‘Edmunds has had 100-plus tackles in each of his five seasons with the Bills. In 2022, he logged 102 tackles, six tackles for loss, seven pass breakups and an interception. His ability to cover space, with a 6-foot-5, 253-pound frame and 83-inch wingspan, has been a big asset to the Bills’ defense.’
BillsBeat - March 14, 2023
Ryan O'Halloran: Bills enter New Normal of more needs than money, putting focus on GM Brandon Beane
‘Now, the economics of the Bills’ situation: Their cap was top heavy as of Monday afternoon – 11 players with hits of at least $8.5 million. (More re-structures are in the offing before Wednesday’s market opening.) Beane has to improve a roster last seen getting run off the field by Cincinnati knowing he has little spending/trading flexibility.’
Report: Buffalo Bills agree to terms with guard Connor McGovern
‘McGovern, 25, is a Pennsylvania native who played at Penn State. The Cowboys got creative with him in 2021, lining him up as a fullback and tight end, as well. Even within the offensive line, he brings a position flexibility that the Bills value. In college, he started 9 of 13 games as a true freshman at right guard. Then, he moved to center for his sophomore season. Junior year, he spent the bulk of his time at right guard again.’
Buffalo Bills re-sign Sam Martin and Tyler Matakevich
‘Matakevich is entering his seventh year in the league and his third with the Bills. His play on special teams earned him a team-captain nod in 2021 and 2022. In 2021, he led the Bills in special-teams tackles, with 13. Last season, he had six. His 75 special teams tackles since 2016, when he entered the league with Pittsburgh, are the most by any player in the NFL over that stretch.’
Buffalo Bills will be back in the backup QB market; Case Keenum reportedly agrees to deal with Texans
‘Keenum will depart having played just one season for the Bills after being acquired in a trade last year with the Cleveland Browns. The 35-year-old appeared in just two games for the Bills, going 2 of 7 for 8 yards.’
Buffalo Bills re-sign cornerback Cam Lewis to one-year contract
‘Given the Bills’ lack of depth at that position, and the possibility they could lose Jordan Poyer in free agency, it was a priority to retain a player with knowledge of the defensive scheme. It is also unknown whether Damar Hamlin will be able to resume his playing career – another reason retaining Lewis, who was set to become a restricted free agent, was a priority.’
Maybe Jordan Poyer has a point: If you think your taxes are complicated, try being a pro athlete
‘For athletes earning millions of dollars a year, the difference between a high-tax state, such as New York, and one such as Florida, where there is no state income tax, can add up to hundreds of thousands of dollars over the course of a deal. For really high earners, that type of savings can occur annually.’
NFL free agency 2023: Buffalo Bills gain lineman, lose linebacker on Day 1
‘It was clear that the price tag for a player like Edmunds, a five-year starter who will still only be 25 years old during the 2023 season, was going to be too much for Buffalo. Beane had warned at the NFL Scouting Combine that fans should not expect a big-ticket signing – or in this case, re-signing – because the team has salary cap constraints this year, and next year, too.’
Buffalo Bills re-sign punter Sam Martin, special teams ace Tyler Matakevich before free agency
‘The Bills signed punter Sam Martin to a three-year deal reportedly worth up to $7.5 million, according to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The contract includes $4.1 million in guaranteed money. The Bills announced that they’ve inked special teams captain Tyler Matakevich to a new one-year deal.’
Buffalo Bills agree to terms with 25-year-old Cowboys offensive lineman Connor McGovern on 3-year deal (report)
‘The Bills agreed to terms on a three-year contract with former Dallas Cowboys guard Connor McGovern, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The deal is worth $23 million over the three seasons, meaning Buffalo found somewhat of a bargain considering some of the other reported deals for interior offensive linemen on Monday.’
Who is Connor McGovern? Bills’ new OL reunites with Ryan Bates in Buffalo (4 things to know)
‘McGovern did not play as a rookie due to a torn pectoral, but has played over 2,000 career snaps in Dallas. During that time, McGovern has only been flagged two times in his career. Last season, McGovern was not flagged once despite starting 15 games.’
Is Bills’ James Cook eyeing a shared backfield with his brother Dalvin Cook?
‘James Cook took to Twitter Monday night to endorse the idea of sharing touches with his brother Dalvin, sending Bills Twitter into a frenzy.’
Buffalo Bills reportedly lose Tremaine Edmunds to Bears: Here’s what Chicago paid free agent LB
‘The Bills picked up Edmunds’ fifth-year option after the draft last year and the two sides weren’t able to land on an extension before or after last season. Bills general manager Brandon Beane said last month that it was hard to discuss the likelihood of Edmunds returning to the team because he had to get a feel for his market.’
Bills lose LB Edmunds to Bears, QB Keenum to Texans, sign G McGovern, announce new contracts for special teamers
‘The Bills did not make a big splash, but there was plenty to report upon the opening of the legal tampering period that precedes the official start of NFL free agency on Wednesday.’
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.’