Buffalo Bills: Lorenzo Alexander Looks to Silence Doubters in 2017

Lorenzo Alexander has decided to return to the Buffalo Bills next season, signing a 2-year deal worth $9 million.

There was plenty of speculation that Lorenzo Alexander wouldn’t re-sign with the Buffalo Bills due to the switch back to a 4-3 defense. The team quickly dispelled those rumors and were vocal about wanting to bring him back.

After expressing interest in returning, the two sides finally came to an agreement that will keep Alexander in Buffalo for two years on a $9 million contract.

Here’s how everyone found out:

Going back to Buffalo! #billsmafia pic.twitter.com/J5LR7pQmFT
— Lorenzo Alexander (@onemangang97) March 11, 2017

Lorenzo Alexander had a breakout season in 2016, which was surprising since he has been in the league for 10 years now. In the 9 years before coming to Buffalo, Alexander totaled 193 tackles, 9 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, no interceptions, 6 passes defensed and 6 stuffs.

He blew those stats out of the water last season, finishing with 76 tackles, 12.5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, one interception, 6 passes defensed and 4 stuffs. To add to the remarkable season, Alexander finished ranked third in the league for sacks and was named Defensive MVP at the Pro Bowl — including an interception to seal the game and a hit on Jimmy Graham that caused some ruckus.

With a new coaching staff, Lorenzo Alexander will look to have the same production next season — with a better outcome for the team. He will also have to prove doubters wrong, who believe he is just a one-hit wonder.

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Before coming to Buffalo, Alexander was mainly used as a special teams player — where he created quite the name for himself. Spending time as a defensive end and a linebacker, he has a lot of experience in this league and it showed when he was finally given an opportunity to produce last season.

When the Buffalo Bills learned that Shaq Lawson would miss half of the season with a shoulder injury, they knew they had to find a starting outside linebacker. At the same time, we saw Reggie Ragland be pronounced out for the season, meaning we had an inside linebacker spot open as well.

Lorenzo Alexander stepped in and won over the coaching staff quickly. When it came time to play, he delivered. When you deliver in the NFL, people notice.

Following in his footsteps was Zach Brown, who filled the void on the inside. He would finish with a career year also, totaling 149 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, one interception, 4 passes defensed and 11 stuffs. He also went to the Pro Bowl and ranked second in the NFL in tackles.

Lorenzo Alexander is likely playing his final years in the NFL, but that doesn’t mean he is ready to take it slow and ride out like Kobe Bryant did. He wants to win and he wants to do it with the Buffalo Bills.

He will have a prime opportunity to leave a lasting effect on this organization as they attempt to change the culture at One Bills Drive and everything that surrounds it. Being one of the leaders on this team, he will have to work closely with head coach Sean McDermott to make sure players are held accountable — something McDermott won’t have a lot of trouble with.

Coach has already made some changes to give us hope, too. Last week, he confirmed that the pool table and video games have been removed from the facility. He believes the team needs to stay focused and having those laying around were a distraction from the most important thing — winning. He did, however, keep the famous ping pong table around.

Although we aren’t too certain how he will fit in McDermott’s offense, having his veteran leadership will do wonders for this team.

Next: 7 Best Free Agent Signings in Franchise History

What do you think of the Buffalo Bills re-signing Lorenzo Alexander? Leave your comments below!

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