Buffalo Bills Free Agency Update: Thursday, March 9th

It was another day full of announcements for the Buffalo Bills, most coming at a surprise to fans.

As of today, the NFL free agency period has officially begun and players were allowed to begin signing with their new — or same — teams. For the Buffalo Bills, they addressed some key issues with their roster, including the safety position.

Before we get into the new announcements today, let’s recap what we found out yesterday and how those contracts look now that they’re official.

The Buffalo Bills agreed to terms with three unrestricted free agents — Mike Tolbert, Patrick DiMarco, Vladimir Ducasse — and announced two others would return — Tyrod Taylor and Colton Schmidt.

The team also released Marcus Easley, saw Marquise Goodwin choose the 49ers and are still waiting on their offers to Mike Gillislee and Ryan Groy.

DiMarco signed a four-year, $8.5 million contract, Tolbert signed a one-year, $1 million contract, Ducasse signed a three-year contract, Schmidt’ contract hasn’t been announced and Tyrod restructured his contract to a two-year, $30.5 million deal.

On Thursday, those deals were made official. The Buffalo Bills also announced that they signed three others, in addition to several others either finding new teams or being released. Lets take a look at those updates.

Micah Hyde

The Buffalo Bills will add much needed help at the safety position with Micah Hyde. Spending the last four seasons with the Green Bay Packers, Hyde has combined for 227 tackles, 4 sacks, one forced fumble, 2 fumble recoveries, 6 stuffs and 24 passes defensed. He has also totaled 8 interceptions in his career, all in the past three seasons.

He will sign a 5-year contract that will guarantee $14 million with a 2017 base salary of $2.3 million. His 2018 base salary of $3.7 million will be fully guaranteed if injured or on the 5th day of the 2018 league year. Hyde will bring versatility to the Bills’ defense, being able to play as a dime defender, stop the run, cover the slot and play his normal safety position.

A HUGE thank you to Packernation for the last 4 years. Although GB didn't make an offer, I'm so EXCITED to become a Bill. Thank you Buffalo!
— Micah Hyde (@micah_hyde) March 9, 2017

Jordan Poyer

Much like Hyde, Jordan Poyer has spent four years in the NFL. He was drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles and would appear in three games for them his rookie year, but would be waived and later claimed by the Cleveland Browns. He only missed 2 games throughout 2014 and 2015, but only played in 6 games last season.

Over his career, Poyer has totaled 124 tackles, one sack, 2 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, 2 interceptions, one stuff and 6 passes defensed. He will add depth to a position that was lacking before free agency began, with the possibility of playing some cornerback as well.

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Steven Hauschka

After releasing Dan Carpenter earlier this week, the Buffalo Bills will look to get more out of their kicking game with Steven Hauschka. Spending the last 6 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks, Hauschka and has been on point from 50 yards and out — he’s 7-7 the past two seasons.

A big problem with Carpenter was his 11 missed extra points over the past two years, but Hauschka will have to prove that he’s better after missing 10 extra points the past two years. His 87.2% field goal percentage over his career (191-219) and experience will translate well with the Buffalo Bills.

Stephon Gilmore

Catching everyone by surprise, Stephon Gilmore decided to join the same team Chris Hogan did last year — the New England Patriots. He will fit perfectly in their scheme and will have a good opportunity to prove he is worth the money.

Hopefully the Patriots swing and miss on this one.

Robert Woods

Much speculation grew towards the end of the season that Robert Woods would sign with the Los Angeles Rams. Believe it or not, Robert Woods will play for the Los Angeles Rams next season on a 5-year, $39 million contract.

Appreciate the love over the 4 years @buffalobills and #BillsMafia I loved every bit of playing… https://t.co/8S4wO7c9oy
— Robert Woods (@robertwoods) March 9, 2017

Lerentee McCray

Lerentee McCray chose to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Thursday.

Aaron Williams

Possibly the saddest news of the day, the Buffalo Bills announced that fan-favorite Aaron Williams has been released. He has had two serious injuries the past two seasons and the Bills are desperate for consistency at the safety position.

The decision will likely bode well for both sides, as the Buffalo Bills will receive $1.775 million in cap space this season. There is the possibility they receive $4.2 million in cap space this season if he is named a post-June 1st cut, but it would come with a $2.425 million cap hit in 2018.

God has a plan for me; excited for what He has planned for me. Thank you #BillsMafia for a great 6 years. pic.twitter.com/Yy2aVmSSEY
— Aaron Williams (@ajwilliams23) March 9, 2017

More from BuffaLowDown

That’s all the news for Thursday, March 9th. Stay tuned as we will bring daily updates to all the announcements made by the Buffalo Bills this offseason.

Next: 6 Players the Bills Should Consider in 2017 First Round

Which signing has been your favorite so far? Leave your comments below!

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