Buffalo Plus Podcast: Bills Free Agent Play, Replacing Stars, and Diggs Drama

Date: March 11, 2023
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This episode dives deep into the Buffalo Bills’ critical free agency period, focusing on the futures of key defensive stars Tremaine Edmonds and Jordan Poyer, replacement strategies, and the team’s broader roster approach. The team provides behind-the-scenes insights, predictions for free agent moves, and discusses the rumors swirling around Stefon Diggs' social media activity. The tone is lively, candid, and occasionally playful, with the trio debating roster philosophy, the viability of splash signings, and navigating the changing dynamics of the AFC East.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Looming Free Agency & Star Departures

• Free agency is approaching (March 15), and the Bills did not place tags on Tremaine Edmonds or Jordan Poyer, making their future with the team uncertain.
• Poyer's Exit Is Expected:
  • “No big secret. Poyer’s gone and I think he signs quickly. I think he’s going to have a market and I think he signs and moves on.” — Mike (02:48)
• Edmonds: Uncertainty, but Not Final
  • Mike speculates Edmonds could hit free agency but might still return:
    “He may reach free agency, but I don’t think that guarantees that Tremaine Edmonds does not come back in a Bills uniform.” — Mike (03:36)
  • Dan expects Edmonds to leave, citing previous conversations where consensus was shifting.

2. Potential Replacements & Bridge Solutions

• Jenna proposes targeting veteran linebackers Bobby Wagner or Eric Kendricks as “bridges” for the role if Edmonds leaves:
  • “They would provide a bridge to whoever the next linebacker could be… doesn’t necessarily need to be an all-pro, but those are two guys that stand out to me.” — Jenna (04:08)
• Mike warns about the cost/benefit of high-priced veterans versus just paying to keep Edmonds:
  “If you start getting into bigger money for guys like that, then it’s less of a bridge and it’s more… we didn’t give Tremaine $12 million a year but gave Bobby Wagner two years at 24.” (07:17)

3. Defensive Philosophy Shift and the Need for Offensive Firepower

• Mike suggests the league is shifting to prioritize offense; only a few key defensive stops are truly necessary in big games:
  “To win big in the playoffs, sometimes you need two or three stops, which is crazy…but that’s kind of the way it’s gone.” — Mike (08:22)
• Focus should tilt toward arming Josh Allen with more weapons.

4. Case Study: Matt Milano Extension & Linebacker Value

• The panel draws parallels between Milano’s late extension and Edmonds’ situation while noting the context was different due to COVID’s cap impact.
  • Milano benefited from a reduced cap; Edmonds, being young and productive, will likely have more lucrative offers.

5. How Will the Bills Approach Free Agency?

• Mike expects a “no splash” period for Buffalo:
  • “I think the first 48 hours are going to be painful to Bill’s fans… underwhelming. Off. Lineman, role players, not household names.” — Mike (20:09)
• The Bills’ likely strategy: sign mid-tier free agents for depth rather than high-cost stars (20:44).
• Reiterates that last year Bean surprised with the Von Miller splash, but this feels different.

6. Running Back Talk—James Cook, Derrick Henry, B.J. Robinson

• The hosts debate whether Bills are truly all-in on James Cook or if adding another significant running back is likely, referencing prior pursuit of Christian McCaffrey.
  • Jenna: “If James Cook was ‘the guy,’ why’d they call about McCaffrey two months ago?” (22:25)
• Derrick Henry’s fit is questioned, with Jenna arguing his value comes with high usage Buffalo may not provide:
  • “Derrick Henry is great late in games…when he’s on his 26th, 27th, 28th touch. I no longer want Derrick Henry.” — Jenna (23:11)
• General consensus against using a first-rounder on a running back but open to B.J. Robinson due to his unique talent.

7. Rapid Fire: Bills In-House Free Agents

At (29:07), Mike reads through a list of current Bills free agents. Highlights include:

• Dane Jackson: Keep for corner depth (29:41)
• Cam Lewis: Mixed, but generally “No” (29:50)
• Jordan Phillips/Shaq Lawson: Split, with some expecting them to price out of Buffalo's plans (29:59)
• Jordan Poyer: Universally agreed to be gone (30:21)
• Devin Singletary: Mike is adamant he’s leaving (“He’s gone!” 27:38), others suggest if the price is right maybe returns.
• Jamison Crowder, Jake Kumerow: Likely gone or moves within division.

8. AFC East Shuffle and Quarterback Rumors

• Discussion shifts to big-picture AFC East dynamics (34:11):
  • Dolphins committed to Tua; Patriots potentially moving Mac Jones
  • “Would be more worried if the Jets got Lamar [Jackson], as opposed to Aaron Rodgers.” — Mike (34:47)
  • Hosts predict Rodgers ultimately lands with Jets, but acknowledge the ripple effect for all AFC East teams.

9. Draft Strategy and Trading Picks

• Jenna voices openness to trading the first-round pick for an immediate impact player, especially at receiver (36:19).
• Mike reminds that trading a first for Diggs was their “splash,” but getting a WR on a rookie deal could be desirable (37:02).

10. Stefon Diggs Drama: Real or Just Social Media?

• The hosts address the “Diggs drama” (37:44) over his cryptic social media and unfollowing team accounts.
  • Dan: “I feel like it drums up a lot of attention for his brand.”
  • Jenna recalls Diggs previously trolling reporters about reading into his posts.
• All confidently assert Diggs isn’t going anywhere:
  • “He’s not going anywhere. I just wish… enough of it. He’s not.” — Mike (39:47)
  • Mike clarifies dead cap is only “real” when trying to trade major stars after mega-extensions (40:08).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On the uncertainty of key Bills leaving:
  “This is a different one…Tremaine Edmonds, we make the jokes about his age, but he’s going into his second contract. That’s not normally the guys you let walk.” — Mike (10:44)

• Jenna challenging the “fear” of losing Edmonds:
  “I think we’re romanticizing a little bit of Tremaine Edmonds…he hasn’t had that big, big game. He’s good, but is he great?” — Jenna (13:07, 17:25)

• On Bean’s possible free agent approach:
  “He told us last year; no splashes. Then he came up with a billion dollars for Von Miller. But I do think it's a no-splashes year in free agency.” — Mike (21:19)

• On Diggs drama:
  “He’s not going anywhere. Salary cap’s not real when you’re signing somebody. Once you try to trade them and take a $40 million dead cap hit? Now it’s real.” — Mike (39:47, 40:08)

• Playful banter about scones versus muffins (41:32 onwards):

  • Dan on Mike’s scone: “Incredible. Elite.”
  • Jenna: “That’s what I got the one time before we… Jenna gets scones, I got an apple.”
  • Lighthearted discussion about preferences, quality, and Mike touting his family scone recipe.

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | | ------- | --------- | | Free Agency Crunch Time & No Tags | 02:43 | | Edmonds and Poyer Departures | 02:48–04:10 | | Potential MLB Replacements | 04:08–07:01 | | Milano Contract Parallel | 05:22–07:01 | | Defensive Shifts & Offensive Prioirty | 08:22–09:20 | | Edmonds' Value, Age, and Impact | 10:44–13:07 | | Bean's Free Agency Strategy | 20:44–21:19 | | RB Room & Derrick Henry Debate | 22:16–23:28 | | Bills’ Own Free Agents (Rapid Fire) | 29:07–33:17 | | AFC East QB Carousel | 34:11–36:19 | | Draft/Trade Philosophy | 36:19–37:20 | | Diggs Social Media Drama | 37:44–40:08 | | Scone vs Muffin Banter | 41:17–42:33 |

Final Thoughts

This episode provides a comprehensive, realistic look at the 2023 Buffalo Bills’ roster construction process, with thoughtful analysis of free agent risk, opportunities for improvement, and the ecological pressures of the modern AFC East. The hosts strike a balance between insider knowledge and fan-centric discussion, peppered with humor and honest takes. For listeners invested in Buffalo’s direction—or the NFL free agency period in general—this episode is invaluable for its granular detail, tempered optimism, and clear-eyed assessment of the business of football.