What CJ GARDNER-JOHNSON adds to the BILLS & what STILL needs to be DONE in BUFFALO

Summary

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Buffalo Plus Podcast Episode Summary

Episode: What CJ GARDNER-JOHNSON adds to the BILLS & what STILL needs to be DONE in BUFFALO

Date: March 16, 2026
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fates

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OVERVIEW

This episode centers on the Buffalo Bills’ key offseason move—signing safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson—and how his addition could reshape the team’s defense, chemistry, and culture. The Buffalo Plus crew (Mike, Jenna, and Dan) dive into CJGJ’s pros, cons, and personality, discuss the secondary overhaul, assess remaining roster holes, and speculate on which former Bills free agents might return. They also evaluate the team’s draft strategy needs and weigh in on various new (and potential) signings.

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1. C.J. Gardner-Johnson Signing: Player, Personality, and Fit

(02:14–10:40)

• Versatility and Edge:
  • The Bills signed C.J. Gardner-Johnson to a one-year deal; he's played for six teams and brings “a lot of personality” and fire to a secondary in need of a spark.
  • Mike praises CJGJ's attitude:

    "He makes plays right now it’s exciting because he’s different, feisty...He will talk. And I think it’s gonna be fun to see." (02:14, 03:39)

  • However, Mike adds a caution:

    "He does sort of appear to wear out his welcome…he came to the Eagles, made plays, then went out the door pissed off." (02:23)

• On-field Play & Concerns:
  • Dan notes CJGJ’s “fun” but acknowledges he “freelances” a lot, which may have rubbed previous teams/coaches the wrong way:

    "He kind of plays his own game…that’s what seemed to rub the Texans the wrong way." (03:56)

  • Physicality and leadership:

    "I bring physicality to the defense...I want my teammates to know they can come up to the line with me." – Recounting CJGJ's own words (04:26)

• Team Fit and Locker Room Chemistry:
  • Mike: “I don't think the Bills have had a guy close to him personality wise...Diggs was maybe just his mood, the way he (was).” (02:23)
  • The hosts are excited by the new dynamic, imagining interactions between Gardner-Johnson’s outsized personality and quieter teammates like Cole Bishop (06:07–06:13).
• Notable Viral Moment:
  • CJGJ’s tweet with a photoshopped Josh Allen in a diamond grill went viral after his signing, underscoring his social media savvy and sense of humor:

    "What would Josh Allen look like with a real diamond grill? That’d be secret...maybe you get him, win a Super Bowl, right?" – CJGJ via Dom Tibbets’ question (07:44–08:17)

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2. Secondary Upheaval, Depth, and New Additions

(10:41–13:07)

• Geno Stone & Depth Strategy:
  • Dan explains the need for more than two starting safeties, positioning Geno Stone as a crucial depth piece, not a headline signing:

    "You need more than two safeties on a roster...I think Geno Stone is hopefully the third safety." (10:53)

  • Mike and Dan run through failed attempts to shore up depth in previous years (Mike Edwards, Darnell Savage, Derek Forrest) and see Geno Stone as older but reliable: “He’s on the later side. Very different player than CJGJ.” (11:58)
• Special Teams Value:
  • Stone’s special teams experience is highlighted as a key plus:

    "Even for an older player, he played a lot of special teams." (12:29)

• Who Starts?
  • A likely starting combo: CJGJ and Cole Bishop, but Stone enables insurance/flexibility.

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3. Who’s Left? Potential Returnees Among Unsigned Bills Free Agents

(13:07–17:55)

• Long List of Unsigned Free Agents:
  • Jenna and Mike read through former Bills still without contracts elsewhere (e.g., A.J. Epenesa, Tre’Davious White, DaQuan Jones, Matt Milano, Jordan Phillips, Gabe Davis, etc.) and discuss realistic chances any could return.
  • Most likely? A.J. Epenesa for defense, Brandon Cooks for offense, with both considered affordable:

    "A.J. I do think you're right...he's been healthy, not like a guy that's had nagging injuries, he’s not super old." (14:40–14:49)

  • Many others seem unlikely, with some possible post-market returns if the money is right.
• Free Agent Market Realities:
  • The hosts note a lack of league interest in ex-Bills defenders, contrasting with how players from other strong units (Chiefs, Broncos) are quickly signed away:

    "It feels like their defense is a free agent. And Sean held that defense together." – Dan (17:17–17:36)

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4. What Needs Work: Roster Holes and Offseason To-Do’s

(17:55–26:10)

• Defense Still Lacking Depth:
  • Linebacker and Cornerback—the top remaining positional needs.
  • Jim Leonhard (new DC) will have significant say in camp battles:

    "You have to let Jim Leonard come in and say who's earning these spots." – Mike (19:47)

• Current CB Depth Chart:
  • Christian Benford is the only clear starter, while Max Harrison (second-year) is “penciled in.” D. Alford, a recent signing with an underdog story, is expected to replace Taron Johnson at slot but expects competition.

    "That’s one of these players expected to fill Taron Johnson’s role, but that underdog mentality...can be the ones that are so impactful." – Jenna (22:44–24:04)

  • Veteran CB additions are expected, more likely through free agency or post June 1 cuts than in the first round of the draft.
• Linebacker Group:
  • Depth issues are evident; the team may add a vet and draft pick here. Discussion of prospects like Jacob Rodriguez, admired for versatility and character.

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5. Philosophy on Receiver/Offensive Additions

(29:00–34:20)

• Wide Receiver Room:
  • Debate over whether to add a veteran WR5 or rely on the draft; Dan sees greater value in developing a rookie rather than paying $6-8 million for a middling veteran:

    "Why would you go spend [money] on a wide receiver 5...rather than a veteran and kicking the can down the road...spend it on figuring out linebacker or a better veteran corner?" (29:02–34:20)

  • Mike questions Keon Coleman’s roster fit unless he grabs a top-3 WR slot, noting his lack of special teams play:

    "If Keon's not one of top three receivers, I don't think he should be on the roster." (32:18)

• Hardman, Cooks, and Numbers Game:
  • Nicole Hardman returns as a proven returner and depth WR. Brandon Cooks is considered possibly affordable but not a high-impact addition.
  • Tangent on new jersey numbers (Ray Davis, Hardman, DJ Moore), highlighting the lighter side of roster changes.

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6. Draft Strategy & Pressing Needs

(36:01–40:25)

• Pick Inventory:
  • Bills only have three picks in the top 150 (1st—26, 3rd—91, 4th—126).
• Draft Priorities:
  • Hosts project a first-round focus on edge rusher (Mike), possible linebacker or safety in the third, but see defense as the clear trend.
• Potential to Trade Back:
  • Strong belief the Bills will try to trade down from 26 if possible to recoup capital lost in prior trades.

    "It feels more than any year...trade back." – Dan (36:03)

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7. O-Line and Other Position Battles

(42:00–44:08)

• O-Line Shuffle and Value:
  • Only real question is at left guard; Alec Anderson could get first look, but another cheap veteran is likely.

    "I would go cheap at left guard...can see Alec Anderson gets the shot." – Mike (42:54)

  • Tight end, running back groups are considered set.
• Fullback/H-back:
  • Jackson Hawes could be that guy, with Reggie Gilliam departing for the Patriots.

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8. Memorable Quotes & Light Moments

• CJGJ on embracing “edge”:

  "I can go up to the line...some people will say I go over the line...I don’t think I’ve ever gone over the line. I want my teammates to know they can come up to the line with me." (04:26, paraphrased)

• On Bills’ new dynamic:

  "I don't think the Bills have had a guy close to him personality wise..." – Mike (02:23)

• On why ex-Bills FAs linger unsigned:

  "It feels like their defense is a free agent. And Sean held that defense together." – Dan (17:17)

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9. Key Timestamps

• 02:14 – CJ Gardner-Johnson signing breakdown
• 03:56 – Concerns about his “freelancing” style
• 08:11 – CJGJ’s viral “Josh Allen Grill” tweet (clip recounted)
• 10:53 – Geno Stone’s role clarified
• 13:07 – Rundown of unsigned Buffalo FAs, return candidates
• 17:55 – What still needs to be addressed: CB/LB
• 21:53 – D. Alford’s backstory and fit
• 29:00 – WR5 discussion: draft vs. veteran
• 36:01 – Draft philosophy, pick needs
• 42:01 – O-line and backup OL/OG priorities

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10. Summary Table: Main Needs & Projections

| Position | Free Agent Move? | Draft? | Comments | |------------------|------------------|--------|-------------------------------------------| | Safety | CJGJ, Stone | Maybe | Need long-term solution, depth issue | | CB | D. Alford | Maybe | Expect more FA additions, maybe Day 3 pick| | LB | None yet | YES | Need depth, possible 3rd–4th round pick | | WR | None yet | YES | Likely Day 2 or 3; vet addition possible | | O-Line | None yet | Maybe | LG battle: Anderson vs. cheap vet | | Edge/DL | Bradley Chubb | Yes | Early round interest predicted |

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FINAL TAKEAWAY

Buffalo’s signing of C.J. Gardner-Johnson injects personality and edge into a transitioning defense, but success depends on his fit within the scheme and with new teammate Cole Bishop. Roster questions abound at CB and LB, while depth at WR and OL will likely be addressed via the draft and bargain free agents. Look for a much more competitive, open training camp, as the Bills shift from a “written in sharpie” to “penciled-in” roster model.

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Questions and insights? Explore more at Buffalo Plus on YouTube!

Transcript

[Mike Catalana]

All those things you said about him are all true. He is all those things and a lot more.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. The first thing I thought of was the bill secondary is going to be a lot more fun this year and

[Unknown Contributor]

it fits him and it's like, what would Josh Allen look like with a real diamond grill? That'd be secret when a Super Bowl. Get him a diamond grill right.

[Mike Catalana]

Now.

[Dan Fates]

From the Connors and Ferris podcast studio, this is the Buffalo plus podcast.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Welcome back to the Buffalo plus podcast. Mike Catalana, Dan Fates, I am Jenna Cottrell. Please be sure to, like, comment, subscribe and share. We are here in the Connors and Ferris podcast studio. You're back and we're all here. Yes, I'm back from Florida.

[Mike Catalana]

We missed you.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It was, it was very bright sun. Great to spend some time with family. Got to go to the beach.

[Mike Catalana]

Look at you.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I feel like my. I didn't even have my tan stick, but that's okay.

[Dan Fates]

So we did taxes on Thursday and the guy looks at me and goes, where have you been getting all this done? And I was like, nowhere. I was like, I have no idea what you're talking about. But it was funny because I'm sitting there like my co workers in Florida. I don't think that has anything to do with this.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, there's that. No. So it was really nice to get away. So I appreciate you guys, but obviously going away during free agency, some moves made by the Bills. We're going to go over some of the players that they have recently signed as well as where they're going to go now and a look at some of the guys that have been in Buffalo and do we think they will stay in Buffalo? So a busy podcast to get to

[Dan Fates]

and Detective Mike has been sleuthing around and has some interesting information.

[Mike Catalana]

I do.

[Dan Fates]

We were just talking about it before.

[Mike Catalana]

I think that's that part. Yes. I didn't think of it as a detective, but yeah, that was very detective.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm gonna take credit for that, Detective Catalana. All right, let's start first with CJ Gardner. Johnson signing a one year deal. We know he brings versatility to the secondary. He's a guy that has been on many teams in his time in the NFL. Six to be exact. The Bills making this signing brings a lot of personality. It's a fiery guy. Mike, what do you think of them bringing in this player?

[Mike Catalana]

I love it. I think it's going to be fantastic for us. He has a shelf life.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

He has played on a lot of teams. He makes plays right now it's exciting because he's different, feisty. We've talked about this. Having a guy with some edge to him. Having a guy who's going to say something, having a guy who's going to get everybody fired up. Let's see how that plays out. I like the signing because I know he can make plays. But it, it's a, he's a lot man. Like, he came to the Eagles and it was all of a sudden like, who is this dude making plays, playing well. And then he went out the door pissed off at Howie Roseman about the contract he left. They didn't make the super bowl that year. They bring him back, they make the super bowl and win. He's gone again. And then he played for two more teams. Like, he does sort of appear to wear out his welcome. I don't think the Bills have had a guy close to him personality wise. Like, you know, there's like Jordan Phillips says some stuff and goes to the crowd and whatever. He's a teddy bear. He doesn't really like rip anybody. Diggs was more maybe just his mood and the way he.

[Dan Fates]

Behind the scenes.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes, this, this dude will talk. He will talk. And I think it's gonna be fun to see. It is a position of need. But I would just, you know, all those things you said about him are all true. He is all those things and a lot more.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, the first thing I thought of was the Bill secondary is going to be a lot more fun this year. Like, like take it for what it is. And there will be highs and lows. I think with C.J. gardner, Johnson. I think the one thing and reason why he's hasn't stuck around more places for longer. He freelances. Like, he doesn't necessarily go by what the play is. Like he kind of plays his own game or own play inside of a play. And that's what seemed to rub the Texans the wrong way because when they made that signing, it's like, oh, that secondary, that defense, this is going to work out. Then he goes to Baltimore on the practice squad, signs with the Bears. He was good with the Bears, like, and he kind of talks about how like he settled in. He joked around. He spoke to the media on Friday and he was exactly like that light hearted, fun guy that you see on the field and was saying, the one thing I loved what he said is he's like, what's it been like? Bouncing around league. He's like, I get to travel on somebody else's dime. And he's like, yeah, I Also get to play football. But he said he's going to bring. He goes, I bring physicality to the defense. I think that's a big thing. And he talks about. He goes, I can go up to the line. And he goes. Some people will say I go over the line. He goes. But I goes, I don't think I've ever gone over the line. He goes. And I want my teammates to know that they can come up to the line with me. That I thought is where you talk about the plus side of edge. Yeah. Like I said, nobody wants to be a jerk. And he was even asked, hey, when you've left, there seems to have been friction and things like that. And he kind of said that that pretty much happens after he leaves. He goes, when I've been places and we've won, you haven't heard anything. And then I've left. And he goes. So goes, I. I don't think that I'm some bad teammate, things like that.

[Mike Catalana]

So I never heard anybody say he was like a bad teammate. I think it was more sometimes with the coaches.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Who get. Can get frustrated with him, but he is around the ball and you are right. He will put his head down and lay people out. I mean he will. He is a physical player. And I think it'll be an interesting dynamic to see he and Colby or Cole Beasley. Cole Bishop. Cole Bishop.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

It's a very Bishop Bishop personality wise.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So different.

[Dan Fates]

It's going to be so funny to talk to them at training camp. Be like, so what's it like been getting along with like just the dynamic of their personalities.

[Mike Catalana]

It's not the same personalities, but it's a little bit like Christian Benford and Trey.

[Dan Fates]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

For Benford has now become a. A little more open and talks a lot more. But in the beginning like the man didn't say two words and Trey never stopped talking. And they were the two guys or even when Raul. No, before him. Who would never leave the Levi Wallace.

[Dan Fates]

Levi Wallace.

[Mike Catalana]

Levi. Levi was a quiet dude. Undrafted. Anybody on the opposite side of Trey.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

Would be that case. So yeah, this. I like the signing. It's a one year deal.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, I think it's definitely worth that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I just love the tweet. When he like decided to come to Buffalo with the Josh Allen with the Grill. Like I was like that. That is perfect. But you're right. I feel like that shows his personality how he will. He will be like, you know what? I was trying to find you. Was it you that asked him or. No, it Was Dom.

[Mike Catalana]

Dom asked the question Dom Tibbets, shout

[Jenna Cottrell]

out W. And it's a great answer

[Dan Fates]

if you haven't seen it. It's been around social media. But here is what the tweet went pretty viral. Over a million views of CJ Garner Johnson announcing that he was coming to Buffalo. Dom Tibbets, friend of the channel, asked the question about it, and his explanation is awesome. Acj, I just wanted to circle back one thing. You're talking about Josh earlier.

[Mike Catalana]

A lot of people, over a million

[Dan Fates]

saw the tweet of Josh with the grill yesterday. How quickly did you have that one

[Mike Catalana]

ready to fire off?

[Unknown Contributor]

Okay, so actually I was looking for the people that jumped through the table. The table one. But it was like, when I put Bill's mafia, the first thing popped up was Josh Allen and grills. And coincident, I'm in Houston and Johnny Dame is down the street. So it's like, oh, that's a good kind of tweet. Kind of. Kind of make one as, you know, and it fits him. And it's like, what would Josh Allen look like with a real diamond grill? That'd be secret.

[Dan Fates]

You know, you might. You might be able to convince him. I don't know, maybe it was a conversation.

[Unknown Contributor]

Maybe you get him win a Super bowl, right?

[Dan Fates]

Shout out Johnny Dame. I don't know who that is.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

But he's like, it makes perfect sense. It was like, this is a reference over my head. But what would Josh look like with a. With a grill? It was just a great sound bite and introduction to Bill's mafia.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I do think that this is a move that maybe. Do you think some of the talk on social media was like, this would not be a move that they would do under Sean McDermott. Do you think there's anything to that?

[Mike Catalana]

I think that's just fits the narrative. It fits the narrative. It's not the same type of thing. They brought in Stefan Diggs and it's like, oh. And it worked until it didn't work, but it really worked when it did.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

I think less about personality, more about the way he plays. That's it now, right? Because it's not Sean McDermott. I mean, Vic Fangio was ready for him to leave. Other defensive coordinators have been like, look at the Texans, the way they play with all that. And they were like, this dude doesn't do all the things we need our safety do. So, you know, that part isn't like, oh, Sean, he's so rigid. He won't guys there.

[Dan Fates]

It's like, it's the style of play that you expect from your player. Like, that's where, you know, it's. Sean had a system and like I was saying, cj, gj, like, has his own style of play system.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Like, he. He just freelances a lot.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That is where I'm very curious, though, how it will play out with Cole Bishop because there's so much trust that needs to go into that. But it's going to take some time, I feel like, for them to learn each other's cues because I do think with how C.J. gardner Johnson plays, like, he kind of does his own thing. So that takes a while to be like, okay, what is. If I'm Cole Bishop, I'm like, what is this dude doing? Because I need to know.

[Mike Catalana]

You think they hang out?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Someone was joking on social media. I can't remember who, but they were saying like, week four.

[Dan Fates]

Oh, I see.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Bishop's gonna have a grill.

[Dan Fates]

So good. It's those videos of like one day hanging out. Two days, one month.

[Mike Catalana]

So does Josh take him up on it?

[Jenna Cottrell]

The grill?

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It would have to be. Would have to be, like, bought for him.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

It says he gets him one and says, dad.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

For what? He. For what? He has his kid, dad grill.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I was very confused there for a second. Okay. After that, let's say, do we want to go D. Alford? Do we want to talk a little bit more about Bradley Chub? Geno Stone? What are we thinking?

[Dan Fates]

The Gino Stone one was, I guess, one that caught my attention a little bit because people were instantly like, what does this mean, all this stuff? Breaking news. You need more than two, like, safeties on a roster. So I really think Geno Stone is hopefully the third safety. It's kind of like what you had with Demar Hamlin.

[Mike Catalana]

They have not done well trying to find this guy. Mike Edwards didn't work.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

I was told Mike Edwards was a Super bowl caliber safety that was going to start. And somebody said that tomorrow Hamlin was going to start.

[Mike Catalana]

He won't credit again.

[Dan Fates]

Remember that, Mike? Edward Sillas hasn't played it down, I think, since he's. Since he came to Buffalo.

[Mike Catalana]

Not just Mike Edwards, they also brought in Darnell Savage. Darnell Savage, he played a snap and then the guy. Who was the guy last year.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I know who you're talking about. Yeah. Never.

[Mike Catalana]

Forrest.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Forrest.

[Mike Catalana]

Forrest. Derek Forbest.

[Dan Fates]

Yep.

[Mike Catalana]

I mean, they've tried to bring in these veterans now. Geno Stones had a better.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

Career.

[Dan Fates]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

But he's on the later side. Very different player than correct. Cj GJ Yes.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Stone say. I hate that. Too many letters looking at it. I just, my brain, the G. G.J. is like really hard for my brain.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, yeah, it's like, yes. C.J.

[Jenna Cottrell]

g.J. C.J.

[Mike Catalana]

g.j.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I want to say D.J.

[Dan Fates]

that was D.J.

[Mike Catalana]

moore.

[Dan Fates]

We've got initials all over the place. But yeah, I think that, I really think Geno Stone is much more of a special teams.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. Even for an older player, he did play a lot of special like special teams.

[Dan Fates]

And if you have Cole Bishop or Garner Johnson out, like he can be inserted in because he has started a lot. So I think that's more of the safety play than like safety play insurance. But I go, so many people are like, what are they doing? You need guys.

[Mike Catalana]

You're gonna have a 90 man roster coming to camp.

[Dan Fates]

So I guess that's why I, you know, people, somebody is signed and they instantly think this guy is going to be a starter. You sign guys that are depth pieces as well and then you'll have camp bodies that you will also sign.

[Mike Catalana]

So can we briefly transition to the Bills own free agents? The reason I want to say this before we start looking at where they are, man, there's just a lot of guys who have not been touched by any other team yet.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Can I list them?

[Mike Catalana]

Go ahead.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Joey Bosa, A.J. epanessa, Trey White, Demar Hamlin, Daquan Jones, Matt Milano, Larry Ogan, Joby, Jordan Phillips, Shaq Thompson, Darius Slay, Brandon Cooks on offense. Gabe Davis. Yeah, that's a lot of the only player that's been on the Bills roster. David Edwards is the one who's gotten a new contract with a different team. And Cam Lewis. Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

So the rest of these guys. And by the way, just a quick aside. And Reggie Gilliam, Darius Slay, in a I think somewhat joking way was saying he's retired. Only one team can call him to come back and that's the Eagles.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Eagles. Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, yeah. How would they have ever known anyhow, of that list, of that list, one who has the best chance of coming back?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Best chance of coming back to Buffalo.

[Mike Catalana]

Yep.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Ooh,

[Dan Fates]

We see the list again.

[Mike Catalana]

By the way. He has the list.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes, he does. He just doesn't have him with him.

[Dan Fates]

A.J.

[Jenna Cottrell]

i was, I was thinking, A.J. i could also see Brandon Cooks for.

[Mike Catalana]

On offense.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, I could see not a lot of money, but, but defensively.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Isn't that funny? AJ I do think you're right because

[Mike Catalana]

it's not going to be a lot of money.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He's also played like the question. He's been healthy. Like he's not like a guy that's had nagging injuries. He's not super old.

[Mike Catalana]

I don't see Bosa coming back.

[Dan Fates]

Nope. Chub was. Chubb was there. Bosa.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Agree.

[Mike Catalana]

Trey?

[Jenna Cottrell]

I don't know.

[Dan Fates]

Don't know if it fits.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I don't know what Trey wants.

[Mike Catalana]

I will say we'll look at the depth. Shark, they need corners.

[Jenna Cottrell]

They definitely need corners.

[Mike Catalana]

I don't think Demar is coming back. I don't think Daquan is.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No. I guess there's Milano. I don't know.

[Mike Catalana]

There's always a shot in Milano depending on what it is.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Larry Ogan.

[Mike Catalana]

Definitely not Jordan. Not Jordan Phillips?

[Jenna Cottrell]

No. Shaq Thompson?

[Mike Catalana]

I don't think so. I think if they wanted to get that solidified, I think they already would have. That's just.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I think I could see those. Shaq Thompson testing the market, realizing there's not as much money for an older player and then him maybe coming back to Buffalo.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, it would. I mean I don't. Again, we don't know yet what Jim Leonard thinks.

[Dan Fates]

Permission to be petty?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

I thought this was a Super bowl caliber roster that everybody would be okay. Jumping. Jumping all over.

[Mike Catalana]

I presented these because I wanted someone else to say that because I say it all the time, that when this is your roster, like we mentioned the Denver Broncos, everybody's. When waiting for guys to come from Denver, they signed basically all their free agents, brought them all back and it, I know it's a change of defense and everybody's going to tell me, which is true. But there's teams playing the Sean McDermott style of defense in the league and I don't see anybody signing these guys yet. And we know they're all been good football players, but these guys were playing a lot of snaps for this team last year.

[Jenna Cottrell]

What's. What's the saying? Coaches set the floor, players at the ceiling.

[Mike Catalana]

That's a good one. Who'd you steal that one from?

[Jenna Cottrell]

I saw it online.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Or actually I came up with it. Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

I just. You have seen teams that have just like to some respects the Chiefs, we've talked about their secondary kind of being sold like. Yeah, like people have just been plucking off the chief secondary like this off season and teams quickly making moves either retain their guys or go out and get them from good teams. And I just, I know, I know it's Sean and all this stuff and moving forward, but just makes you sit there and think that there are 90%. Feels like their defense is a free agent. And Sean held that defense together. Was it a great defense? No. But it's pretty impressive to see what that defense was able to accomplish with the amount of limitations it feels like they had.

[Mike Catalana]

There's a lot of hope that Jim Leonard and the change will be good. Got to get him some dudes. Got to get him some dudes because systems are great and you know, you want to have that are going to be aggressive. That's great. You need the players. Denver had the players.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

You know, the Texans have the player. They have Tim Settle, who basically runs the whole defense.

[Dan Fates]

Tim Settle is going to have 10 sacks with Washington.

[Mike Catalana]

Probably not because he doesn't have those guys around him. But. And I like Tim Settle. He's a good guy.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But like, people act like, why didn't he blossom in Buffalo? Well, he wasn't playing with who he played with in Houston.

[Dan Fates]

I was talking to my friend Ian on Friday. We were talking about the Chubb signing, which I, I like. I think for the price that you got him at, it's really a two year deal. It's kind of like the Bosa move. He's better against the run. I think they're still. Now you're getting him two years removed from the last. You know, the. Torn his ACL three times.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. I didn't realize it was three.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, three. High school Dan Blair didn't have any ACLs.

[Mike Catalana]

Seven years. 11 years in the NBA.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Shout out.

[Dan Fates]

Shout out. Dwan Blair. Dwan Blair. So where do they go from here now? Right as we talk about it was a quiet start to free agency. Bean makes some noise with signing of cj Garner, Johnson, Bradley, Chubby and the trade for dj. The trade for DJ Moore. What still needs to be addressed? What do you still want to see addressed? And Jenna, I will start with you.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, that's very nice. Thank you.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, you're welcome.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I feel like linebacker is still a position that they need to look into. And I do agree with you, Mike, of like the corner position. I feel like it's kind of been thought of that like Max Harrison is the CB2, which I think he showed some things in his rookie season. But I don't know if he's shown enough, in my opinion to be like, okay, you're not going to get more competition for that position. I don't know if that's a bold take, but just to me, I feel like everyone's thinking about, oh, it's, it's Harrison and it's Christian Benford. But I'm like, I think that there's could absolutely be another veteran, whether that be Trey White or someone else that could push for that starting role.

[Mike Catalana]

You have to let Jim Leonard come in and say who's earning these spots.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Christian Benford by his play has earned the right to be the starter until he doesn't play that way. Right. I mean he's played that well last year. Max dealt with injuries. We know the early one. I think there's no question they should have Max penciled in as the second corner.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Penciled in?

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah, because he has. He's not really been a starter in this league and he's coming off two injuries with a different system. It's like. But to that point, when you start looking at their depth chart chart, you've got D. Alford, who is going to be a slot guy is the appearance he's can play on the outside. Yeah. You've got Dorian Strong, M.J. devonshire to Corey Couch, Darrell Porter Jr. Like they need a veteran. No doubt they need another veteran corner. And depending on where they go, you know, and, and I know you'll look at. Everybody looks at the free agents and there's really not a lot. But teams make trades. Players are still going to get cut post June 1st. Some people will be cut. So that's happening out there. Yes. I am of the belief that Max has the lead on anybody else, but come on, the new OCS got it. Or DC's got to have the ability to say you earned it. I mean Christian Benford earned it and he came in as a sixth round pick. Yep. And they might draft somebody. I don't think they would in the first round. Right. But maybe in the third round they draft a corner, the guy comes in

[Dan Fates]

and like what if they draft somebody in the sixth round?

[Mike Catalana]

Right.

[Dan Fates]

It wouldn't be the first time. So yeah, I totally agree of this. Thought of having guys, it felt like in years past starters, I know they would say, oh, you know, it's an open cup trail, Bernard needs to earn his spot and things like that. But this year more than ever we're going to go into training camp looking at a lot of position battles and whereas everything was written in sharpie, I think there's going to be a lot more pencil like Mike said going into this training camp.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, no, I agree. I will. Just to touch on one of the signs they did have, I really liked D. Alford, like just hearing his story. He was undrafted, played in the cfl, kind of was with the Falcons last year, now signs with the Bills. But I just, I liked his story. I. Underdog type of guy. It was just, that's one of these players that is expected to fill Taron Johnson's role on this defense. But that underdog mentality, I know that could be thought of as a Shawn McDermott type of trait, but I.

[Mike Catalana]

No, no, no.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Sorry, he's gone.

[Dan Fates]

I thought it was cool with him talking about the team that he had on Monday night where he had the interception and it was what went into that. And he's like, it's Josh. He's like, it's Josh Allen. I had to study extra tape. He's like, plus the whole world's going to be watching because it's Monday night. And I wanted people to know who D. Alfred is. Like, that's sick. Yeah, that, that's a really cool betting on stuff. Division two football guy.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Like, walk on Division two. Yeah. I just thought the story was really cool. And I think Matt Perino was the one who asked him that, you know, on social media when he announced he was going to the Bills, how many of his former teammates, like reached out, were really happy for him. And he was asked just about like how his teammates were supporting him and how he likes to be a good teammate. And I just thought that was a really cool kind of blue collar, Buffalo type of vibe in a player that, you know, obviously big shoes to fill with Taryn Johnson being gone. But I did. That's one of those, those signings that I was like, oh, okay. But after hearing him talk, I was like, I really like him. And I think the attitude he's going to bring to the, to the Bills.

[Mike Catalana]

And it's a different position now. Yeah, correct. And it's a, it's slot corner. But it's different in this defense.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Different.

[Mike Catalana]

It's not the base defense where you have the nickel in the, in the slot. Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And maybe I'm being naive, but C.J. garner Johnson was also on like an Instagram live and like gave a shout out to be like, D. Alfred's one of like the realest ones out there. Like, I'm excited to get to play with him. Like, if you want to go on to say, like, I'm excited to play with Christian Benford or one of these guys. Like, I didn't really know who D. Alford was before this.

[Mike Catalana]

So good contract.

[Dan Fates]

So for C.J. garner Johnson, who said he was just coming in here and giving. I know it's just an Instagram live, it's like, it's a declaration or anything like that. But I thought that was cool of him being like, hey, I respect this guy's game. His. His journey to where he is is really cool.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And I think sometimes some of these players that you're like, oh, I don't really know much about them, but it seems like they have the right makeup, can be the ones that are so impactful. I'm not saying that doesn't. This doesn't mean he'll be like a Jordan Poyer or Micah Hyde example of a player like that. But I think sometimes some of these signings are more under the radar. And then with what they do on the field and who they are as a person, it can really be a person that shines in Western New York.

[Mike Catalana]

But as we say, look to go forward. So you could argue Christian Benford on one side, Max Haron on the other, D. Alford as the slot guy. Who's playing besides them. Meaning, like, I know it can be draft picks. They're definitely bringing in another veteran. I mean, they're, they are short corners right now, you know, and so you wonder what they're looking at in terms of I would say at least one, if not two veteran corners come in somewhere in free agency. And they, I hope for Dorian Strong's sake that he's healthy and he can play. Because they. I'm. I'll. We'll see how they feel about him.

[Dan Fates]

Yep.

[Mike Catalana]

But I think the team liked him. And then, I mean, you need depth at corner. Yep. So that's. That's definitely to your point, Jenna? I think that stands out pretty high on their list of needs.

[Jenna Cottrell]

What do you think in terms of linebacker?

[Mike Catalana]

So it's funny, when you look at the roster, all those guys are listed as linebackers.

[Dan Fates]

Outside, here comes Detective Catalana.

[Mike Catalana]

So when you look at outside linebackers, who's listed as OLBs, it is all of the pass rushers. Right. So you're talking about Javon Solomon, Andre Jones, Michael Hoyt, Greg Russo, Bradley Chubb. And then there's the inside linebackers, which would be Terrell Bernard, Dorian Williams, Joanne Dreesen, Keonta Jenkins, and our friend Jimmy Charlo. There's only one guy listed as defensive end.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Who's that?

[Mike Catalana]

Landon Jackson. Now, maybe that's just some intern was everything. But I also look at it and go, I feel for Landon Jackson. He was. Didn't look comfortable when he came in.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

And then unfortunately, he got hurt. Yeah. Because he got off to a slow start and then got hurt. And I don't know where he fits here. Maybe they haven't. Maybe they think he can still play as a down lineman in this defense. I don't think they would look at him as a guy that can transition to a stand up outside linebacker.

[Dan Fates]

It was just one of those.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I don't, I don't get that. I know it's the wind Horse meme, but I don't get it.

[Mike Catalana]

Do you get what's about the Giannis

[Dan Fates]

Rudy Gobert trade and that something else happened. It was like a team that was like shedding a ton of cap space.

[Mike Catalana]

Why are they doing that?

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Oh, oh, got it.

[Dan Fates]

So you know the meme, you don't know the story behind it.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I just, I see it and I'm always like, I. Yeah. I don't really get the meaning. It's like 67 to me where I'm like, I don't really get it.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, 67 doesn't really have a meaning. More than this is just like.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Is this like antennas up?

[Dan Fates]

Yes.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Like, what's.

[Dan Fates]

What's going on here?

[Jenna Cottrell]

That was the more, you know, with Buffalo. Plus I'm sure other people had that question.

[Dan Fates]

That was like Wind Horse, like a week before, like this big trade happened and they went back and he was like, well, I was hearing this, but, you know, you don't really know what teams are actually doing.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So. Yeah, I thought he went like this and then like this. That's why I didn't really get it.

[Dan Fates]

It's just.

[Mike Catalana]

So when you, you said about linebackers, so interior linebackers, I mean, you got Bernard and Dorian Williams and like I said, Joe Andreen, County, Jenkins. I don't think they think of them as starters.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

So I would think that is, again, I could still see another. Certainly another veteran.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

And somebody in the draft. And that could be early in the draft.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. A lot of linebackers fell in love with Jacob Rodriguez.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

That's what happens. You go to the combine and you fall in love with the player.

[Jenna Cottrell]

He was the easy guy to root for, though. He was the one that said he models his game after Bernard and Milano. Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And he won like every single.

[Dan Fates]

Every award for being.

[Mike Catalana]

He was a quarterback at Virginia.

[Dan Fates]

He got MVP vote, our heism trophy votes as a linebacker.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's pretty.

[Mike Catalana]

His stats were incredible. He won every award.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

But he's been perceived by the draft people as a second or third round pick.

[Dan Fates]

Correct.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, but Bills don't have a second.

[Dan Fates]

He has a first round mustache.

[Mike Catalana]

He does. Good talk.

[Dan Fates]

I wonder what Giardi thinks of that mustache.

[Mike Catalana]

He'll say it's better than yours.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I mean.

[Mike Catalana]

Or whatever that is on your face. It is, it is.

[Dan Fates]

Set myself up there.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Deprecating.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Damn. What do you think? What direction?

[Dan Fates]

Okay, so I have. Everybody is still seemingly clamoring for Edge. No. A wide receiver. Oh one, one more ad. You know, there's, there's still cooks out there. There's Juwan Jennings. A lot of people are saying things like that my favorite option is the bleep in draft. Like why would you go out and spend money and have this discussion about spending money on a wide receiver 5 and not inhibit the growth of a young player that could be cheaper and that you can develop into something rather than a veteran and kicking the can down the road and continuing the cycle that the Bills have constantly done of paying 6, 7, 8 million dollars for an middle of the road wide receiver to be your fifth guy. I just don't understand the thought behind that where people are like. Because like I said, if you think if it's DJ Moore, Shakir Palmer. Palmer and then you're Keon and whatever, like you can find somebody that you can get the production from. A lot of these guys that are still on the market that are free agent wide receivers, the draft is the place to find that. That's what they did with Gabe.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And he turned into something. And you keep taking those shots. I guess that's where we go back to how expensive this wide receiver draft room is. And you're thinking about the cap. The cap, the cap. Oh by the way, there's some new massive deal that's going to happen with CBS and something else in 2030. Something and the salary cap is going to go up. Even spot track. Mr. Follow the salary cap to a T goes the salary cap is going to explode.

[Mike Catalana]

I, I think we have to be realistic looking at this. Keon Coleman is on the roster because he was an early second round pick

[Dan Fates]

and because he's cheap.

[Mike Catalana]

But he's an early second round pick. He was a fourth round pick. He would have been released already. Now that's just me saying.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You could say he's the earliest second round pick.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes, that's just me saying it. The team has never said that. But he's the impediment to a couple of things. He doesn't play special teams. Please. All these guys who are pandering, talking about kick returner. He didn't adapt to that. I know he did it in college. He isn't all of a sudden going to save his roster spot by running back Punts. I would be stunned to see that he doesn't play the other spots. The 1, 2, 3 lineup for them. Now, in theory of Josh Palmer, because he didn't do it last year, kind of works. It is a glaring thing to me to have an outside. A guy who can play on the outside as a young wide receiver that maybe. Maybe you take a little bit of a flyer on. Maybe it's third round, fourth round. I know we all wanted the higher pick and you still could do it in the first round like Omar Cooper could. I would love to see him kind of play.

[Dan Fates]

Could be a trade back.

[Mike Catalana]

But I also look at it and say, we talked about this before. There is players and then there's the room and how you use them all. And he. To me, Keon is the issue there. Because once it's like in hockey, you'll say a guy can't be a third or fourth line guy.

[Dan Fates]

Correct.

[Mike Catalana]

He just. It doesn't. If he's not a top six forward, he shouldn't be on the roster, you know?

[Dan Fates]

Correct.

[Mike Catalana]

If Keon's not one of the top three receivers, I don't think he should be on the roster.

[Jenna Cottrell]

You think they should cut him?

[Mike Catalana]

Only with a replacement. That makes sense if you don't address it or you. I like Brandon Cooks. I think he got a bad rap. I think he can play still in the league, but. So you don't get a lot of the other stuff with him either.

[Dan Fates]

Right. So I forgot the player that. I guess I forgot he was still on the team until they announced the numbers on the new jerseys. Your boy's going to be number 15. Should I get. What am I going to do with all the other Russo jerseys that I got you?

[Mike Catalana]

They give him that number because they. They're predicting that's how many sacks he's going to have.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Is that how that works?

[Mike Catalana]

Great. Russo, he wanted 19.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So DJ Moore is going to have two catches.

[Mike Catalana]

No, no. It only works for the pass rushers.

[Dan Fates]

I also want to know.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I hope so.

[Dan Fates]

I hope we will find out and that story will come out. I can't wait to find out how. How much DJ Moore paid Tyler Bass for number two. Because I love those stories.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. Tyler Bass doesn't have a lot of leverage here. He was probably being just a good dude and saying, okay, that.

[Dan Fates]

That's also fine. But a lot of times it's. And I think he's going back. Bass is now 16, which I think it was his number at Georgia Southern.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

In college. But I forgot about Nicole Hardman still on the roster?

[Mike Catalana]

Number one. Right.

[Jenna Cottrell]

And Dan's heart, is he number one?

[Dan Fates]

No.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I think so, yeah.

[Dan Fates]

What was he 15 or 16 before?

[Jenna Cottrell]

I think he was 16.

[Mike Catalana]

Right?

[Dan Fates]

Yeah. So now he's done. What? But anyway, my thought is there's another guy that. Here's a guy that as wide receiver. Fine is fine.

[Mike Catalana]

He is a returner.

[Dan Fates]

He's a returner.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

So I'm sitting there, it's like, so do you want to go out and spend more money when I'd rather spend it on figuring out the linebacker situation or getting another a better veteran corner. So this thought of like spending $6 million on a wide receiver. 5. When I think the. How many games are. Are decided by your fifth wide receiver,

[Jenna Cottrell]

I think it's the return on investment. You're going to have to pay more to get a mid level, mid tier wide receiver, whereas you can allocate that money to more of your needs that are less cost, less costly. I get it.

[Dan Fates]

So like I said again, if, if you think those top three, wherever Keon falls, a drafted wide receiver. Nicole Hardman.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Okay, there's six. So what, why do you need to go out and spend for Brandon Cooks? What, what is the point?

[Mike Catalana]

You're not spending a lot of money on any of those people.

[Dan Fates]

Still money.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Yes.

[Dan Fates]

Time, it goes on. He's going to be older next year. That's how time works.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Still stand by that.

[Mike Catalana]

By the way, my buddy Dave says I gotta stop with the second round pick stuff. Right? Dave, he tracks me down, he goes, why are you so wound up about them giving up the second round pick?

[Dan Fates]

Yeah, we did this.

[Mike Catalana]

I know, but he just got to me the other day and he's giving me a hard time and I'm like, hey, look, if DJ Moore is really good, really good for this team, I think you just gotta put it aside and say they got the guy and that is what the cost was for whatever the reason is. But to your point about drafting the young receiver, I think it would. Obviously having the pick would give you a lot, a lot of options. What you. Whether you go edge, whether you go linebacker, whether you go wide receiver. I think it would be tough to go wide receiver in the first round, even though it sounds funny to say that. But they also have to be smart. The difference now is whatever you're doing that first round man, it is a long wait until you pick again.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes.

[Mike Catalana]

And you may be able to move up in this draft, but everybody's going to want next year's draft.

[Dan Fates]

They're going to trade back.

[Mike Catalana]

I think I would now.

[Dan Fates]

I think more than any year I have thought what they should do or what they will do. It feels like a trade back.

[Mike Catalana]

By the way also you got to

[Jenna Cottrell]

find a trade partner.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

There's not a lot of quarterbacks that you care about getting a fifth year option on.

[Mike Catalana]

That's the thing. Oh God. It's going to be somebody driving.

[Dan Fates]

Unless it's like Tyson.

[Mike Catalana]

It's going to be somebody moving up to get a wide receiver also. You guys talk about the numbers. Our guy Ray Davis seven.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. Yes.

[Dan Fates]

Is that his Kentucky number?

[Jenna Cottrell]

Don't. I can't remember.

[Dan Fates]

Actually he played for Kentucky and Temple.

[Mike Catalana]

Temple before that.

[Dan Fates]

Vandy.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yes. Vanderbilt 7 as a running back.

[Mike Catalana]

So guys in the league have worn seven. Somebody probably. If somebody's going to tell us that you see like some.

[Dan Fates]

Isn't Kenneth Walker 7

[Jenna Cottrell]

previously Temple, Vanderbilt,

[Mike Catalana]

Kentucky, Kansas City Chiefs running back Kenneth Walker.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Okay. The Bills have seven.

[Mike Catalana]

Oh okay. Well there's a good.

[Dan Fates]

Good. Hey, good move Ray. Good move.

[Jenna Cottrell]

So the bills have seven picks in the draft. So they have. Their first round pick is 26. Then they. They're obviously don't have a second. Third round is 91. Fourth round is 126. They only have three picks in the top 150. If you were to look at it right now what do you think they go position wise for those three picks. I agree with you. I could definitely see them trading back if they could find a trade partner. But if you had to call it like it is right now.

[Mike Catalana]

Well, defense in the first pick and I. I think it's an edge rusher.

[Dan Fates]

Okay.

[Mike Catalana]

That they're going to go for and then in the third round I think they're. I think it's gonna be a linebacker.

[Dan Fates]

I think it's gonna be a safety.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Really?

[Mike Catalana]

Well yes. That's fair because the expiration date on one of the starters. You don't have another.

[Dan Fates]

I mean it's a one year deal.

[Mike Catalana]

Jordan Hancock. We'll see what they really. We don't know. We'll see what they really think about.

[Dan Fates]

This is a great year for safeties.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

This is a great draft class for safeties.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I actually did like a lot of the safeties.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

That and then it's linebacker wise.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Right. Oh my God.

[Mike Catalana]

Keep in mind in terms of.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No it just so much defense.

[Mike Catalana]

Here's another.

[Dan Fates]

Just you just. You saying Dan is. You're right just made you cringe.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, not even that. I just always defense. I just interrupted you.

[Mike Catalana]

I know how does it feel.

[Jenna Cottrell]

I'm kidding. I'm kidding.

[Mike Catalana]

I'm really hurt. It was one of the rare times I didn't just power through.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Here's something you have to keep in mind. People are enamored with the 27 draft.

[Jenna Cottrell]

That's true.

[Mike Catalana]

So if you wanted to move up. And when I say move up, I mean move up from the third to get to the second, do whatever. You start dangling relatively high picks, top three rounds for next year. I think in a lot of teams mind a second, a third, next. A second next year might get you another first this year. Yeah. Do you know what I mean? Like, a lot of teams are thinking the depth of next year's draft. The other part of next year's draft is it's supposed to be loaded with quarterbacks. I love that when that does happen.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

It pushes all the other players back.

[Dan Fates]

And that happens all the time of next year's draft. And like I said, it was. Nussmeier was another guy that people were like, this guy's gonna be great. Doesn't have a good year. This quarterback draft class isn't as good. Every year you're looking to next year's draft class.

[Mike Catalana]

There have been some. Some pretty good ones.

[Dan Fates]

Absolutely.

[Mike Catalana]

So.

[Jenna Cottrell]

But it's an imperfect 2018 draft class. When there was like, how. How many? Five guys.

[Mike Catalana]

Right. But in this case, when you're trading now, everybody still has. Not even specifically for quarterback. It is just looked like it's going to be based on who's going to be likely coming out, that it's a bigger draft. So it depends on how much a lot of teams will look to add draft capital for 27 or, you know, as opposed to taking it away. But once you've lost that early draft pick and you're not getting any compex.

[Dan Fates]

Yeah.

[Jenna Cottrell]

There's just a lot of spots that still need work.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah. And I just feel like corner edge. And when I say corner, maybe it's just going to be veterans for now. But you need. You need corner, you need edge, you need safety, at least in terms of depth.

[Dan Fates]

Would.

[Mike Catalana]

And. And wide receiver and linebacker.

[Dan Fates]

Would you give up your third this year and next year's one for Crosby?

[Mike Catalana]

I

[Jenna Cottrell]

say that one more time.

[Dan Fates]

This year's third. Next year's first,

[Mike Catalana]

I think, because I

[Dan Fates]

don't even know if that gets it done. I'm not saying that that gets it done, but. I don't think you have a long point.

[Mike Catalana]

I don't think you would give up next year's number one. Like this maybe you would. I don't know how much does the fact that you did sign, just sign Chub impact what you're going to do there?

[Jenna Cottrell]

I hope not.

[Dan Fates]

Agreed. I'm just saying look at what else is after. How about Hoyt coming off the, you

[Mike Catalana]

know, Achilles, which that to me kind

[Jenna Cottrell]

of feels like found money as well because he had. He only played in two games last year. Well, don't get me wrong, he was impactful in those games, but at the

[Mike Catalana]

same moment been impactful in that system.

[Dan Fates]

By the way, you have continued to shrink.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Damn it. Wow. That was actually really substantial.

[Dan Fates]

It's happened again. We got him again.

[Mike Catalana]

So we've talked.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It's this damn couch. It's so comfy.

[Mike Catalana]

Very quickly on the offense there, we talked, just talked about receivers. Tight end. They're set. I mean, obviously they got all three guys set. Offensive line, I mean, running back. I don't see any apparent changes there.

[Dan Fates]

Nope.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Apparently.

[Mike Catalana]

Right. The question is, and the offensive line is set, except for right guard, left guard, left guard, starter. And I think you've got penciled in would be Anderson.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah, I like that.

[Mike Catalana]

What they think of Grable, could he move and play guard?

[Dan Fates]

You just said you like that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

Didn't we do a whole video where you didn't like Alec Anderson playing center?

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, no, no. I'm saying I like the pencil in. Oh, I like penciling in. Instead of being like, she went like this.

[Mike Catalana]

I thought she was gonna do this. I thought you were.

[Dan Fates]

Because. Because it was. I like that. I thought that was like. No, I like you like that.

[Jenna Cottrell]

No, I meant like, I like the phrase pencil. And it's like addressing the need in the draft. Just because you draft or just because you think this person is going to play this position and be a starter doesn't mean that that's the case until

[Dan Fates]

they've earned that veteran signing, too.

[Mike Catalana]

I've heard a lot of talk about left guard and people talking about bringing players in. Look, I think if I'm running this, I'm going cheap at left guard. And I know it's. There's, there's a lot of guys getting paid and I know sometimes even a guy like Wyatt Teller, I think Wyatt Teller is still going to get a pretty good deal. I know he's dealt with injuries. I would go cheap at left guard. When I say cheap, maybe there's another veteran again at a lower number, but I think I, I can see what they're going to do. Probably Alec Anderson gets the shot. I don't know. Really what they think of Van Pran Granger, you know, they were saying he was going to be in the mix for center. We'll see. But he was what, a fifth round draft pick like at this point, so. And then that doesn't mean I still think they bring another veteran in on the offensive line. But the offense is outside of wide receiver and another offensive lineman, you know, I don't see a lot of need.

[Jenna Cottrell]

It's as much of a heavy lift. Yeah.

[Mike Catalana]

Yeah.

[Dan Fates]

And if they go and get a fullback or if they're thinking about like we said about Jackson Hawes being an

[Mike Catalana]

H back or could use him in

[Jenna Cottrell]

some circumstances, I was sad to see Reggie Gilliam go to the Patriots.

[Mike Catalana]

Good for him to get paid.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Absolutely. Yeah. All right. Anything else?

[Dan Fates]

Tomorrow Sabers pot with the one and only Martin Biron, who, by the way,

[Mike Catalana]

Marty, is a fan of Buffalo. Plus, it's amazing. And loves the Bills.

[Dan Fates]

Amazing.

[Mike Catalana]

And has the greatest French Canadian English speaking voice.

[Dan Fates]

Phenomenal.

[Jenna Cottrell]

Yeah. So really great eyes and the bluest eyes ever. Truly. All right, we're excited for that. Okay. Anything else? We're good.

[Mike Catalana]

I think we're good.

[Jenna Cottrell]

All right. Please be sure to like, comment in what you think of the signings. They've done as well as

[Dan Fates]

a Dwyane

[Jenna Cottrell]

Wade pump fake, as well as who you want to see them sign. And if you think there's going to be any former Bills that are back on this Buffalo team this year as well as like, comment. Subscribe Share all that good stuff for Mike and Dan. I am Jenna. We'll catch you next time here on the Buffalo plus podcast.

[Dan Fates]

Buffalo plus.