Buffalo Bills: A change of scenery did wonders for Jordan Poyer

The Buffalo Bills took a chance on Jordan Poyer in free agency in 2017 and were rewarded with a breakout season by the safety.

Jordan Poyer got a fresh start in 2017 and made the most of it.

After lacerating his kidney as a member of the Cleveland Browns in 2016, Poyer was not retained for the massive rebuild. That allowed him to sign with Buffalo. Things went well.

Poyer started in 15 games, putting together what should have been a Pro Bowl season. This included new career highs in tackles, interceptions, games played and about any stat you can think of.

Poyer showed promise in Cleveland but 2017 was his breakout year. And that was great news for the Bills after signing him to a team-friendly deal. Four years and $13 million for a starting safety is a bargain, especially when considering it was after his rookie deal. He is in the prime of his career and the Bills aren’t worrying about his contract when it comes to the salary cap.

It is easy to take the narrative that leaving the Browns made all the difference, but it also helped that Poyer stayed healthy. Well, it also helped he was on a team that wins games. That is always good for confidence.

Poyer is only 26 years old and alongside Tre’Davious White he helps add an identity to this Bills defense, allowing the front office to go all in on improving the offense. Having solid pieces on the defense already in place helps keep the optimism alive, even with the potential departure of E.J. Gaines.

Add a free agent to the defensive line and Tom Brady may be wary of the games against the Bills in 2018.

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That remains true with the secondary in place, and Poyer can become a Bills legend if he continues to play at his 2017 level. This could be the start of the next great era of Bills football and it is nice to have players like Poyer onboard for the ride.