Despite an expectation that the relationship between the Buffalo Bills and Jordan Poyer was set to end this month after six seasons, it seems that the star safety wasn’t thrilled with what was available in NFL free agency and is set to return to the “Bills Mafia” in 2023.
This was always going to be an interesting off-season for the Buffalo Bills. The team had serious championship aspirations in 2022 and fell well short of those goals during a highly emotional season for the team. However, after investing so much financially this past season, they were expected to be limited in their salary cap flexibility this offseason.
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That is why most assumed they would lose a couple of their top defensive stars in NFL free agency this month. On the second day of legal tampering the Buffalo Bills lost stud linebacker Tremaine Edmunds to the Chicago Bears. It was then expected by many NFL observers that star safety Jordan Poyer would be next. Especially since he made comments last month where he seemed ready to play elsewhere.
Buffalo Bills record (2022): 13-3, first-place in AFC East
However, that surprisingly won’t be the case, as NFL Network league insider Ian Rapoport broke the news on Wednesday that Poyer will not be taking his talents to another organization this year.
“Sources say, Jordan Poyer, one of the top safeties on the free agent market and someone who has been a linchpin on that Bills defense for the past several years is expected to sign back in Buffalo. This is not done yet, but it is expected to be finalized. The choice has been made. For Jordan Poyer, he explored the market, took a look at several opportunities but the pull of being back in Buffalo, all they have done, and all the he wants to do, it all pulled deep on his heartstrings. A free agent I think many thought they would lose, they are now keeping.”
– Ian Rappoport
That has to be a major relief for Buffalo Bills fans, as they now won’t lose a two-time Pro Bowler and anchor of their defense, as was expected.
- Jordan Poyer stats (2022): 63 tackles, 4 interceptions, 8 passes defended
The financial terms of the deal are unclear at this time after ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported the new contract will be for two years, but they are likely to be notable and make Poyer one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL, after all, is said and done.