Buffalo Bills top-5 cost-effective veteran contracts

ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 25: Jordan Poyer #21 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates an interception during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at New Era Field on November 25, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Jacksonville 24-21. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 25: Jordan Poyer #21 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates an interception during the fourth quarter against the Jacksonville Jaguars at New Era Field on November 25, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Jacksonville 24-21. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
6 of 6
Next
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 24: Jordan Poyer #21of the Buffalo Bills reacts after scoring a touchdown after an interception during the second quarter of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBORO, MA – DECEMBER 24: Jordan Poyer #21of the Buffalo Bills reacts after scoring a touchdown after an interception during the second quarter of a game against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Foxboro, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

1. Jordan Poyer – S

Contract: $13 million over four years, signed in 2017

Cap hit in 2019: $4.3 million

Many didn’t think much of the Bills signing former Browns spot-starter and special-teamer Jordan Poyer to a four-year, $13 million contract in the 2017 off-season. At the time, he was viewed as a high-level backup, worth the team-friendly deal. He blew away expectations; making an already affordable contract that much better.

Poyer found the home he had been looking for in the Bills’ secondary. He quickly established himself as the starting free safety alongside Micah Hyde. In his first season, Poyer started 15 games and tallied 95 total tackles, 13 pass deflections, and five interceptions. In his second, he started 16 and racked up 100 total tackles, six pass deflections, and four interceptions. Many viewed him as a Pro-Bowl caliber player, but he received no such nods both seasons.

Now entering the third year of his contract, the 28-year-old Poyer is a bonafide starter and leader of a stout defense. He patrols the middle of the field like it’s nobody’s business — providing big hits, sideline-to-sideline range, and the versatility to switch spots with Hyde. He’s simply outplayed a contract fit for a backup and will assuredly be paid handsomely when he enters the open market.

Next. Former Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator lands in the XFL. dark

For now, he’s not on the open market. He has two years left on his deal and will be paid $4.3 million in 2019. Like the Hyde deal, that value is absurd. The Bills have a starting free safety in the prime of his career. Many consider Poyer to be a future star and worthy of a massive contract, yet, he’s the 32nd highest paid safety in the league. Brandon Beane, you’re a wizard.