Buffalo Plus: The BILLS sign Joey BOSA, JOSH ALLEN talks BUFFALO and the 'value' of TY JOHNSON

Date: March 13, 2025
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Episode Overview

This episode covers a pivotal week in Buffalo Bills news, focusing on the massive one-year signing of pass rusher Joey Bosa, quarterback Josh Allen’s recent extension and continued commitment to Buffalo, the re-signing of running back Ty Johnson, and additional insights on the team’s roster moves (including Demar Hamlin and Larry Ogunjobi). The Buffalo Plus team brings their insider knowledge, offering candid analysis and some behind-the-scenes context on all developments.

Key Topics & Discussions

Josh Allen’s Extension & Love for Buffalo

(01:35 – 08:53)

• Allen’s Comfort in Buffalo:
  • Mike highlights Allen’s genuine affinity for the city:

    “He’s just so unbelievably comfortable in Buffalo... even in his biggest moments, he talks about Buffalo.” (01:35, Mike)

  • Jenna recalls Allen’s story about being snowed in during his pre-draft visit and immediately feeling at home after going to Bar Bill with team members (04:05).
• Perspective on Money and Team:
  • Dan shares Allen’s selfless attitude in negotiating his contract for team flexibility:

    “He asked his agent… ‘What’s $5 million to me? I live a pretty good life. I have a house, I have a car… what’s best for the team?’ That’s pretty bleeping cool.” (04:59, Dan)

  • Mike stresses how Allen’s statement could sound arrogant from others, but not from him due to his character:

    “We know that’s not… it could be taken the wrong way as a little bit of arrogance. We know that's not.” (06:09, Mike)

• Handling Success and Change:
  • The team notes Allen’s consistency amidst fame, pressure, and big contracts. He remains grounded, referencing his journey from junior college sidelines to MVP (07:30).

Joey Bosa Signing: Analysis & Expectations

(08:53 – 17:23)

• Immediate Reactions and Fit:
  • Dan describes it as a “low risk, high reward move”, emphasizing Bosa’s upside if he can stay healthy:

    “This is Bean... seeing if there is any tread left on the tires of a five-time Pro Bowler… When healthy. And let me put that ‘when healthy’ in caveats.” (09:52, Dan)

  • Jenna expresses surprise at the amount ($12.6M):

    “I was kind of surprised. $12.6 million… Leonard Floyd got $10 million from the Falcons, and I really liked Leonard Floyd as a player.” (11:40, Jenna)

• Risk/Reward and Health:
  • Mike contextualizes it:

    “There’s never a bad one year deal… If he’s healthy and can perform, he’s worth it.” (10:52, Dan; reinforced at 12:46, Mike)

  • Discussion on Bosa's durability:

    “In the last three years, he’s missed 23 games.” (13:57, Mike)

• Comparison to Past Signings:
  • Bosa represents a younger, cheaper alternative to past signings like Von Miller:

    “He’s six years younger than Von... He’s going to be the third down, go get the quarterback guy.” (15:46, Dan)

• Expectations for Usage:
  • The hosts debate how much Bosa will play in a rotational D-line scheme, with the potential for him to maximize impact via managed snaps:

    “If you put him in situations... like a Von, he’s six years younger, he’s cheaper… this is worth the shot.” (16:33, Dan)

• Key Memorable Quote:

  “If healthy, it’s just like you could say that about any player, but [with Bosa]… you’re playing the odds.” (13:57, Mike)

Defensive Line Overhaul & Larry Ogunjobi Addition

(18:11 – 23:32)

• Big Picture Thoughts:
  • All agree the D-line is in transition:

    “It’s pretty much a rebuild. What they’re doing on that line.” (21:30, Mike)

  • None of the current moves preclude the Bills from drafting D-linemen.
• Ogunjobi’s Fit:
  • Viewed as a “Tim Settle-esque” depth piece (22:32), but possibly more effective in the Bills’ 4-3 scheme versus previous stints in a 3-4.
• Focus on Rotation and Flexibility:
  • The Bills value versatility and depth, with ongoing competition for roles.

Safety Position & Demar Hamlin Re-Signed

(23:59 – 27:29)

• Demar Hamlin’s Role:
  • The team refutes the idea that re-signing Hamlin is “charity,” firmly stating:

    “This is not a charity signing. He was never a charity player. Those don’t happen in the NFL.” (24:44, Dan)

  • Hamlin has earned his place as a viable third safety, seen as a trusted presence if newer players like Cole Bishop aren’t ready.
• Depth Moves:
  • Addition of Derrick Forrest (Washington) for more competition (27:12).
  • Emphasis on defensive line and corner as top priorities for future moves.

Ty Johnson: Back in Buffalo & What it Means

(27:37 – 31:58)

• Two-Year, $5M Deal:
  • Seen as evidence the Bills value Johnson’s clutch performances and reliability.
  • Dan:

    “Ty Johnson got snaps because he earned them by his play in big moments.” (30:35, Dan)

• Impact on James Cook:
  • This move signals Cook remains the starter, but Johnson’s role is important — especially in protecting Josh Allen and in key game situations.
  • Jenna notes Johnson’s journey from the Jets to becoming a dependable piece for Buffalo (29:22).
• Johnson’s Attitude:
  • Appreciates being called a “third down back” and wants to contribute wherever possible.

Overall Assessment of Roster Moves

(31:08 – 33:06)

• Aggressiveness & Strategy:
  • Mike praises the Bills for being smartly aggressive in free agency, getting effective players without overcommitting:

    “It’s that sweet spot of what you’re going to pay for guys who, you know, can be effective. And we’ll see if Bosa is one of those guys…” (31:28, Mike)

  • Dan:

    “I like that when you’re taking flyers on these guys, it’s not some four year, $60 million deal…” (32:34, Dan)

• Flexibility for the Draft:
  • The moves allow the Bills to still address needs in the draft, having not boxed themselves in.

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Bosa’s Upside versus Risk:

  “Bosa, when he’s at his highest, is a game wrecker. He has been that guy before. My only thought was, boy, you need him on the field.” (13:36, Mike)

• On Demar Hamlin’s Return:

  “He has become a viable safety in the NFL. This isn't a cute story anymore. He's a football player.” (25:24, Dan)

• On Team Chemistry and Leadership:

  “He’s so relatable for being a guy that is in a different stratosphere… and to have that perspective of saying, hey, I’ve got a lot, what’s best for the team, I think is really cool in a leader, face of the franchise.” (05:59, Dan)

Fun/Banter & Credits to Me

(33:53 – End)

• The hosts close with their “credit to me” segment — Dan shares a story of kindness from a Lululemon employee; Jenna reflects on resilience after an eye injury; Mike shouts out MLB player (and Bills fan) Ernie Clement.
• Sprinkled with signature Buffalo Plus banter and camaraderie — for fans, a reminder of why this podcast is both informative and fun.

Key Timestamps

• Josh Allen’s extension and attitude: 01:35–08:53
• Joey Bosa signing reaction: 08:53–17:23
• D-line overhaul and Ogunjobi: 18:11–23:32
• Demar Hamlin and safety depth: 23:59–27:29
• Ty Johnson’s deal and what it means: 27:37–31:58
• Overall strategy/free agency approach: 31:08–33:06
• “Credit to me” stories: 33:53–end

Summary

A must-listen (or read) for Bills fans: This episode offers an insider’s view of the Bills’ free agency moves, unwavering belief in Josh Allen, thorough risk-vs-reward discussion on Joey Bosa, and the franchise’s approach to roster-building and team culture. The hosts balance sharp analysis with a distinctly Buffalo sense of humor and community connection, providing both insight and authenticity.