area. His 46 tackles for a loss since 2022 ranks 15th among all players and 11th among edge rushers. He has also affected the quarterback without getting sacks, ranking second in the NFL last with three turnovers caused by pressure, per NFL Next Gen Stats. But the Bills need him to bring the quarterback down more consistently. Because while he was tied for ninth in tackles for a loss, Rousseau was 27th in the league in sacks.’

‘Bernard was entering the final year of his rookie contract and it never seemed likely the Bills would let one of two team captains (along with Josh Allen) hit the open market.’

‘The Buffalo Bills have some holes to fill, particularly on defense and are expected to be active in free agency. It’s not a deep free agent class and many of the top cornerbacks are aging.’

‘The Bills are currently projected to be $9.731 million over the 2025 salary cap, according to OverTheCap.com. It’s not a massive number it was a year ago, though, and the Bills can easily get under the cap and have enough money to spend in free agency.’

‘The wrist injury shouldn’t be a lingering issue and Cooper showed his legs still have some juice. Free agency and the draft aren’t deep at receiver, so unless the Bills can swing a trade for someone like DK Metcalf, Cooper is a solid option.’

‘Sean McDermott has always been ahead of the curve in secondary play, long before he became the Buffalo Bills’ head coach.’

‘Greg Rousseau had three sacks and a forced fumble in a season-opening win against the Arizona Cardinals. After flickering for three seasons, it was the type of performance that would indicate the light was about to stay on.’

‘Beane was part of two Super Bowl teams in Carolina that had hulking defensive lines. The 2003 Panthers featured Kris Jenkins (335 pounds) and Brentson Buckner (335), while the 2015 squad had Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei, both of whom were 315.’

‘The NFL Players Association polled 1,695 players to provide information about their current teams. Players are asked to vote on nine categories — family treatment, cafeteria, nutritionists/dieticians, locker room, training room, training staff, weight room, strength coaches, team travel, head coach and owner.’

‘While the Buffalo Bills brass is getting to know their next potential crop of players, they locked up one they already have.’

‘Being good is no longer enough for many people. A Super Bowl is the only thing that can quench their thirst.’

‘The Buffalo Bills simply weren’t up to par on special teams. Sean McDermott was adamant about keeping the team’s special teams coordinator, Matthew Smiley, four days after the season ended.’

‘Sean McDermott is in Indianapolis to scout the next crop of players to enter the NFL. But his week started by discussing prospective rule changes.’