A bit of a tough one to swallow for Buffalo Bills fans came early on in this year’s free agency window.
As the “tampering period” opened this week, it was revealed that defensive tackle Harrison Phillips would be leaving the Buffalo Bills. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the fan favorite is expected to sign with the Minnesota Vikings.
Per reports including Vikings Wire, Phillips has landed a three-year deal worth $19.5 million.
While the deal has been agreed upon, it’s not officially going to be signed until Wednesday at 4 p.m. The same goes for incoming signings in Buffalo as well.
Earlier on Monday, the Bills reportedly agreed to terms with former Washington Commanders defensive tackle Tim Settle. Buffalo went on to also add former Carolina Panthers defesive tackle DaQuan Jones.
Evidently there was not room for all three players on the Bills’ defensive line.
Previously the Bills expressed a desire to re-sign Phillips, but it appears a dollar amount could not be agreed upon.
Phillips, 26, had a breakout season in 2021. However, injuries were also factoring into the equation as Phillips spent a chunk of his tenure in Buffalo sidelined.
Interestingly, Vikings Wire reports that Minnesota will switch from a 4-3 to 3-4 base defense next season.
Phillips has exclusively worked in a 4-3 scheme during his time in Buffalo.
Phillips originally was a third-round pick of the Bills in 2018.
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