Buffalo Bills Free Agency Profile: Mike Tolbert
By Daniel Hahn
The Buffalo Bills have restocked their roster in the image of Sean McDermott. Today we take a closer look at the signing of RB/FB Mike Tolbert.
Mike Tolbert is a 9-year NFL veteran who comes to the Buffalo Bills from the Carolina Panthers. Tolbert fits the mold of what Sean McDermott and the new Bills appear to be all about.
Overly used adjectives like grinder, versatile, and over-achiever could be said about just about every free agent added to the Bills roster.
Just like FB Patrick DeMarco, Mike Tolbert is a better receiving fullback than his predecessor Jerome Felton. Also like DiMarco, Tolbert has a history of contributions on special teams.
Those contributions are part of what gets an undrafted free agent from Coastal Carolina a roster spot in the NFL.
Contract Analysis
According to Spotrac, Mike Tolbert is on a 1 year, $980,000 deal. That isn’t much above the veteran minimum and with another fullback on the roster, it appears that Tolbert has an uphill battle on his hands to make the 2017 Buffalo Bills.
What this deal looks like is a training camp body that can help the offense get installed. Patrick DiMarco will be used a lot this season. With that said, during practices he can’t be out there for all 3 units. Tolbert can spell DiMarco in practice and help the 2nd and 3rd teams install the same system.
As we know from the past few seasons, even though it looks like a training camp contract, injuries and strong performances can still get Tolbert a roster spot. He probably won’t push DiMarco out of Buffalo, but he could make things interesting for Jonathon Williams as the power running back.
Roster Fit
The contract is too small to allow Tolbert to be a locker room leader, or promised a roster spot. Tolbert’s experience and skill as a runner will create training camp battles at the 3rd running back spot, and any flex Tight Ends that try to become backup fullbacks.
MUST READ: Top 6 Free Agents Currently Available for the Buffalo Bills
This signing isn’t about what it means for Tolbert, but to me provides some level of assurance should Mike Gillislee take a larger offer sheet that the Bills choose not to match. Tolbert can not only play special teams, but his versatility provides insurance at RB/FB during games should any injuries occur.
He faces an uphill battle, but until Gillislee is re-signed, Tolbert appears to be a lock for Sundays.
Final Analysis
This signing represented the first ex-Panther signed by the Buffalo Bills. It’s imperative for any new coach to not only bring their playbook, but a few of ‘their’ guys to help ensure buy-in of the new culture.
Mike Tolbert, knows who McDermott is and can correct any perceived mis-communications from coaches to players.
More from BuffaLowDown
- Buffalo Bills were ready to trade back if they couldn’t get Dalton Kincaid
- Grading Buffalo Bills drafting Dalton Kincaid in 2023 NFL Draft
- How the Buffalo Bills can win Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft
- Buffalo Bills having conversations about trading for DeAndre Hopkins
- Buffalo Bills Draft Rumors: Bills linked to this shocking first round target
Tolbert’s early role in the April mini-camp and thru training camp will be as translator, until a common verbiage is understood. He will also be able to set the tone off the field as to what’s needed to prepare for a deep playoff run, not just prepare for getting thru preseason and then Sundays.
I love this signing. I know a lot of Bills fans jumped up in complaining about having two fullbacks signed, but looking at all the signings thus far, Tolbert fits. Take a long look at every signing, and get used to me repeating this when analyzing each one:
(Insert Free Agent Name Here) can contribute on special teams as well as their primary position.
The Buffalo Bills are planning to be an elite special teams unit, something that will give them an early edge while new defenses and offenses are installed. The best teams in the NFL are also solid on special teams, and the Bills are clearly trying to build an elite special teams unit.
Watch for Tolbert to sneak on the roster come Week 1, but even if he doesn’t make it, this may still prove to be one of the more valuable roster additions.
I’ll be listening closely to player interviews this off-season, and expect to hear Tolbert as a key locker room figure.
Next: Taking a Closer Look at Micah Hyde
What do you think of the Mike Tolbert signing by the Buffalo Bills? Leave your thoughts below!