BRANDON BEANE joins Buffalo Plus to talk JOSH ALLEN, the SALARY CAP, and the BILLS in 'TRANSITION'

Summary

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Podcast Summary: Brandon Beane Joins Buffalo Plus to Talk Josh Allen, the Salary Cap, and the Bills in 'Transition'

Podcast: Buffalo Plus: A Buffalo Bills Podcast
Release Date: July 31, 2024
Host Team: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fates
Guest: Brandon Beane (Buffalo Bills General Manager)

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Episode Overview

This episode features a candid backyard conversation with Bills General Manager Brandon Beane, diving deep into the team’s current transition period, Josh Allen’s contract and leadership, the realities of the NFL salary cap, and Beane’s approach to difficult roster decisions. The Buffalo Plus team uses their insider experience to elicit honest reflections on what lies ahead for the Buffalo Bills and the challenges of building (and keeping together) a Super Bowl-contending roster.

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Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The “Transition” Year for the Bills

• Transition Defined:
  • Beane clarifies that "transition" is about losing staple leaders and foundational players, not just roster turnover.
  • Quote: “The transition that I’ve been referring to is… probably more the guys that have been some staple leaders of our team, some foundational pieces…” (02:29, Beane)
• Natural Cycle:
  • Every NFL team faces turnover, but the Bills’ transition this year is pronounced due to key departures in leadership.

2. Self-Assessment and Handling Criticism

• Beane Grades Himself:
  • Initially self-effacing, he gives himself a C- as a GM, quickly qualifying the Josh Allen pick as “A+.”
  • Quote: “C minus.” (04:09, Beane)
  • When pressed: “Well, that was an A plus, but my average is probably C minus.” (04:12, Beane)
• Reflection:
  • Beane admits he’s his own harshest critic, always reviewing past decisions and thinking about where he could have improved.

3. What Media Gets Wrong About Team Assessment

• Unknowns & Development:
  • Beane explains that the biggest media misconception is underestimating how unknown variables—especially for players ascending to bigger roles—impact expectations and projections.
  • Uses Terrel Bernard as an example of a player unfairly judged before getting a real opportunity.
  • Quote: “Nothing is certain until they get out there and do it, mesh with their teammates.” (05:17, Beane)

4. Josh Allen’s Contract & Evolving Quarterback Market

• Contract Context:
  • The expectation is that QB deals will keep leapfrogging, and Allen’s deal was structured with that in mind.
  • Constant “dialogue” with Allen’s reps ensures fairness as the market shifts.
  • Quote: “It’s interesting that that one position, you know, it hasn’t really necessarily fallen that way. People have just trumped them because they’re a year or two later than Mahomes or Josh or Burrow…” (06:21, Beane)
• On Allen as a Franchise QB:
  • “We really felt confident… I was trying to explain to you this guy is Buffalo.” (09:08, Beane)
  • Cites Allen’s leadership, athleticism, and the transformative effect on both Wyoming and the Bills.

5. Josh Allen’s Growth as a Leader

• Leadership Evolution:
  • Compares Allen’s journey to that of Luke Kuechly in Carolina—transitioning from ‘talented young player’ to vocal locker room leader.
  • With veteran departures on both offense and defense, Allen is expected to be more vocal.
  • Quote: “I think naturally, you’ll see another year where he may be a little more vocal with his teammates, and not only on the offensive side, but even with some of the defensive leaders.” (13:48, Beane)

6. The Salary Cap: Real or Not?

• Cap Flexibility:
  • Beane asserts the cap is very real, despite public skepticism.
  • Balancing “creative” accounting with the need to avoid catastrophic future overages is key.
  • Quote: “I wish it wasn’t real. But I do appreciate you guys not thinking that [Josh Allen is] overrated.” (14:29, Beane)
  • On balancing restructures: “We also want to try and limit how many years we got to walk into and be 40 to 60 million over just to get into the league year.” (16:47, Beane)
• Team-Building Philosophy:
  • Avoids “maxing out the credit card” to prevent future roster-busting cap hits.

7. Human Side of Roster Cuts

• Emotional Toll:
  • Admits that making personal cuts (like Mitch Morse, Tre’Davious White) is the hardest part.
  • Stresses the importance of honesty and relationships:
  • Quote: “The way I know to do it is just be as straight and honest as you can, and it doesn’t make it easier.” (18:28, Beane)
  • Even after hard cuts, most relationships persist—“95%… we go on to still have great relationships.”

8. Managing Rookie Expectations and Development

• Individualized Approach:
  • Highlights how every rookie’s adjustment curve, both personal and professional, is different.
  • Encourages patience even under weekly “live or die” NFL pressure.
  • Quote: “As long as they are doing everything in their power, they’re being a pro... those are the ones—hey, I’m here, we’re going to get there…” (23:01–24:04, Beane)
  • Names Kair Elam as a positive example of perseverance.

9. Evolving Relationship with Sean McDermott

• Dynamic Partnership:
  • Competition and honest disagreement are part of their long-tenured, linked partnership.
  • The relationship is built on mutual respect and the shared goal of bringing a championship to Buffalo.
  • Quote: “We both do our best to hammer it out behind closed doors… I think that says a lot about the respect we have for each other and the admiration.” (25:24–26:09, Beane)

10. Defining Success for the 2024–25 Season

• Standards Remain High:
  • Division titles, playoff appearances, and ultimately, a Super Bowl win are the goals.
  • Even with success, Beane says self-scrutiny never stops.
  • Quote: “The ultimate success is holding that trophy. It really is. And if you don’t do that, you’re always going to be just like we’ve done every year since we’ve been here…” (27:33, Beane)

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Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Beane’s Grading Himself:
  • “C minus.” (04:09)
• On Drafting Josh Allen:
  • “I was trying to explain to you this guy is Buffalo.” (09:08)
• Salary Cap Reality:
  • “I wish it wasn’t real. But I do appreciate you guys not thinking that he’s overrated.” (14:29)
• On Personal Cuts:
  • “That is the hardest part. It truly is.” (18:28)
• On Success:
  • “The ultimate success is holding that trophy…” (27:33)

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Important Timestamps

• 02:29: Beane defines what “transition” means to the Bills this year.
• 04:09: Beane’s frank (and modest) self-grading as a GM.
• 06:21–08:49: In-depth discussion on Josh Allen’s contract and salary cap pressures.
• 09:08–11:52: Beane reflects on drafting Allen and his growth as a leader.
• 14:29–17:00: The reality of the salary cap and how the Bills navigate roster-building pressures.
• 18:28: The human element of releasing beloved veterans.
• 20:34–24:04: Handling rookie expectations and patience in player development.
• 24:34–26:09: The evolving partnership between Beane and Sean McDermott.
• 26:35–27:40: What success means for the Buffalo Bills in the 2024–25 season.

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Recap & Takeaways

• Insightful Look at the “New Bills:” This episode provides rare, candid insight into how Beane views leadership changes, Josh Allen’s increasing role, and both the potential and the risks that come with a younger roster.
• Front Office Transparency: Beane is open about the emotional and strategic strain of his role, sharing his philosophy on contracts, the salary cap, player cuts, and team-building.
• Theme of Evolution and Continuity: The Bills are entering a new phase, but their philosophy—pragmatic, deeply human, and relentlessly ambitious—remains unchanged.

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To follow the ongoing story of the 2024 Buffalo Bills, subscribe to Buffalo Plus for more high-level analysis and insider interviews.

Transcript

[Mike Catalan]

Because we talk about at times, and if you think this is an idiotic take, it's Dan's. Okay. That's what I'm going to say. Yep. We will say that the salary cap is not real. Now, I can see the look on your face, because I know this. I take it you don't agree with that.

[Brandon Bean]

Yeah, I wish it wasn't.

[Mike Catalan]

So if I was to say that was Dan's take, would it be Dan is right or Dan is wrong?

[Brandon Bean]

Where's the camera? Capital W. This is the Buffalo plus podcast, brought to you by Connors and Farris.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right, welcome back to the Buffalo plus podcast, presented by Connors and Ferris, Mike Catalan and Dan Fates. I am Jenna Cottrell. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe, and share, especially this video. Because, Mike, this was huge.

[Dan Fates]

We did it, guys. We got them.

[Mike Catalan]

So we've been wanting to get Brandon Bean on the podcast. So. And I talked to him, and listen, we get to interview Brandon in circumstances, whether it's during the year before the draft, all those things. This is different because this is our podcast. So I went through the bills and said, hey, can we make this work? And we love our podcast studio. We do. And it wasn't going to work for the Bills to do that. So we're like, brandon, can we do this? So we went through the bills and then they said, hey, listen, Brandon likes cruising around the area here in Pittsford.

[Dan Fates]

So wait, we know somebody who has a house in Pittsford?

[Mike Catalan]

Okay. So I live right across the street from Fisherman. Literally there. I walk to Camp Flex every day. Welcome.

[Dan Fates]

Mansion right over there.

[Mike Catalan]

It's not a mansion, but it's a nice house. We like the house, and we're in a good spot. And so Bills were like, brandon's all in. Let's do it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Let's do it. A few moments later.

[Mike Catalan]

All right, Brandon, thanks for coming over. Be part of Buffalo plus today.

[Brandon Bean]

Appreciate you having me over. I like the. The short commute over here.

[Mike Catalan]

Just a quick walk over here to talk about it. All right, let's talk about your team. You had said earlier in the spring, you used the word transition for your team, for the franchise. Now that we're into the summer, closing in on the season, do you still feel that way?

[Brandon Bean]

Yeah, I mean, every. Every team has some kind of transition. I think the transition that I've been referring to is, you know, probably more the guys that been some staple leaders of our team, some foundational pieces that have helped us get this thing from a team that, you know, found a Way to get in the playoffs in 17 and 18, and we missed an 18, but then 19. Not win the division, but a solid team to a team that people thought had a chance to win the title, whatever year you pick. And so, you know, there's never the. There's never the perfect time for any. You know, you don't want to lose some of those guys. But the business side, the age side, all those things, you know, they come to fruition, and this year just happened to be probably a bigger year of transition.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, you're. We'll gas you up a little bit the back of your baseball card. It's pretty nice since you took over in Buffalo. 73, 46, four division titles, six playoff appearances. Not bad. Yeah, not bad. How would you grade yourself as the general manager of the Bill so far?

[Brandon Bean]

Oh, that's hard. You know, they make me ask all the tough questions. I know, Dan. Like, the first thing, like, I'm gonna just think of the things, like, could I have done better? Or, you know, could we have signed a different player? Could we have. You know, you still do that. You're down to. Oh, you always. You know, I wear myself out. I look back through. Through drafts and through free agent periods, and so I'm my own worst critic, you know? C minus.

[Dan Fates]

Wow.

[Jenna Cottrell]

C minus.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You found Josh Allen.

[Brandon Bean]

Well, that was an A plus, but my average is probably C minus.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right, we know everyone has a ton of opinions about this team, and, you know, we have our podcast, of course. But I want to know, from your perspective, what do you think we, as the media, kind of get wrong about assessing this team, your team?

[Brandon Bean]

I think, you know, I don't know if wrong is the right thing. I think sometimes there's unknowns. And we were talking about, before we went on the air, the Terrell Bernard a year ago, you know, as Tremaine Edmunds left and, you know, the quarterback of the defense, you know, when we drafted a Terrell Bernard, you know, you see his smarts, his instincts, all that. And he got one chance in the jets game, you know, when Milano was out, so he wasn't even playing. Tremaine spot wasn't probably as natural of a fit for him. Not that he couldn't do it, but it was a small sample, and so. And he was a rookie, so to just, you know, I can't stand up here. Sean's not gonna stand up here and say, you can go ahead and mark it. Mark it down.

[Mike Catalan]

This guy, like, make our job easier.

[Brandon Bean]

You know what I mean? So I think that's, that's probably the hardest part. And I get it, like, and, you know, nothing is certain until they get out there and do it, mesh with their teammates. And so how we open this thing up, you know, we probably have some transitional spots. You know, you're talking about safety. You know, it's quite a vast group of mostly new players, but some that have been in the building in reserve roles now that Micah and Jordan are gone.

[Mike Catalan]

You signed Josh, that contract, the day you signed it or he signed it, did you just realize that eventually some players that haven't reached his level are going to be making more money than him? Is that sort of the assumed thing almost? Because these contracts keep going up. And if that's the case, like, is this just an ongoing thing in terms of Josh with his deal that you will be thinking about how do we make this right for him and obviously what's best for the franchise when you see, you know, the younger guys like Jordan Love and all them getting these huge deals.

[Brandon Bean]

Yeah, I mean, it's interesting, Mike, the, the quarterback position, most, if you look at all the other positions, guys will get slotted in kind of where you and his representatives come to an agreement of where he slots in at wide receiver, tackle, running back, whatever it is. And so I think we tried our best to do that with Josh. We did not make him the top paid guy at the time. We made him number two. And there's been a, you know, a transition to the next man up almost at that position, you know, by some teams and that's their choice, you know, to do that. It's just different. It's interesting that that one position, you know, it hasn't really necessarily fallen, you know, that way. People have just trumped them because they're a year or two later than Mahomes or Josh or Burrow or however you got them, you know, kind of ranked.

[Mike Catalan]

So is there anything you need to do in terms of, look, your quarterback has been your franchise guy. Is it just that it's going to go until the period when there needs to be a move made on the contract or is there dialogue maybe as it goes along with his representatives?

[Brandon Bean]

Yeah, I mean, we always got a really good relationship with Patrick Collins, who works for ca. You know, he's a first class guy. And not that you expect any different from somebody that's going that Josh is going to let represent him, but, you know, we've had great dialogue with them even before we did the first deal and since then. And yeah, you do have to talk about These things because it's an ever changing landscape where they're going and people try and predict all the time, but until you see it happen, I mean, look, Covid sent the cap back and you know, we did him right out of that too. You know, you're, everyone was still a little antsy, filling out like. Or is the cap truly going to continue to go up or, you know, is something else going to send the cap back that had never happened. And so we'll, we'll, we'll continue those, those dialogues with those guys through the year, you know, in future years. And if and when we make a tweak or change or whatever to his deal, we'll still continue to do that because it's going to, the position is going to continue to evolve with where these deals go and a lot of that will be, you know, how much does the cap continue to increase?

[Jenna Cottrell]

That makes sense. And you said earlier that when you picked Josh, you gave it an A plus. I mean, the way he's been able to represent the team, lead his teammates, the level of play now coming out, we all knew that Josh was viewed as a pro, but could you honestly have imagined it's gone. It could go as well as it has gone.

[Brandon Bean]

I mean, again, we really felt, I mean, and people, they might not believe me or understand. Like we really felt confident. You know, I think if you even just go back to the press conference, when I walked into that room, I was very confident. Now some of you people in there made me try and feel less confident about it with some of the questions why we didn't select a different player or what about this and that with Josh's game. But you know, if the one thing I'll never forget is I was trying to explain to you this guy is Buffalo. And beyond that, you know, his ability, his intelligence, obviously his physical, God given ability, the way he can elude people just never talked about his athletic ability. They didn't. And the many things that he did at Wyoming to help get that team to where they were. Because when he got injured, I was at the game, he got injured and when he got injured, they, they stunk the rest of that game and then they lost whatever the next two games. And he came back for the bowl game against Central Michigan and you could just see the difference in that team. And I know that's not the NFL, but could I say it would, you know, he would be as great and declare that. We were talking about that earlier. Like you can't 100%, you know, predict anything And, And. But we really felt good about him in our system, in our program, and all the things he was going to bring.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Was there a moment early on then that it clicked for you of like, oh, wow, this is. This could be something special.

[Brandon Bean]

I think, you know, that that 2019 season, you know, is year two. Like, there were. We were still trying to run the ball, not overload him. He's still a young player year two, but there were throws in some of those games that we needed. Maybe he didn't play the greatest, but in some big moments, I think we were playing Cincinnati at home and he made a throw. We were down, drive late and had a drive late. I think it was to Dawson, maybe made a big play in Frank Gore gaming.

[Dan Fates]

Frank Gore had a touchdown in that game, too.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah.

[Brandon Bean]

And just there were some games like that in 19. Was 19 the year we went to Dallas and won on Thanksgiving.

[Jenna Cottrell]

The fourth.

[Brandon Bean]

Down, that was the quarterback sneak. But that game, I know we were underdogs. I don't know what it was, but I think that told a lot of people around the country what we already felt like. This guy's a dog playing quarterback.

[Dan Fates]

We were talking about it just before you got here. The fact that Josh has been exactly what this team has needed. It felt like at every step of the way, team in transition, early on, trying to figure out those pieces. Then you get the number one wide receiver, you get digs, and all of a sudden he becomes. This takes everything to the next level. Now it's also different because there's now so many new pieces around him. And you talk about the leaders and the captains that you've lost. What do you want to see from him this year with all the new pieces? Is it. Or do you want him to just keep being Josh, or is there more put on his plate this year because of all the transition?

[Brandon Bean]

You know, I think he's like anybody. We had Luke Kechley the other side of the ball in Carolina, and there's a lot of things about their leadership styles that remind me of each other. Like early on in Carolina, we had. On the defensive side, we had a Thomas Davis, we had a Charles Johnson, some guys who were established players. And so Luke came in and, you know, by year two, the guys were like, hey, it's your defense, like, lead. But he did not want us to. He was just such a good. He did not want to step on toes. And like, even though you'd tell him like, luke, speak up at halftime. If you need to rip somebody's ass, you rip It. Yeah. And he wouldn't, you know, he just didn't want to do it. But over time, as the team became younger and the defense became younger, it became easier. And I think that's just where you've seen Josh year after year. It's just, you know, all of a sudden, every year he's getting a year older, and some of the older guys are departing and, you know, you're infusing youth or new veterans on the team. This is how we do it. And so I think naturally, you know, you'll see another year where he may be a little more vocal with his teammates, and not only on the offensive side, but even with some of the defensive leaders. We've lost even over there.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah. All right. So the official policy of the Buffalo plus channel is that we do not believe Josh Allen is overrated. So that makes us. We're not idiots.

[Dan Fates]

We are not idiots. No idiots here.

[Mike Catalan]

We do talk about something that you may think you're idiots because we talk about at times, and if you think this is an idiotic take, it's Dan's. Okay. That's what I'm gonna say. Yep. We'll say the salary cap.

[Dan Fates]

So, yeah, Braves fans here sit in the middle.

[Mike Catalan]

That's it. We will say that the salary cap is not real. Now, I can see the look on your face, because I know this.

[Dan Fates]

Derek's back there laughing, too. He knows where this is going.

[Mike Catalan]

I take it you don't agree with that.

[Brandon Bean]

Yeah, I. I wish it wasn't. I wish it wasn't real. But I do appreciate you guys not thinking that he's overrated.

[Mike Catalan]

Yes. Okay, we got one.

[Brandon Bean]

I'm sure everyone in Rochester that works your job feels that.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah.

[Brandon Bean]

But I appreciate you guys.

[Mike Catalan]

So here. Here's. Here's the thing about it. When we say it's not real, we obviously know that it is real and it is impactful. But there are ways to work around, as you have done on many times. Would you give us a little bit of that that you can work around? And some teams, like the Bills have done a good job of working around high salaries and the restraints that the cap puts on you.

[Brandon Bean]

Yeah, I think it's. It's a balance. I think you see through 32 teams. You see all sorts of ways to do it. You have some teams that they have maxed out the credit card for years, and they're going to continue to find ways to do that and be as creative as they can. But there's also that balance of when it blows up, you know, because you've continued to max out that card. And so you can do that. That is a way you could do. And I'm not gonna say it's right or wrong. I think you got to do how you see it. And as I've told, you know, you guys, when I've gone into the. To the media room to talk, you know, how aggressive you guys are being. I truly mean it. I'd never want to walk into a year and it's Josh Allen and a bunch of dudes that look like us out there playing football that we can afford because we are so far over the cap.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah.

[Brandon Bean]

And I'm sure, Jenna, you'd be a great wide receiver.

[Mike Catalan]

She's got wingspan skills.

[Brandon Bean]

You get what I'm saying?

[Mike Catalan]

100%.

[Brandon Bean]

And so it's a balance, because we will restructure deals, work things. I mean, even this year, in transition, you. Yeah, we've gotten younger in areas, but we've stretched. We could have. Yeah, we could have closed the purse a long time ago, but we've still tried to add guys. I mean, a smoot that we got later in the year. You know, he wasn't, you know, wasn't just minimum guys. We're, you know, a year ago. We obviously did it with Leonard Floyd in June. And so if. If we feel it's a piece that can really make a difference.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah.

[Brandon Bean]

Then. And we need to convert a guy or two. But we also want to try and limit how many years we got to walk into and be 40 to 60 million over just to get into the league year.

[Mike Catalan]

So if I was to say that was Dan's take, would it be Dan is right or Dan is wrong? Let's see.

[Brandon Bean]

Where's the camera.

[Mike Catalan]

There?

[Brandon Bean]

Capital W.

[Dan Fates]

That's my golf partner here.

[Mike Catalan]

That's right. Oh, by the way, why he just mentioned that. How was Dan as a golf partner? He says you're pretty demanding when you're out there.

[Brandon Bean]

He did a good job. They were. I was making them nervous.

[Dan Fates]

There was nothing better that would. You're like, hey, it's 175 to the pin. It's pins in the back. So, like, let's just hit, like, the 168 shots. Like, Brandon, I'm just gonna try and hit it and hope it hits the green. He's sticking it 10ft to the left. He's like, I pulled it. Holy cow. I would love to have my misses be 10ft.

[Brandon Bean]

We had fun. That was. That was. It was a good day. It was a team. It was a team. Effort.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah. Team effort.

[Brandon Bean]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I don't know about the golf for you, Dan.

[Dan Fates]

You were with Sean.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I was. Yeah. I did not.

[Dan Fates]

You said you were coachable.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I was coachable. I'll take it.

[Brandon Bean]

That was, that was the takeaway.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'll take it.

[Brandon Bean]

Jenna's coachable.

[Mike Catalan]

I love it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Honestly, that's probably about right. You mentioned kind of the salary cap stuff, and one of the things that fascinates me about your job in particular is the human element of having to make cuts. There's been so many players this past offseason, you know, the. Mitch Morris's, the Trudevius Whites. How do you do your job and kind of handle yourself making some of those cuts or talking with players that have meant so much? How do you balance the business side and the human side too?

[Brandon Bean]

That is the hardest part. It truly is. I mean, as hard as there are decisions that you make every day or things that come on your plate, guys that have done so much for, for. Basically I look at it for me and my family because we've had success and have allowed me to sign extensions and stay here and keep, keep other people employed is because of some of the names you mentioned. And, and so that is, that is what's hard. And you do try and find that balance. And, you know, I'm. I think there's different ways to do this job. I know some people do it and they just try and keep it strictly business. And that's not who I am. Like, I'm. I want to know, you know, who, who your family is. I want to know who your kids are. I want to, you know, I want my wife to know them. And so, yeah, I mean, there's sometimes, you know, I've given her a heads up, hey, I know your friends or you guys go to Bible study, you do this, like this is coming down the pipe, you know, a day or two ahead, and it makes it really hard. It is human, but the way I know to do it is just be as straight and honest as you can, and it doesn't make it easier. But I feel over time, even if they were not happy with the decision at the time, I feel like history says that over time they understand it was a business and then it wasn't personal. And I would say 95% of those, we go on to still have great relationships, whether they're on other teams or post career.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

How do you balance expectations? You talk about the balance there. How do you balance the expectations of, say, a rookie? You have a guy like Josh where It's like you pretty early on you knew he's the guy. Dalton comes in pretty early on, you're thinking this guy's it. Then you have guys like Kair maybe and even going on to Keon. How do you manage expectations of a rookie while you're trying to do your job? Because you're also kind of playing three dimensional chess thinking like down the road, like where, you know, not saying where do you right now pencil Keon in. But how do you balance all those expectations from your job?

[Brandon Bean]

Yeah, it's, it is hard. And you're right. Some rookies come in and they've got a big learning curve. Yeah, some off the field too. Like you're talking about Kair, who was 21 when we took him. Sure. Keon was technically 20. He turned, he turned 21 cents. And then you've got guys that you've drafted. Dalton, you know, was older than that, not a 21 year old, been through more life transition. And so we all mature at different ages on and off the field, you know, what are they walking into, who are they competing with at their position? And then again, some have played in certain systems in college and maybe this is a huge difference for them. Some of them, hey, this is just a continuation of what you're doing. We're going to use you exactly the way, you know, I'm just making this up, but we're going to use exactly the way Utah used you or whatever. And so, and then like anything, this game, like golf, like anything, if things are going well for you early, guess what, you're getting confidence and you're playing with it. If they don't, you know, and it is harder. These guys that are drafted in the first round or second round, everyone's expectations, right. And most of them probably put more on themselves knowing where they are and I gotta make a play and you're trying to tell them, don't press, let it come to you. Easier said than done. But we try our best, Dan, to just keep encouraging these guys. Stay ready. If you're not starting week one or week three or whatever, your number's gonna get called and be ready. And you're right. AJ Epanessa was a guy who came in during COVID and was transitioning from a weight thing. He was 280 at Iowa.

[Dan Fates]

Also a crazy way of life. Like what a way to come into the league in all that.

[Brandon Bean]

And so you're away from your family, it's Covid, all that stuff we're doing, all these rules. I think that hurt Some guys like that. So everybody's got their own situation. We try and work with them, use all the things that we have at 1 Bills Drive and just help them get there. Even if it's not year one.

[Dan Fates]

Is it tough to have the patience, though, when it seems like it's live or die every single week in the NFL, it's not for long. Is it tough at times to remind yourself to have patience with some of these young guys?

[Brandon Bean]

Naturally it is, but at the same time, you, you thought enough to invest, you know, we're talking about high pitch. You thought enough to invest, you know, and so why would you cut that short? Even, you know, some guys, it's just, it's an easier. It is a huge transition from college football to pro football. It really is. Some guys, it's, it's not that big of a jump. It's just like an. It's like going to a new, you know, a new news station or whatever it is. For others, it's. It's a massive leap from where they've been or, you know, what they've been through. And so it just makes sense. As long as they are doing everything in their power. They're being a pro, they're showing up, they're staying late, they're asking the right questions. Those are the ones that, hey, I'm here. We're going to get there, we're going to keep doing it. I know it hasn't been perfect so far, but you keep doing. And I think Kyer is a great example. We're a few days into camp, but I think, I think he's started well and he's had some ups and downs, but I like where he's at and, you know, I think he's trending very well for us.

[Mike Catalan]

So you draft the guys, that's what you and your staff do, and you turn them over to the coaching staff. Right. And they gotta play. And it's you and Sean together. You guys, if you go back to when you came in with Sean at that time, how has your relationship with Sean evolved? I mean, you're in two high pressure jobs at the top of this organization trying to win a Super Bowl. You known each other, but over these years with the successes and when you fell a little bit short, how's your relationship evolved?

[Brandon Bean]

Yeah, it's. Believe me, we're very competitive people. Yeah. So just like with these players that we were talking about, when you got to move on from them, you know, sometimes you got to have very difficult, you know, discussions and maybe, maybe I Think a player should be playing. Maybe he doesn't think he's ready and, and we air it out. But you know, the thing is I know that Sean and I both have the Pegula's best interest and there's, there's no side motives here, you know, anything for him or anything for me. And so I think we, we both do our best to hammer it out behind closed doors. If you're never going to, you know, it's just, just like your, your wife, you. You didn't want orange seats, you wanted different colors. Cuz it looked like shout out Jenny. But hopefully I didn't get you in trouble.

[Mike Catalan]

I'm already in trouble.

[Brandon Bean]

But you know, in all seriousness. And she doesn't watch the podcast probably right?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh no, she hears enough of her.

[Dan Fates]

Mic, she feels like she hears Mike talk enough at home. She doesn't need to turn on YouTube.

[Brandon Bean]

But yeah, I think you just, if you're honest, straightforward with each other, you know, you work through it and sometimes they're like anything, sometimes you just gotta agree to disagree. But I think that's this. You're right. These are two high pressure jobs and we're going into season eight. I think that says a lot about the respect we have for each other and the admiration and we both have huge chips on our shoulder like 17 does to bring this team a title. And that's our main focus.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah, we appreciate your time. On one last thing I wanted to ask you. You just set it up for coming into this season. What's success to you is. I mean, listen, we were looking at, since you guys have been here together, it's two Brady's, three Mahomes, championships. It's just the way it's gone. There's been the top of the top and you guys are right there. What success in the 2024-to5 season for you guys?

[Brandon Bean]

Yeah, I mean we would love to, you know, win another division. You know, we'd love to do that. We've been able to do it, you know, the last few years and you know that's not going to be easy. The vision keeps getting harder and harder and then get ourselves into the playoffs and give ourselves a chance and you know, you would love to be healthy and playing good football. And if we do that, that's all you can, that's all you can ask for is put yourself in a position to, you know, to make a run. And again the per. The ultimate success is holding that trophy. It really is. And if you don't do that, you're always Going to be just like we've done every year since we've been here. Since we haven't, we're always looking at where do we come up short. And knowing us, you know, if we were able to win it, we'd still come back and say we want it, but, you know, we could have been better here or we need to tweak this or that. It's just, you know, the kind of way it rolls.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah. You take your chance on that, though, being able to say that. Right.

[Brandon Bean]

That'd be great. Your words to God's ears.

[Mike Catalan]

All right, well, again, thanks again. And Dan was wrong. That's what Jenna and I are going to take out of this because we like to give him his shot when he get a chance. Thanks for your time to be with us, and we look forward to covering the team all year.

[Brandon Bean]

Sounds good. Appreciate y'. All.

[Jenna Cottrell]

A few moments later.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, I. I agree with almost everything Brandon had to say. That will get clipped for quite some time.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalan]

Ever forever.

[Jenna Cottrell]

We might only print out a photo.

[Dan Fates]

My only thing I wish I would have said was ask Brandon. You know, he's been on a lot of big podcasts. It's been on part of my take. He's been on the Greenlight pod. He goes on Pat McAfee Show. What's your favorite? Bill's channel. I think he would have said Buffalo plus.

[Mike Catalan]

He did. He told me that. Or at least that's what I thought he said. No, I'm gonna go with that. I heard him say that, too.

[Dan Fates]

So this was really cool for Brandon. Appreciate that. With the bills.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

They tweeted it out. The picture of us just hanging out in Mike's backyard.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Complimented the patio.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah. Got the patio done.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Great patio.

[Mike Catalan]

Not specifically for you, Brandon, but it worked out pretty well.

[Dan Fates]

The funniest part behind the scenes is we're waiting for him to show up, and we're just sitting inside Mike's house.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And all of a sudden, we're sitting there going over our questions, and you see somebody walking through the side of the. Of around Mike's house. It's like, oh, he's here.

[Mike Catalan]

And by the way, they went to the wrong side in terms of, like, this side. We. We haven't done anything. So it's kind of crappy over there, and the fence doesn't open. Right. So the other side's okay. And I was gonna actually have him come through the house, but just walked in, cruised into the back, relaxed as can be.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I feel like that's classic media, though. Is the hurry up and wait. Yeah, you're like, oh, we got, oh my gosh, it's time to go. But I thought Brandon's answers were really interesting and I felt like a lot of the things that we asked him about, maybe we've, we haven't heard in that way. And, and so I, I just, it was really a unique moment, especially for.

[Dan Fates]

The channel comment in what you would grade Brandon beaned as the general manager. I thought a C minus was definitely a little bit harsh on himself. That's how a lot of these football guys are, is they're, they're their toughest critics. Was funny when he was like, you got sign you drafted Josh Allen. He's like, that was an A plus one. That was a home run. But again, his perspective of always thinking about the ones that got away, the players he didn't sign, things like that. And then I loved his comparison of Josh being a leader and comparing it to Luke Kuechley and comparing it to Luke didn't necessarily always want to step up and be that vocal leader, but they kind of needed to nudge him. I think that's what Josh needs to do a little bit this year, ease him along as that leader. And we've talked about it, going from the fun guy making the jokes to hey, defense, offense, you're the guy.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And it makes sense when you think about it in the context that B talked about of now. A lot of these guys are younger, they are newer and Josh adapting and saying, hey, this is what we want out of Bill's football. So I think it's them expecting more as his role continues to grow. And also the just natural process of this team is built around you. Process. Hashtag process.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah. I asked him about the relationship with he and Sean McDermott and I thought it was great. I mean, he did. They are highly competitive, competitive guys in high pressure jobs and it can get tough, like he said, like we've had, you know, moments where it's back and forth. Right. I mean, if you think about it, Brandon's putting the team together with input from Sean and the coaches. But it's Brandon's team, right? I mean, he's the general manager, but then you turn it over to the coach and they work and they work and they've had so much success. But the way they've lost basically in every year has been tough to take. Right? Tough loss. Last year, the Cincinnati game, the year before, the incredible 13 second game where there's pressure and that could break a team and break an organization. I Don't sense that with these two. They're different people. They're questioned.

[Dan Fates]

They're linked.

[Mike Catalan]

They are linked. Brandon hadn't been perfect and neither is Sean.

[Dan Fates]

And that isn't always the case with every head coach and gm. Yeah, they came in pretty much together.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And they have, you know, highs and lows of it so far. Haven't reached the highest high, but again, tons of success. But along that success, there have been failures where I'm sure they both looked in the mirror, looked at each other, looked at the person across from them to see what needs to get fixed.

[Mike Catalan]

Now, we wanted to take a bigger picture look at this when we interviewed Brandon. Maybe not as many specific questions, like what happened on Tuesday at camp. And I thought, Jenna, your question to him about the way you handle moving on from players, I thought showed a lot of who Brandon Bean is when they've had to do that in their time in Buffalo.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Just as media near full.

[Brandon Bean]

Yep.

[Mike Catalan]

We got.

[Dan Fates]

Wrap up. We got like four minutes.

[Mike Catalan]

Okay.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Sorry, I just don't know how long.

[Mike Catalan]

We just say that again.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalan]

Janet, I thought your question as we thought bigger picture in this podcast to get answers out of Brandon from the way he operates as a general manager. When you asked about moving on from players and there were some big names that he had to move on from, how he handled it, I thought that was really something.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. Because we do forget that this is the human element of the job, and especially this past offseason where they did move on from so many players that were mainstays in Buffalo. That's why it felt so important to ask that. Because I think so many, sometimes it's like, oh, they had to make this cut and they made this cut and they made this move. They did that, but especially in a smaller market like Buffalo and how connected he is, just so many of these players, his family as well, I just. That is the real aspect of the job that always I was curious because that's really tough to approach, no matter who you are.

[Mike Catalan]

Yep. Yeah. You hear the stories about. I got a text or I read it on TV on a, you know, bottom line, that's not Brandon Bean's way. That's not the Bill's way. I think players, like he said, even when they disagree, I think they appreciate the honesty and the personal touch.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, it makes total sense.

[Dan Fates]

Thank you again to Brandon.

[Mike Catalan]

Yeah, thank you. The Bills helping Derek Boyco from the team. So, yeah, it was great.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It was a lot of fun. We always appreciate it. So please be sure to, like, comment subscribe to the channel as well as share this.

[Dan Fates]

Wherever you listen.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Wherever you listen.

[Mike Catalan]

And remember, Dan was wrong with a capital W. And that comes from big ball.

[Jenna Cottrell]

We're put that picture in the Louvre.

[Dan Fates]

I agree with a lot of what Brandon said. A lot of it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So did I. No, I'm kidding. Kidding. All right. For Dan, Mike, I'm Jenna. We'll catch you next time here on the Buffalo plus podcast presentation presented by Connors and Ferris.

[Dan Fates]

In the time it takes you to actually board a flight from Group 8.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Now boarding Premier Altitude Elite Club members.

[Dan Fates]

You could have bought a Hyundai on Amazon. Visit HyundaiUSA.com or call 562-314-4603 for more details. Limited availability. Pick up through participating Hyundai dealer in select markets.