Buffalo Plus Podcast: "VON MILLER signs with BILLS: Brandon Beane makes a SPLASH"

Episode Date: March 17, 2022
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Overview

This episode delivers immediate reaction to the Buffalo Bills’ blockbuster signing of star edge rusher Von Miller during NFL free agency, breaking down contract implications, approach by general manager Brandon Beane, and the broader roster direction. The team also discusses complementary moves, including the addition of tight end O.J. Howard, explores ongoing needs at wide receiver and cornerback, and debates the meaning of this aggressive offseason for both the organization and Bills fans.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Von Miller Signing – All-In for a Super Bowl Window

[00:24–05:50]

• The Move: Bills ink Von Miller, 32, to a six-year, $120M deal.
  • Mike: "When you're talking about being all in, this is a form of that, because they're paying big money to a guy now, he's 32. Ask any Rams fan if he helped them. He absolutely did." (00:51)
• Impact and Value:
  • Dan: "He can still produce. I still think he can give you 10 sacks. I really do. But he's also going to teach a lot of guys how to get to the quarterback..." (02:33)
  • Von Miller is not just a star name; he remains an elite pass rusher and will mentor younger defensive linemen, potentially elevating the entire defense.
• Bills Attracting Top Talent:
  • Dan: "Somebody just picked Buffalo, New York over Los Angeles...Those are words we would never have uttered three years ago, four years ago, 10 years ago." (01:58)

2. Contract Structure and Cap Ramifications

[03:23–05:50]

• The six-year term is mostly for cap management; truly, the Bills are committed for about three years.
  • Jenna: "I saw some people freaking out about this being a six year deal...But then when you break down the numbers, you're like, okay, this is a situation where...Brandon Beane knows what he is doing." (03:41)
• Emphasized how rising salary cap and creative structuring allowed the deal, with the expectation of more moves to free up space and fill needs.

3. Defensive Line Evolution

[05:50–08:23]

• Adds context to a major investment after years of high draft picks (Rousseau, Basham, Epenesa, Oliver) that haven’t fully delivered.
• Von Miller is an upgrade; finally, opponents will have to scheme for a true game-wrecker.
  • Dan: "They haven't had a guy that's had double digits [in sacks] since 2016 and it was Lorenzo Alexander." (06:53)

4. Other Offseason Additions: O.J. Howard & D-Line Depth

[09:35–11:55]

• O.J. Howard: Former first-round pick at tight end—adds size and two-TE potential (likely means Tommy Sweeney’s time is up).
  • Mike: "I think based on his physical ability, I believe he's a bit of an underachiever in the NFL, but he's going to get a chance. And honestly...he's that second tight end." (09:51)
• Defensive line sees further turnover; moves for DTs DaQuan Jones, Tim Settle, possible return of Jordan Phillips.

5. Roster Holes & Pending Needs

[12:32–15:48]

• Wide Receiver: After losing out on J.D. McKissic, the Bills still need depth behind Diggs and Davis.
• Running Back: Still a position to target, possibly with a veteran or draftee.
• Cornerback: Huge need after letting Levi Wallace walk.
  • Jenna: "You hope Trey White's coming back as Trey White...But it's not an automatic...They do need to address it." (15:48)
  • Dan: "I think the Bills like Dane Jackson...I think he filled in adequately..." (14:43)

6. Defensive Philosophy – Talent Over Depth

[19:02–20:45]

• The hosts push back on the idea that “rotational depth” substitutes for top-end talent on the line.
  • Dan: "There's a big difference...between depth and talent. I would rather have two really good pass rushers than four average pass rushers." (19:21)
  • Von Miller + Rousseau for the next three years could be the best Bills edge tandem in years.

7. The AFC Landscape – A Conference in Arms Race

[27:46–29:22]

• Rapid AFC improvement: AFC West teams loading up (Chandler Jones, Khalil Mack, Russell Wilson); AFC as a “minefield.”
  • Mike: "The quarterbacks alone make it a just a minefield for everybody." (29:11)

8. Evaluating Brandon Beane’s Approach

[29:35–35:12]

• Mixed evaluation: past D-line picks haven't delivered; still, Beane is lauded for aggressiveness and not being stubborn about past picks.
  • Mike: "He puts the blinders on...He's not going to sit there and go, I made a mistake, but I'm going to play AJ Epanessa, 60 snaps a game." (30:23)
• Huge credit for drafting Josh Allen, defining the franchise's competitiveness:
  • Mike: "He bet his career on it...If you get that wrong, it's hard to come back from that." (32:50)

9. Bills Culture, Josh Allen’s Appeal

[33:43–35:48]

• Buffalo’s draw is now “the quarterback” — no need for Josh Allen to recruit; players want to play with him.
  • Dan: "Josh Allen doesn't have to tweet anything...Players are like, well, I just, I want that guy. He doesn't need to tweet at me. I just want to play with Josh Allen." (35:35)

Notable Quotes & Moments

• On Why the Von Miller Move is Different:
  • Dan: “Somebody just picked Buffalo, New York over Los Angeles. And those are words we would never have uttered three years ago...” (01:58)
• On Contract Value:
  • Jenna: “Trying to understand the salary cap is like trying to nail smoke to a wall.” (03:33)
• On Defensive Line Upgrades:
  • Dan: “I think Von Miller is that piece now...he is the current NFL active sack leader...this is a guy that knows how to get to the quarterback.” (02:11)
• On Team Building:
  • Mike: “I've got the quarterback. I need the guy to get to the quarterback. And the Bills have lacked that.” (08:23)
• Brandon Beane’s Legacy:
  • Mike: “He bet his career on it [drafting Josh Allen]...and not only did it work, I mean...he’s one of the best players in the entire NFL.” (32:50, 33:30)
• On Changing Culture:
  • Dan: “Players are like, well, I just, I want that guy [Allen]... I just want to play with Josh Allen. And that Bean should get credit for too.” (35:35)

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Von Miller Contract Breakdown: 00:24–03:23
• Cap Implications & Big Splash: 03:23–05:50
• DL Investment & Mentorship: 05:50–08:23
• O.J. Howard Addition: 09:35–11:55
• Roster Priorities (CB, WR, RB): 12:32–15:48
• Building for AFC Arms Race: 27:46–29:22
• Brandon Beane’s Team Building Philosophy: 29:35–35:12
• Buffalo Culture & Allen’s Draw: 33:43–35:48

Conclusion: Tone & Takeaway

The episode radiates excitement and validation for Bills fans witnessing a franchise playing for championships—no longer perennial outsiders. The hosts balance enthusiasm for Von Miller’s arrival with critical analysis about roster construction, team philosophy, and the unique culture that finally makes Buffalo an attractive destination. The tone is celebratory, with doses of realism, culminating in the recognition that the Bills—with Beane and Allen—are in one of the NFL's premier competitive windows.

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