Buffalo Plus Podcast — "Bills get READY for FREE AGENCY: Players to Let Walk, Players to Sign & Will Cook get PAID?"

Date: March 5, 2025 | Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fates

Episode Overview

With NFL free agency less than a week away, the Buffalo Plus team (Mike, Jenna, Dan) delivers an in-depth, energetic discussion on the Buffalo Bills' offseason priorities. The episode dives into which Bills free agents might return (and which might walk), contract dynamics, the market for James Cook, and whether this is the year GM Brandon Beane makes a big splash. The group also offers insights based on their own Combine conversations and peer into the changing contract market for running backs. As always, the tone is candid, sharp, and full of locker-room banter.

Key Discussion Points & Analysis

1. The Bills' Free Agency Landscape

[01:36 - 02:51]

• Fewer ‘Must Sign’ Free Agents: The Bills don’t have a huge crop of core players set to hit free agency, “not like it has been other times,” as Mike notes. The focus is on selectively bringing back veterans if possible, and managing the salary cap.
• Salary Cap Maneuvering: The crew emphasizes how teams can “swipe a pen and poof,” a la the Cowboys, to generate cap space. All agree that while tight, the cap isn’t a real constraint for creative front offices.
  • Quote: “It’s crazy how that salary cap— it’s almost like it’s not real.” — Dan Fates, [03:15]

2. RB Room: Ty Johnson vs. James Cook and the Value Question

[03:33 - 10:53]

• Ty Johnson’s Role: Ty’s value as a third-down back is unique; he’s a pass-protector and reliable target for Josh Allen. The hosts debate if the Bills will re-sign him and what that implies for James Cook’s status as a ‘three-down back.’
  • Notable Quote: “I look at the running back room. James Cook’s wanting to be paid like a three-down back… but he doesn’t play on third downs. That’s been Ty Johnson’s role. If they invest in Ty, that means they still don’t see James as that guy.” — Dan Fates, [03:48]
• Cook’s Market and Ceiling: The recent Saquon Barkley deal ($20 million/year) is discussed as a new benchmark, with questions if/when Cook deserves a raise.
  • Quote: “When you’re asking for Christian McCaffrey money, you gotta be doing all of the things those guys do.” — Dan Fates, [05:13]
• Market Effects: Everyone agrees the running back and WR markets are “cyclical” but can reset quickly based on a few top end contracts.

3. Defensive Free Agents: Rasul Douglas, Demar Hamlin & Others

[10:54 - 17:13]

• Rasool Douglas: Likely to test the market first, could return if the price is right. The group jokes about Douglas being so chill he “wasn’t sure if he was in his contract year.” [12:00]
• Demar Hamlin: Consensus is he’s likely gone, with Pittsburgh a predicted landing spot.
  • Quote: “I think he will get… interest around the league. He’s a tackling machine, but ideally, he’s a third safety.” — Mike Catalana, [14:00]
• The “Bills Value” Factor: Some players are more valuable to Buffalo based on scheme and trust (e.g., Ty Johnson, Khalil Shakir), leading to differing value league-wide.

4. Re-Sign Priorities: Mack Hollins, Depth Guys, and Market Timing

[17:13 - 19:13]

• Mack Hollins: All expect him to be back unless another team pays him more than the Bills will (consensus is low surprise if he’s re-signed).
• Special Teamers & Role Players: These signings (Dawuane Smoot, Austin Johnson) often happen after bigger moves.

5. Big Names: Why Not Davante Adams?

[19:19 - 23:31]

• Davante Adams: The crew agrees that while talented, Adams isn’t the right fit for Josh Allen or what Buffalo wants, especially given age/style.
• Vibe & Culture Fit: Buffalo’s established “culture” makes it choosy on high-profile or potentially disruptive additions.
• Tyreek Hill—‘Would It Ever Happen?’ Quick consensus: no, but “wouldn’t it be fun” to see Allen throwing deep to a true burner?

6. Contract Philosophy & “Smart, Tough, Dependable” Players

[24:24 - 28:41]

• Khalil Shakir’s Extension: Viewed as a model move—the “floor is set” and his ceiling remains high. Shakir praised as “smart, tough, dependable,” the new BillS litmus test.
  • Quote: “Smart, tough, dependable. When you have him in the WR room… Josh clearly already has a connection.” — Jenna Cottrell, [25:24]
• Applying the ‘Test’ Across the Roster: The group riff on which players meet this metric and its importance to the Bills’ identity.

7. Free Agency: Position Upgrades and Spot Starters

[29:00 - 31:46]

• Upgrade Mentality: If the Bills can get better, they should. AJ Epenesa and DaQuan Jones are named as guys who contributed but are no longer top priorities.
• Stopgaps and Vets: Discussion on whether aging vets like Darius Slay are worth adding for a ‘one-year’ spot start. Mike says Slay can still play but likely wants to finish in Detroit.

8. Insider Nuggets & “Credit to Me” Segment

[32:07 - 38:28]

• Combine Insights: Mike hints at inside info—implies Bills might make a big splash this offseason, perhaps targeting “a Miles Garrett type.”
  • Quote: “Their plan is to make a splash this year… Last year they ate their vegetables, this year they’re going for the steak.” — Mike Catalana, [37:42]
• Embracing Change of Opinion: Mike owns his “evolved” stance on aggressiveness after discussions at the Combine.

9. Offbeat: Travel Tales, Podcast Shoutouts & Flight Anxiety

[39:00 - End]

• Travel Banter: Dan’s escalating flight anxiety gets a comedic treatment, including Southwest boarding chaos, turbulence stories, and gratitude for pilots.
• Listener Shoutouts: Jack at the gym, Wegmans guy—listeners are appreciated wherever the crew goes.
• Buffalo Plus Pride: The podcast is “once a Top 10” show, Diana Russini is a self-professed viewer/fan.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• “It’s crazy how that salary cap— it’s almost like it’s not real.” — Dan Fates [03:15]
• “If you’re going to pay one guy to be the guy, you’re not going to pay another guy a decent amount of money.” — Jenna Cottrell [04:58]
• “Saquon deserves that money... But I just don’t think everybody should be raised with Saquon’s value.” — Dan Fates [09:53]
• “I look at guys like Ty, and then I look at guys like Rasul. I think they like Rasul Douglas, but… let’s see, he’ll go see what’s out there…” — Mike Catalana [10:54]
• “I think [Demar Hamlin] will have interest around the league. He’s a tackling machine… ideally a third safety.” — Mike Catalana [14:00]
• “Shakir… smart, tough, dependable. And what he’s been able to do… now we know where the floor is, how high can the ceiling go?” — Jenna Cottrell [25:24]
• “Their plan is to make a splash this year… They ate their vegetables last year. This year, they’re going for the steak, medium rare plus — and they’re going to make the effort.” — Mike Catalana [37:42]

Timestamps for Main Segments

• 02:00-04:00: Addressing Bills’ free agent priorities and cap strategies
• 04:00-10:50: In-depth on RBs (Johnson, Cook) and the effects of league contracts
• 10:54-15:15: Defensive free agents: Rasul Douglas, Demar Hamlin
• 17:00-19:10: Mack Hollins and the “Bills value” proposition
• 19:19-23:31: Debating big name adds: Adams, Tyreek Hill
• 24:24-28:41: Smart, tough, dependable—the new Bills bar?
• 29:01-31:46: Approaching upgrades, spot starters, Darius Slay’s prospects
• 32:07-38:28: Combine takeaway, “Credit to Me,” and splash predictions
• 39:00-end: Flight stories, listener shoutouts, podcast pride

Final Thoughts

This episode delivers classic Buffalo Plus: thorough Bills analysis, scoops and speculation, and authentic chemistry. For fans looking forward to the offseason, it’s a must-listen—full of realistic options, insider hints, and honest takes on what it means to “be a Bill” as free agency approaches.