ESPN explored every NFL teams’ respective best and worst free-agent signings over the past five years. For Buffalo, it’s two familiar faces on the starting defensive unit.
The world-wide leader named safety Jordan Poyer as the team’s best free-agent signing during this period. Poyer, who stepped in a took command of the free safety spot for the Bills, ultimately has been part of arguably the best safety duo in the league with Micah Hyde.
In three seasons in Buffalo, Poyer has recorded 302 tackles and 11 interceptions. He’s also added six sacks and 17 tackles for loss as well.
ESPN highlights:
You also could make an argument for fellow safety Micah Hyde, but the production Buffalo has gotten from Poyer far exceeds the bargain contract he signed in 2017 (four years, $12.5 million).
https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1208501874124558336
On the flip side, defensive tackle Star Loutlelei was named the team’s worst signing during this time. This has less to do with the play of the one-tech, as he has ultimately done the job that he was brought to do in Western New York–he’s here to manage double-teams and allow space for teammates to find gaps in the opponent’s offensive line. However, it’s the amount of money that he commands that is the issue with this signing:
Both general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott will insist Lotulelei is more valuable than he gets credit for — and they’re probably right. But they also essentially admitted their error in giving him a five-year, $50 million contract in 2018 by restructuring his deal this offseason. Lotulelei is a space-eater who makes life easier for his teammates, but that alone is probably not worth $10 million per year.
Lotulelei has started every game in two years in a Buffalo uniform. He has 36 total tackles, two sacks, and a shocking interception during his time as a Bill.
Former Bingham High and @Utah_Football defensive lineman Star Lotulelei with his first NFL career interception! pic.twitter.com/yXviwfWkHM
— Dana Greene (@dana_greene) November 28, 2019
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