If there is one recent fan-favorite that has meant a lot to Buffalo Bills fans (that isn’t named Josh Allen), it is defensive tackle Jordan Phillips. He first arrived to Buffalo in 2018, but it was his 2019 season where he had career-bests in sacks (9.5), total tackles (31), QB hits (16), and 13 tackles for a loss per Pro Football Reference.
After his breakout year that season, he signed with the Arizona Cardinals where he would only play in 18 total games in two seasons. Phillips would then come back to the Bills for 2022 and 2023 and while he had his moments of being a solid player, it was not his old 2019 self. Then in 2024, Phillips spent time in Dallas before being released and then eventually coming back to Buffalo for a third stint with the team.
However, he didn’t provide much of an impact on the field but his leadership presence was felt and he helped with getting the team hyped up. Now, he is a free agent and it doesn’t look like the Bills will be bringing him back (barring any injuries). As a matter of fact, Phillips may not get another chance anywhere else (again, barring an injury) which could hurt his chances of playing this coming season and moving forward.
Former Bills DT Jordan Phillips could retire if no team signs him
Quite frankly, it’s not a surprise to see Phillips as a free agent as he has made it clear that Buffalo is a great place to be and outside of Buffalo, he has not worked well anywhere else. Whether it’s because of team dynamics or injuries, Phillips has only thrived in Buffalo. So, unless an injury happens for Buffalo, it’s tough seeing Phillips playing in the NFL again unless it’s with the Bills.
At the same time, anything could happen and maybe Phillips signs with another contender. But if we are going on what history has shown us, he is more than likely done in football unless he comes back to Buffalo for a fourth stint.