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

Summary

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

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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.

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Key Topics & Discussions

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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).

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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)

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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)

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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.

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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

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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.

Transcript

[A]

A low risk, high reward move. This is Bean stepping up to the plate and seeing if there are any tread left on the tires of a five time pro bowler and a guy that has had double digit sacks throughout a lot of his career. When healthy. And let me put that when healthy in caveats.

[B]

That.

[A]

That part. Nope.

[B]

Okay.

[A]

I know where I was going with it.

[C]

Okay. All right. Let him cook. Let him cook.

[A]

Let him cook when healthy.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

He has been a very productive player. The caveat to that sentence is that the one healthy is doing a lot of lifting. This is the Buffalo plus podcast brought to you by Connors and Ferris.

[C]

All right, welcome back to the Buffalo plus podcast presented by Connors and Ferris, Mike Catalana, Dan Fates, I am Jenna Cottrell. Please be sure to like comment, subscribe and share the podcast, the channel, we always appreciate it. Reminder, you can find our podcast also audio only versions. Wherever you find your podcast, just look up Buffalo plus. We make it easy for you. All right, we're gonna talk Josh Allen's extension. Joey Bosa, what we make of that. The Bills resigning, Ty Johnson, some other additions. Demar Hamlin will be back. We're gonna get into it all. But. But first, let's start with the news of the day on Wednesday. We finally got to hear from Josh Allen signing the extension. A little bit on the mvp. Mike, what did you make of what he had to say?

[B]

Yeah, I mean, he's Josh, he's great about the city of Buffalo. And I think that's the biggest thing because I, I love that he talked about when he first came to Buffalo and how he knew it felt like home. He's been consistent that way too. I've had people say to me they were worried about would Josh ever leave? Would he want this? We want that. Listen, there would be reasons, I guess, that he would leave. It would not to be for him to be in a different or bigger city. He's not sitting there going, I want L. A. I want, you know, Chicago, Philly, somewhere big. New York, obviously. Right area. Could he play there? Josh could play anywhere. I think he's just so unbelievably comfortable in Buffalo. Yeah, that comes through in everything he does. And even in his biggest moments, he talks about Buffalo.

[A]

Yeah. The comfort's a big thing. I remember when we've talked to other people since then about Buffalo is the biggest city that Josh has ever lived in.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And it's not like it's a booming metropolis. You talk about Laramie, you talk about, obviously we know how small fireball Is so all of those things. It worked perfectly. You had classic Josh. I felt like on the zoom, just understanding the. The gravitas of the contract extension.

[B]

Well done, well done.

[A]

Nailed it, nailed it. And just kind of that while also saying, look, the MVP award, it doesn't change him. It doesn't change the way he plays. It doesn't change his desire, anything like that. And you even kind of mentioned too like getting back to the football, like, okay, you won the mvp, all these things, you sign this massive contract and it's like, yeah, like, I gotta find ways to get things better. He talks about part of the reason of doing this was to help give them a little cap relief so they can go out and make some signs. We can get to those obviously they talked about, but just great to kind of get to him. You get to see him also like in his like man cave basement and just kind of Joshua's iPad. Like.

[C]

Yeah, I just thought it was funny. Like one of the boss has now been paid literally a quarter of a billion dollars and he's like in his basement probably that looks like everyone's. That has like nothing really hanging on the walls. Like I think of was it Cliff Kingsbury when he did the press conference with like the ridiculous backyard? That was like impeccable, all that stuff.

[B]

He does have that beach house out in la.

[C]

Yeah, no, I'm not saying he's not a popper, but that would be.

[B]

That, that would be the place if you were gonna do that. That's. That's probably where you would hold that too.

[C]

But I felt like that was very true to Josh. And also I thought, you know, you talk about him wanting to be in Buffalo. I thought it was kind of interesting. He did a little bit behind the scenes talking about how he knew he wanted to be here during his post or pre draft visit where he actually got snowed in and him and a couple of the guys from the Bills went to Bar Bill and he said he felt, you know, super comfortable. And so I think it, it just was cool to kind of hear about that. I also asked him about the mvp. You know, was the speech like how much thought he put in? He said very relatable. He just kind of blacked out and was like, oh, yeah, yeah, yeah. I didn't specifically have anything planned, so I thought it was. And look, we know we. It wasn't like, oh, is Josh gonna leave? But I think for a lot of people it frees up the fact that he will be staying. He got paid. A lot of people were Asking about when he will get paid and also now he can move on and just worry about the team.

[A]

Well, it's also too. We talked about. He's so relatable for being a guy that is in a different stratosphere than all of the people in Buffalo that he is able to relate to. And I mean that in the sense of he asked his agent talking about what number works best for the team, meaning the Bills. And part of doing so, he goes, what's 5 million to me? And he goes, I live a pretty good life. I have a house, I have a car. I've got things like what's 5 million to me? Like what's best for the team. That's pretty bleeping cool. Yeah, like that you have a player understanding again. We always talk about the self awareness of Josh to sit there and. And I am pro player getting every single cent dollar penny that they have earned and setting up their family and future family members for success. I'm never one of those guys that's like, why don't you play for my team? Who, oh, what's $1 million? It's $1 million.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

But for Josh to have that perspective of saying, hey, I've got a lot of things like what's best for the team, I think is really cool in a leader face of the franchise, all of those things.

[B]

And he has built up where somebody else saying that what's 5 million to me could be taken the wrong way as a little bit of arrogance. We know that's not.

[C]

Yeah, yeah.

[B]

Do you know what I mean? Like it's, it is $5 million. Now he is in a position to make that money in other ways too. But he does want to be on the team that way. And when you go back to the way he speaks, I've always said to you guys, I've always felt from the day we saw him at the draft all the way through, he has handled each part of his life as a Buffalo Bill about as well as you can from going from draft pick where there were questions about the tweets and all that stuff that he had to walk into that locker room. Handled it very well to then becoming. Well, they waited a long time, what, 30 minutes before they made him the starter.

[A]

Correct.

[B]

The first game of the year. So now he's in this spot that he hadn't really earned being a starter. So he handled it that way. It just was. The other guy was bad. And so Josh was starter and then learning when he got to each level and then got paid and now getting paid again, winning the mvp, I don't really think any of it changes him. And not in that fake way that sometimes people, people can be like, this won't change me. But the people who know him know it does change him. I don't think he's going to change.

[A]

And I asked Josh too a little bit about that, just about the journey. Because when we talked to Terrell Bernard, I asked him like, you go from your rookie year, he plays one game, it did not go well. He talks about, he's been the one that has been open about it, like in his growth being like, I thought I was ready to play. I was not. That game against the jets was, was really bad. And now obviously trail Bernard is a the only captain on defense and is a key part of the Bills moving forward. So I asked Josh about that perspective too. And I understand when we ask him during the season, that's difficult to ask a player, Hey, I know you're in the biggest grind of your, your season right now, but can you zoom out for me and tell me what it's like? So I thought today, asking him over on Zoom and he's like, he said, I'm not a very nostalgic person. You know, I try and be where my feet are. But he goes, I do understand that it wasn't that long ago I was on the sidelines in junior college waiting and wanting to be the guy that gets called in again. Having that perspective like you talk about with his entire career, how he has handled all of those stages, while also understanding it wasn't that long ago he was a zero star recruitment out of Fireball California that nobody really wanted.

[B]

Right?

[C]

Yeah, I mean, it's cool. Like he, I, I believe there's some people when you talk to and you're right where it's like, oh, this won't change me. And you're like, okay, I genuinely believe that.

[B]

Yeah, Josh.

[C]

All right, let's talk. He was asked a little bit about some of the newer guys, but I want to also talk about, you know, Josh was excited for the new guys coming in, the guys that they resign, all that stuff. But I wanted to kind of get your two opinions on some of the new additions. And we didn't talk about Joey BOSA Coming in one year, $12.6 million. Dan, I want to start with you. What was your initial reaction to that and how do you feel about making this move?

[A]

So we saved this.

[B]

It isn't a big hot take on my part. I want to hear what you have.

[A]

To Say so my thought.

[B]

Right.

[A]

We were starting to talk about this and then we said, wait, in the sports office. Yeah.

[B]

And these two say, I. Well, actually them. But I didn't. I just had a different opinion.

[C]

Sometimes Mike will. Well, actually. Which is fine. He. You have a lot of experience and you have a lot of perspective, which is one of the reasons why actually. Yeah, I know that was a joke. But there are times where you will do that.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

And that's fine.

[B]

Daniel, go right ahead.

[A]

I see this, I did not see this as a move that I was expecting. I also see this as a low risk, high reward move. This is Bean stepping up to the plate and seeing if there are any tread left on the tires of a five time Pro bowler and a guy that has had double digit sacks throughout a lot of his career. When healthy. And let me put that when healthy in caveats. That. That part. Nope.

[C]

Nope. In caveats is really in quotes, like in quotation marks.

[A]

I know where I was going with it.

[C]

Okay. All right.

[A]

Let him cook.

[C]

Let him cook.

[A]

When healthy.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

He has been a very productive player. The caveat to that sentence is that the one healthy is doing a lot of lifting.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Because he has not been healthy a whole lot over the last few years. So I see this. I don't think there's ever a bad one year deal. And I mean that in the sense of doesn't work out. Okay, it doesn't work out, but you're not tied up on anything. I'm sure when we actually find out the number, I'm sure there'll be void years on this at some point. So he may not even get the whole $12 million that the, that it's worth up to. So I think that if he's healthy and can perform, he will be worth that. And it's worth taking the chance for Brandon, being Brandon Bean to take the swing.

[C]

I, I was kind of surprised by the move. Full disclosure. I went to bed not know. Like I had no idea. And then I woke up on Wednesday morning. Yeah. Yeah, dude, I have.

[A]

Yeah. Mike did a video.

[C]

I was, I was asleep. I was already in rem. But when I woke up, I was like, oh, I'm. I'm kind of surprised because he. $12.6 million. I think of Leonard Floyd getting 10 million from the Falcons. And I thought, I really liked Leonard Floyd as a player.

[A]

Same.

[C]

Now you could argue though that Leonard Floyd. Floyd's max is not as high as Joey Bosa. Absolutely. But also, I just feel like Leonard Floyd has been on the Field more. So maybe the, the ceiling for Joey Bosa is higher, but the floor is a lot lower than Leonard Floyd is. I guess what I'm trying to say. Does that make sense?

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Yeah.

[C]

So I, I just feel like I was kind of surprised. But also they are taking a swing and we wanted them to take a swing. Can he stay healthy? What are they going to be able to do to keep him healthy? I do think it's a benefit because the way the Bills are set up, it's more of a rotational defensive line and for him, he can maybe have more snaps off and what that will do to his longevity. But I was like, oh, okay. Wasn't expecting the move, put it that way.

[B]

Yeah, I'm with you. And your point goes into mine, which is I'm. You're right, it's one year, so it doesn't cause you long term problems with spending. The one thing about it is they only have a limited amount of things like that they can do and they have chosen Joey Bosa. They need somebody this year to help in the pass rush. Do you know what I'm saying? It's like, yes. And you know, Leonard Floyd I think would have been great. I think Leonard appears to want to have gone back home to Georgia, play for Atlanta. That deal was done in half an hour from when he got let go by the 49ers.

[A]

Is a sack mercenary. He just goes, give me my check, I'll sack some quarterbacks and then I'm out of here.

[B]

He averages almost 10 a year.

[A]

Unbelievable.

[B]

Yeah, but you are right. 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. They can't have this. Now. I, you know, I, I do like that. They have been aggressive in changing the pass rush.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

And they've done it. So they got some other moves to make there.

[A]

Yep.

[B]

There's no question. And yes, if healthy, it's just like you could say that about any player, but this is a guy. In the last three years, it's missed 23 games. And he's also come out of a few games too where he's gotten nicked up and come out. So this is what you're asking for a be. Be nice that the Bills catch a, a break in this way that Joey Bosa plays all year and does really good things for them because they've had, you know, what happened with Vaughn. I mean, he was on the way to that first year and then. But to Your point? It wasn't a one year deal. It was a multi year deal and it was for a lot more money. So I'm happy they took a swing and then they just gotta, you know, make sure that they manage him in the way that they get the most out of them.

[A]

But what we were disagreeing on is that I say it's low risk. You were saying it's a high risk.

[B]

No, I'm saying is the replacement cost would have been about the same. So to Jenna's point, let's use Leonard Floyd as that example. Leonard Floyd stays on the field. You know, he's going to be out there and he has been equally productive.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

So I'm saying is there were probably some options out there, maybe not Floyd himself, that you'd have a little more faith at. Barring something else, they're going to be on the field. That's the downside. That was the only thing I'm looking at is going, yeah, Joey's. He got us. You know, because if Joey Bosa was healthier, he would still be getting another big deal.

[A]

Yeah, he'd be getting Khalil Mack and higher money.

[B]

Right.

[A]

I didn't even guess. He kind of flew under the radar of edge rushers that I thought the Bills would be interested in. And not even knowing really his market. He's kind of just been blah and irrelevant. Joey Bosa for the last few years because of the injury. Because of the injuries and all these things. But I looked at it and I go, he is 20, he's going to be nine. So he's turning 30.

[C]

He's going to be 30.

[A]

Okay, so he's six years younger than Von. He's replacing Vaughn. Yeah, he's going to be the third down. Go get the quarterback guy. So the way that they rotate their D line and Von Miller. And this is where a little bit of the analytics people lose me. And again, remember, it wasn't that long ago I was, I was Mr. Analytics. I was going through the DVOA and all of these things. But when you look at what Vaughn's pass rush win rates were last year and everybody's like, oh, look at how high, look at how high his wins were. Percentages. You need some context into that. Vaughn played pretty much primarily on third down on situations to just go get after the quarterback.

[B]

Right.

[A]

So that wasn't necessarily what the Chargers were using Bosa to do. And I think that's what the Bills will use him to be. So if I didn't sit there and I went, I Didn't really notice Vaughn on the field that much this year. And they went. Look at how high his win rate was. I wonder what Joey Bosa could do in that same spot. Because physically, six, four big dude, like can be an imposing factor. And if you put him in situations like, I think the Bills will use him like a von. He's six years younger, he's cheaper than what Vaughn was going to cost you. I think this is worth the shot.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

When you look at it.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

And that's kind of what I was talking about of obviously there has been the injury history, but he was used so much more. Whereas for the Bills, because it is a rotation that him being on the field less is a benefit. Now can he stay healthy when he is out there? Is the question.

[A]

But big question.

[C]

Yeah. And that will be the biggest question. But at the same point, it's one of those things. Where was I expecting this? No, I already thought I kind of had had clearance crossed him out of my mind because I figured he would sign with the 49ers to be with his brother. All those were some of the early reports. But for the Bills, I mean, can we talk about the fact that, you know, even if he's. I mean, what you got from Vaugh was so lacking that maybe this will be an upgrade, you know, if he's just out on the field.

[B]

We got to keep in mind they need an every down player on that side.

[A]

Okay.

[B]

It's not going to be A.J. i think they.

[A]

Why? Why? I literally had to go back and look and be like, did I miss something? Did they cut AJ did we forget about him? He started like he was their guy.

[B]

Not very effective at all. I think AJ could be a guy that gets moved. Oh.

[C]

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[B]

Thanks.

[C]

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[B]

Yeah.

[C]

Okay.

[A]

Like talk for Hoyt to play full.

[B]

Or they bring in somebody else or they're drafting high. You know, I know there's D tackles, but listen, even if this is good, you're talking about a stop gap here. You need pass rushers.

[A]

That's why I like the one year deal.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Because none of the moves that they made. Hoyt is again, we're still trying to figure out what he's going to be used as. He, it's almost like he replaces like Smoot kind of thing. Some of the pieces.

[B]

I think Hoyt's gonna have a much bigger role than you think he does.

[C]

Hot take.

[B]

I think he's an effective pass rusher. I thought of him more in the Von Roll.

[C]

You said that on our video. On.

[A]

Yeah. And I, I was being respectful when I thought you were crazy.

[B]

Why? Like I, I, I have some sources with the Rams.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

And initially the first thing they said is he's going to replace Von Miller on the Bills.

[C]

Interesting. There just wasn't a spot for him in LA because he was.

[B]

And then they, they changed him. They used to have him playing more of a linebacker spot, not a cover guy. And then they used him more situationally as a pass rusher and that's really what his job is. Now again, they are opening up options here. Now I'm not saying definitely with AJ but they need, they need a more effective. I mean, you talk about. AJ was not a pass rusher last year.

[A]

Nope. At all.

[B]

Really. Aaron Rodgers, though, got a sack on Aaron Rogers.

[A]

We have that file video forever.

[B]

Who else did we have file video of a safety Termaine Edmonds.

[C]

Oh, yeah.

[B]

Yes. Cleveland always got to get those. And you who shot the, the one with aj Me. That was great. He was coming right there. So good.

[A]

It was just.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

That's his play crumpling.

[B]

Yes. I just.

[A]

Interesting on Hoy. I still can't, I'm intrigued by it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

I can't sit there and I say.

[B]

He'S going to be a, I mean, again, maybe, maybe he's playing more. I don't know. I think he's going to be. I think they think more of them than just what we think. I don't know. I mean, the Vaughn role is strange because Von has been that guy and we were thinking he's going to transition even more so to a limited snap guy. And I think, I don't know how much Bosa will be on the field. I don't know. I mean, it depends on how he is, but I just feel like with.

[C]

The injury history, you should try to maximize what you can get out of them. And by doing that, that means he's on the field less.

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

That to me makes it pretty.

[B]

Well, they still have other moves to make on that D line too.

[C]

Yeah, of course. It's March 12th.

[B]

Right. But it's a. Pretty much a rebuild. What they're doing on that line.

[A]

At least an overhaul.

[B]

Yes. I. I'm not sure about Daquan.

[C]

Sorry. Just laughing like synonyms. Yeah.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Let's keep it going.

[C]

Rebuild and over retool.

[B]

It's. Well, think about it now. So you have brought in what, three guys.

[A]

So.

[B]

Oh, you've redone Greg, I guess. And so Vaughn's out and now you've done this. And I think they're going to be drafting on the D line and I still think they're going to be signing on the D line.

[C]

Yeah.

[A]

None of the moves the Bills have made over these first few days of free agency prevent them from doing anything in the draft.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Yes.

[C]

That's fair. All right. Do we want to get in the Steelers talking about D line? Bills signed a former Steelers defensive tackle, Larry Ogun Joby.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Well done.

[B]

Sorry.

[C]

Sounded it out.

[B]

Sort of like a Austin Johnson replacement.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Right.

[A]

Tim Settle esque signing.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

You know, kind of a.

[B]

It's more of a. Plays over the guards, I would think. He's not a. He's not a. What they call one technique over the middle.

[A]

Yeah. From what. From what I heard, he was pretty good in Cleveland. They ran more of a four three. He went to Pittsburgh. They run more of a three. Four. The Bills are more of a four three defensive line. So there is the thought that he will have more success like he had in Cleveland more than the success he had in Pittsburgh.

[B]

And. And not.

[A]

And that's the end of my analysis.

[B]

But that is a. That is more than just. That is a very. When you think about it, it's a very obvious thing for certain people's skill set because what they're asked to do in those two different defenses is very different.

[A]

Is night and day.

[B]

Yeah. Sophie is in the right fit. And again, you're right. They rotate. They do this in some way shape or form. This D line has to create more. And I do think they have got guys with more of that twitch, that explosiveness.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And Bose, I think still has that. His injuries have been some soft tissue and he had. What was the core muscle. Core muscle. Yeah. That kept him out for a while. Well, that hasn't been. It hasn't been knees. It hasn't been. You know, it's some foot stuff. Yeah. He did have. That was early in his career. Yeah.

[A]

So did Rex ride?

[C]

Oh, God. Really not have taken the one shot. Okay.

[B]

All right.

[C]

Let's talk a little bit more defense wise. They resigned Demar.

[B]

You said it in a tweet. Best, didn't you say that they. About trust for Demar?

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

You've said that before and we've talked about it. Whatever role he has, they trust him.

[C]

You do.

[B]

I still would like to see him as the third safety.

[A]

Sure.

[B]

And I think he's going to compete with Cole this year.

[A]

I think so, too.

[B]

Right. And.

[C]

And it's a one year deal.

[B]

It is. I'm a little surprised he didn't have. I know there's a lot of safeties out there. I thought he might have had some. Some options.

[A]

Yeah, I thought so. But let me say this. However this demar story has gotten hijacked has been frustrating.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

This is not a charity signing. He was never a charity player. Those don't happen in the NFL. So for anybody that wants to comment in and saying, oh, they're just signing demar for the story, please respectfully, shut up.

[B]

Like idiotic.

[A]

It's just a horrendous take on all of that. There's no such thing like that. Again, demar earned his spot to be a starter this year. He got some fortunate breaks because of the injury to Mike Edwards and Cole Bishop. And maybe if those two things don't happen, maybe he doesn't start. That's fair. If you want to make that argument, that's fine. But he has become a viable safety in the NFL.

[B]

No question.

[A]

This isn't a cute story anymore. He's a football player. Okay. And does he take bad routes? Has he taken bad routes to stop runs? Yeah. Okay. But. But to sit here and sit, you know, and be like, there are a lot of worst teams out there that have worse third safeties. If demar is your third safety and you talk about the fact that I say they trust him, they still are trying to figure out if they trust Cole Bishop. That is what they're trying to see. And for as much as Sean and Brandon will always be complimentary of their guys, when Sean has been pushed at the combine of, hey, Cole's going to be your starter next year. Right. He started at the end of the year. These kind of things, he's like, I don't know. Like, we'll see. Now, it's about, you know, he. He talks about being behind with the injury. He talks about getting beat in the Houston game, learning from those things. You don't know what you don't know. And then he goes, now it's the big jump. Now it's okay. Now go back. Learn it. Learn this system. Inside and out. And he goes, we'll know really quickly when he walks in that door. If he's ready, that is, you're hoping, right. Hope in one hand, shit in another and see which one fills up first. So where I think I like the fact that Bean is covering his ass a little bit is because, hey, worst case scenario, if Cole's not ready or Cole's not the guy that we think he is, we have a. If Demar Hamlin's your worst case scenario, it's a pretty good worst case scenario.

[C]

And someone that knows the system.

[A]

So that's my little soapbox because the first tweet, the first tweet I get is charity case. Yeah.

[B]

Shut up. An idiot who says that? And Derek Forest they brought in too, was a guy who's had some injury issues, has shown flashes with Washington. I do think they want to ramp up competition at that safety position.

[C]

Another one year deal.

[B]

Yeah. So bring them in. Those guys always play teams and see how it maps out. It might be a year with other things to look at that they're not looking at safety in the draft because I do think at some point they are. It's nothing preventing them from doing it.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

But it might be the priorities. I still think the priorities for defense are D line and D line and corner.

[C]

Yeah, I think that's 100 accurate. All right, let's talk about Ty Johnson being resigned by the love. I think a lot of people were excited to see him back.

[B]

Yep. How did I put this? We've talked about what it means for James Cook.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

What it means to me is the Bills are still planning on James Cook being two plus down guy.

[A]

That is exactly the way I see it.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And I talked about that before.

[B]

Right.

[A]

When we did a bunch of James Cook stuff and about his contract and when are they. When are they going to get him a new deal? And I said I'm going to wait and hold my opinion until we get to see what Ty John's deal is. Two years, five. $5 million or what? Again, that's what agents are reporting. We don't know the guaranteed or anything like that. But Ty Johnson is now under contract in Buffalo right now longer than James Cook is. Yeah, I think that will, that will change. But that is again, what they think of. What they think of. Ty is also, I think, a little bit of a knock at what they think James isn't.

[B]

And it's also, Janet, they're not in a position to say, well, James, we're going to let you play A little bit more in these circumstances to see if you can become that guy. This is not the season to be doing that. They know they got a guy in Ty Johnson. They know they have their $13 billion quarterback standing there, and they want a back who will protect him, and they don't have to worry about it. So James Cook's going to try to prove he's worth more, and he might do that. He might be just so good in his role that they still want to pay him more. But I think the bringing back Ty, I think is, is showing you where they are at the moment.

[C]

I was surprised by the money, though. I thought, like, I didn't think it was outrageous where I was like, oh, okay, this is a great price to get Ty Johnson back. And I just think of, when I think of Ty Johnson, he's just clutch. I think of some of those catches he had actually catches. Specifically, I think of the Lions game, what he was able to do. Like, I, I just think of Denver. Denver, another great example. Like, he's someone that has really found his own in Buffalo. I mean, when he came from the Jets, I think he was a really hungry player and to see the opportunity he's been given with the Bills and how he has taken advantage of that. And I think you, I mean, I remember you talking and asking him like, hey, you're considered a third down back. And he was like, I, that doesn't offend me, like, because some people might get offended by that.

[A]

Yeah, I, I, I've just always thought of it as a little bit of a backhanded compliment of, it's like, oh, you're the best pinch hitter. It's like, well, I just want to be the best hitter. Like, I don't want to, I don't want to be viewed as, as, as, as, you know, putting you into a corner or putting you into a box of what you're doing best. But I kept going back to, like, my tweet was about the fact of. It's not like, it's not like Ty Johnson got snaps because James Cook couldn't. It was, Ty Johnson got snaps because he earned them right by his play in big moments.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

And for a team that lacked playmakers at times, and we said it was. Josh and James were the two playmakers. Ty was so dependable in big moments that James had to take a seat. And not because James wasn't a good player and things of that, but they just trusted him so much in those spots. And I remember going back to last year when Joe Brady took over and Ty was more of a part of that offense later in the year and I went, damn, I hope they keep Ty Johnson. So for the second year in a row, I'm really happy that he's. He's back and on a two year deal.

[C]

Yeah. What do you make of the moves they've made?

[B]

Like, overall, I think they've been aggressive and, you know, not just early, too. Yeah, not just. It's a great sign being in a position with the guys they, you know, sometimes it's almost taken for granted when you sign, you know, like Bernard and Shakir because they weren't going into free agency.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

And it's spending money, but it's like, oh, no, we have guys that are worth doing early and that's what the smart teams do. And then the next step is they've been aggressive in finding players. Sometimes I think there's a thought that early in free agency you got to take the big swing for the huge money guy. 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 ends up being one of those guys because if he plays really well for them, he's a bargain.

[A]

Yes.

[B]

At $12 million.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

Right. That's the, that's the question. So you, you pinpoint players, you go, you get them early, and then you can plan because this free agency stuff's going to go on for a while. There's still a lot left to do.

[C]

Yeah. Your thoughts?

[A]

Yeah, I, I think they've been strategic and I like the fact that.

[C]

No.

[A]

Chance S T R a G D.

[B]

I C N O.

[C]

All right, go ahead. Sorry.

[A]

And I like the fact that when you're taking the flyers on these guys, it's not some four year, $60 million deal. Like, those are the guys for that. You know, it's the Shakir, it's the Terrell Bernards where you're like, know this person when it's this.

[C]

First, the Reed Fergusons.

[A]

Yeah. Yes, The Reed Fergusons. When it's this, hey, we'd like to like to go on a date with you. Here's a one year deal. We really hope this. We. We hope this date goes well.

[B]

Right.

[A]

And we hope we both benefit from this. Like that. That's how we're going to go about it. So I like it. I think it made sense.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

What I was thinking of is George Bush used to get impersonated on Saturday Night Live and he would say, strategia, uh, and they were talking. I heard him talking about it for Saturday Night Live the other day, where Bush came up and made the joke to Lorne Michaels. He said, you guys caught me saying strategery. And they were like, Mr. President, you never said that. We just made it up. And he was like, oh, damn. So he never said strategically, but it would have fit.

[A]

It would have fit, yes.

[B]

When I heard you trying to spell that, I was like, strategery.

[C]

What is it? Like, fool me once. Didn't he say that? Fool me once. And then he like, fool me. Can't get fooled again.

[A]

Hey, now watch this drive.

[C]

Okay. All right. You want to do credit to me?

[B]

Yeah.

[C]

All right. Who wants to start?

[B]

Not me.

[A]

I got a. I got a good one, actually. And this goes, actually back to two weeks ago. Restore a little bit of faith in humanity with this one. Shout out to. His name is Alex, and he works at Lululemon in Pittsford. And I say that because wife and I, we got a gift card. We wanted to go to Lululemon, and it's pretty much the only time we shop there. It's pretty expensive. So he went there. I was like, renee, you can have some of the gift card. I'll have some of the gift card. We each get something to wear for the spring and things like that. So wife's trying out a bunch of things, and this guy's helping us out, and he's just super nice. Oh, you look great in that. Do this. Try that on all these things, helping us all out. And then my wife picks out something else. So she's trying on two things. He's just being very personal, understanding all these things. He comes back over. My wife goes, I'm gonna get this. I'm not gonna get the shorts. Something like that. And he goes, oh, come on. And we're like, no. My wife goes, we just have a gift card. Like, that's it. And he goes, well, Lululemon's getting it for you.

[C]

Oh.

[A]

And went up to the register, and he. He got Renee, my wife, those clothes, so. And gave us an employee discount, things like that.

[C]

Wow.

[A]

Obviously, Renee starts crying just because of the kindness and generosity in the world that we live in now. And everything is hostile and everything like this. My wife and I barely get a chance to go out and grab a coffee. We found 20 minutes to go to Lululemon, and this guy made us feel like we were celebrities and barely knew who we were. Was very kind. We got to know he was. Loves customer service. And anybody that hasn't Waited a table or done customer service. I think you need to. It is a thankless job. It is brutal at times. It was just made our day, made our week. We walked out going, that was unbelievable. Why did that person, you know, why, why, why us?

[C]

That's sweet.

[A]

And it was just one of those things of, like, pass it on, do something nice. And it was.

[C]

So, what are you gonna do?

[A]

Well, we went to go get a coffee, and Renee's like, we should get somebody. Like the person behind us. And there was nobody in line. So when. But I actually went back, I. I pulled a Jenna, wrote a card.

[C]

Oh.

[A]

And then dropped it off back to lman because he didn't do it. Like, I was like, do I get him a gift card to say thank you? I was joking around. Like, when he was cashing us out, I was like, can I tip you? Like, that was so great. And he's like, don't worry about it. I just do this because I like taking care of people, things like that. So shout out Alex from Lululemon. Restored faith in humanity and a crazy world we live in. It's very nice when somebody does something kind for you. I meant to bring it up last week, but it is a credit to me that I wanted to make sure I put out there on the podcast.

[C]

That is so cool.

[A]

It was very nice.

[C]

That is very sweet. I love that. All right. My credit to me is the human body is incredible, man. So I had, like, stuff I had. Oh, yeah, my eye got all messed up. I had exfoliating beads in my body wash that got into my eye. Had to go to urgent care. Was worried I scratched my cornea. If you saw the podcast on Monday, I was really hurting and the doctor was like, essentially, like, just, just. It'll be okay. Just you have to wait a couple days. And so I'm like 90% now. There's, like, one little thing still in my eye. But I just think the human body is incredible, you know, for so many people, for so many things. It's like you get sick and you realize what a benefit it is to have a healthy body. So I just want everyone to take a moment and to appreciate what that means, how powerful that can be. And just taking care of yourself. And don't buy the two dollar dub.

[B]

That's what I was just gonna say. Don't buy the cheap stuff.

[C]

It was on sale. And I. Zach was laughing. He's like, how much money did you say buying that body wash? It was like $3. And he's like, I wonder if $3 is going to be your urgent care bill, it's like. Yeah, I think I know the answer to that.

[A]

I also think it's kind of funny how she's crediting the human body when hers tried to kill her. Well, I now.

[C]

How resilient the human body, the resilience. People don't know. They don't.

[B]

She did it to herself. Her body responded. Said that was dumb.

[A]

Made an adjustment.

[C]

Yeah.

[B]

This one's going to be a little different. Credit to me because I kind of introduced these two to a guy who's now a major league baseball player. Ernie Clement. Oh. Big Bills fan.

[A]

Now.

[B]

I know Ernie through. Through my family. Extended family. They're related to Ernie, if you do know. And I think a lot of Bills fans know. Ernie's a big Bills fan. He plays for the Toronto Blue Jays. He's from Rochester, so he's been around here. He also played for the Buffalo Bisons. And Shout out to Ernie. So I'm gonna give the credit to Ernie. He took a shot in the face with a.

[A]

In the face.

[B]

Hit right in. Like, in the lip.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

Couple days later, it's back in the lineup for the first time. Bang. Gone with a home run. And they were joking. He's like a hockey player. Well, he's also really good at hockey. He's really good at golf and basketball and every other thing. And I know he watches Buffalo plus, so shout out. I'm taking a little credit because you guys got to meet him.

[A]

Yeah.

[B]

He was mad at Dan one time.

[A]

Oh.

[B]

Because Dan likes to make fun of University of Virginia basketball.

[A]

Yeah. But then.

[C]

Which he won a national championship for baseball.

[A]

Yes. Yes. Yeah.

[B]

He was like.

[A]

I had tweeted something had gotten.

[B]

Why would anybody ever want to play for Virginia basketball?

[A]

I said it was like a wide receiver wanting to go play at Navy and Virginia. People didn't like it. So Ernie retweeted it and got it to all of his uva. UVA friends and. And that. He texted me later and was like, my bad man. I was really upset. But yeah, shout out. Ernie. He had career high in home runs and RBIs last year.

[B]

Yeah.

[A]

Playing well again.

[B]

And when he was playing for the Bisons and he would go up to the plate, his. His. His song was the Shout song. I think it might still be with the Blue Jays.

[A]

Too awesome for him.

[C]

That was a Monday. He got hit Thursday.

[B]

Home run bad.

[C]

Yeah. Pretty cool stuff. All right, thank you all so much for joining us. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. We'll keep you updated with whatever the bills have in store. Next for you. For Mike Catalana and Dan Fates, I am Jenna Castro. Thank you so much for watching Buffalo plus presented by Connors and Ferris.

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