Buffalo Plus Podcast — Episode Summary

Episode Title: Bills Replacing Edmunds and Slow Start to Free Agency
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes
Published: March 14, 2023

Main Theme & Purpose

This episode dives into the Buffalo Bills' decision not to retain linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, analyzing the reasons behind his departure to the Chicago Bears and the team's approach to replacing him. The hosts also discuss the significance of Edmunds' contract, how his absence impacts the defense, and what the Bills’ strategy appears to be in free agency—especially given a relatively slow start. Additional topics include off-season roster moves, the state of the AFC East, and reactions to other notable transactions (including speculation about quarterback Aaron Rodgers).

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Tremaine Edmunds’ Departure & Implications

• Why Edmunds Left

• The hosts agree Edmunds’ excellent play—particularly in his contract year—effectively priced him out of Buffalo’s reach.

• Dan Fetes points out he predicted this early, suggesting the team hoped Edmunds would play so well he’d price himself out, making the decision easier for management (01:33, 04:14).

  “I said, I think the Bills hope that he plays so well that he prices them out of their pocket and makes it an easier decision.”
  — Dan Fetes (01:38)

• The Bears' Big Bet

• The contract: 4 years, $72M with $50M guaranteed. Mike notes that's a massive investment from Chicago, given their current rebuilding phase and having cap flexibility with a quarterback on a rookie deal (03:09–04:14).

• Edmunds’ Value

• The hosts all respect Edmunds as a "good football player," but stress he is not irreplaceable—highlighting his strengths (athleticism, age, consistency) and weaknesses (questionable instincts, lack of big-impact plays) (04:14–05:17).

  “If fans of the Bears are waiting for him to come in with 10 sacks and three picks, that’s not the guy they’re getting.”
  — Mike Catalana (03:23)

• Jenna calls him "really great," but acknowledges the Bills “just were priced out” and the organization wasn't going to spend $18M/year on his position (06:04).

• Calculated Risk by Buffalo

• The team’s approach of delaying an extension is identified as a gamble—if he played poorly, they move on; if great, he becomes unaffordable (07:46, Dan expands more on the team’s pattern with contracts, likening it to Ed Oliver and Jordan Poyer’s situations).

  “The fact that there’s not a deal done with Ed Oliver right now speaks volumes.”
  — Dan Fetes (08:10)

• Salary Cap Strategy

• The hosts interpret the Bills’ moves (e.g., Milano’s extension) as a clear signal they are reallocating resources toward offense (11:09).
• “We’re not going to be as good at linebacker, likely... but we’re going to score more points and that offense is going to be better and our best player is quarterback. So let’s go spend it on somebody that can help the quarterback.”
  — Mike Catalana (11:33)

2. Who Replaces Edmunds?

• Terrel Bernard as Next Man Up?

• Dan predicted Bernard would be the new starter but admits, “I don’t know if I like it,” citing lack of experience and a need for more physicality. The hosts agree a veteran addition (possibly a “bridge” linebacker) is necessary alongside Bernard (07:33, 16:39).

• Competition & Depth

• Tyrel Dodson is mentioned as another internal option, along with the likelihood of adding another vet or two, possibly on short-term deals (17:38).

• Defensive Adjustments

• Discussion on whether Matt Milano's role could shift in Edmunds' absence, suggesting more flexibility or new duties for him (17:08).
• Mike questions the cumulative impact on the defense, especially with Leslie Frazier’s exit and the probable loss of Jordan Poyer (12:09–12:27).

3. Bills’ Free Agency Approach & O-line Moves

• Slow Start by Design

• The hosts affirm that the Bills were never likely to be first-day “big spenders.” Mike cautions fans against panicking over a lack of flashy signings, which are often financially problematic (22:18).

  “I did not see them as being first day spenders... You sit back and go, wow, we’re paying a lot of money for Tremaine Edmonds... That’s teams making big decisions on guys to give them huge money.”
  — Mike Catalana (22:18–23:04)

• Connor McGovern Signing

• The addition of McGovern (Cowboys) is praised for adding versatility and competition to the offensive line (18:36).
• The hosts debate whether he is a bona fide starter or more a reliable depth piece; he’s compared to a “utility infielder” in baseball (19:26–20:50).

• Emphasis on the “Right” 53 Players

• Dan highlights a key philosophical point about building the correct roster for the team culture, not just accumulating talent (21:09).

4. Other Key Roster Moves

• Sam Martin & Tyler Matakevich re-signings mentioned for special teams (23:04).
• Case Keenum’s Departure: Mike wants the backup to be a proven veteran, not a rookie. “I do not want the backup to be a kid... I want somebody that’s played in the league.” (25:36–27:07)
• Ike Boettger: Resigned for offensive line competition.

5. AFC East Landscape & Aaron Rodgers

• Big Changes in the Division

• The probable arrival of Aaron Rodgers to the Jets is dissected, with the hosts recognizing the Jets’ strong roster minus last year’s quarterback woes (27:23–29:57).
• Buffalo faces a tougher division: Miami’s signing of Mike White as backup praised as “smart” (27:44), the Jets as an immediate contender if Rodgers joins, and the Patriots now decidedly the weakest roster (28:58).
• “Every year we talk about the teams around the Bills getting better in the division...”
  — Jenna Cottrell (28:22)

Memorable Quotes & Moments

• Dan’s Victory Lap:
  “Let’s just say it, Dan was right. That might be the title of this pod.” (01:39)
  Continues throughout as a running joke among the hosts.

• On Tremaine's Value:
  “Tremaine is not irreplaceable. A very good player, played at times very high level football, but his safety against Cleveland is the most memorable play that we can remember off the top of our heads.”
  — Dan Fetes (16:20)

• Jenna on Cap Realities:
  “They’re not going to pay $18 million a year for Tremaine Edmonds. They’re not. They didn’t. The Bears are going to.” (06:17)

• Fan Anxiety & Patience:
  “It’s like you’re at a school dance and everyone’s getting picked but you.”
  — Jenna Cottrell, about nervous Bills fans (30:46)

Noteworthy Timestamps for Important Segments

| Timestamp | Segment / Quote | |-----------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 01:33 | Dan taking credit for predicting Edmonds’ departure | | 03:09 | Mike on what the Bears are getting with Edmunds | | 04:14 | Debate about whether Edmunds is irreplaceable and discussion of his contract | | 07:33 | Segue into Terrel Bernard as possible replacement and concerns about depth | | 11:33 | Mike on shifting cap dollars from linebacker to offense to maximize Josh Allen’s window | | 16:20 | Dan downplays Tremaine’s “irreplaceable” status by recalling signature plays | | 18:36 | First mention of Connor McGovern’s signing and O-line issues | | 21:09 | Dan on culture fit: “It’s not about the best 53... it’s about the right 53.” | | 22:18 | Mike’s perspective on sitting out big-money free agency frenzy | | 25:36 | Discussion of Case Keenum leaving, backup QB philosophy, and roster management | | 27:23 | Segue to Aaron Rodgers saga and how it affects the AFC East | | 28:58 | Assessment of division rivals and Patriots’ perceived slide to fourth-best in the AFC East | | 30:46 | Jenna’s relatable metaphor for free agency anxiety: “It’s like you’re at a school dance and everyone’s getting picked but you.”|

Tone & Host Dynamics

The conversation is lively, insightful, and humorous, with hosts bantering and ribbing each other (notably about Dan’s predictions). They mix insider analysis with accessible language and relatable metaphors for Bills fans. Their tone is enthusiastic but grounded, embracing both optimism and realism regarding Buffalo’s roster choices and future.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Plus team delivers a clear-eyed breakdown of the Bills’ early off-season strategy, focusing on salary cap discipline, roster turnover (especially at linebacker), and the competitive escalation in the AFC East. They stress patience, the importance of smart spending, and cultural fits over headline signings, leaving listeners with a better sense of the team’s motivations and future challenges.

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