5 Buffalo Bills deserving of a contract extension
By Avery Duncan
![MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 23: Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after intercepting Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) MINNEAPOLIS, MN - SEPTEMBER 23: Matt Milano #58 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after intercepting Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter of the game at U.S. Bank Stadium on September 23, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/573f41c2650e9e4cf12b0c7e2c06406f10985a6e9c30d09b87b0238c2c1c1c6a.jpg)
Jordan Poyer – S
When the Bills signed Jordan Poyer to a four year, $13 million to lure him out of Cleveland, many didn’t expect the safety to be productive as he has been. Once thought of a core special teamer and solid spot starter, Poyer has flourished in Buffalo–subsequently outplaying his contract just two years into the deal.
Lining up at free safety, Poyer has acted the part of Micah Hyde‘s–a fellow 2017 signee–partner in what’s come to be a dynamic safety duo in Buffalo. While the latter patrols closer to the line of scrimmage, Poyer has found a home roaming centerfield while providing sideline-to-sideline range and big hits. However, he’s interchangeable with his running mate, often switching positions and doing so well.
In Poyer’s two seasons in Buffalo, including the postseason, he’s played and started in 32 games. Statistically, he’s recorded 200 total tackles, 19 pass deflections, 13 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, and nine interceptions in Western New York.
The Bills can’t afford to lose Poyer when he hits free agency in 2021. The safety, alongside Hyde, is a catalyst to the team’s defensive revival and relevancy. But it won’t be cheap; though not a star, Poyer’s play would be an upgrade from defensive back-needy squads.
But, because Poyer will be 30 when he’s a free agent, his next contract unless he becomes an All-Pro, won’t be too expensive. If extended, expect the deal to be closer to $10 million per year for two to three seasons, but nothing over it.