The Buffalo Bills are bringing back familiar faces, announcing Wednesday they’re finalizing new contracts to re-sign free agents Jordan Phillips and Rasul Douglas, sources told ESPN. GM Brandon Beane, juggling a $5.2 million cap (Spotrac), aims to lock down the veteran defensive tackle and cornerback before the NFL Draft, bolstering a roster eyeing a Super Bowl run.
Phillips, a fan-favorite DT, and Douglas, a 2024 CB2 standout, both hit free agency after one-year deals expired (SI.com). Beane hinted at the move during owners meetings, saying, “We’re working on some vet returns—guys who know our system.” Deals are pegged at $1.5 million for Phillips and $3.5 million for Douglas, per insiders (Spotrac).
Phillips’ 2024 stint delivered grit—15 tackles, 2 sacks in 12 games, often sparking the D-line with energy (NFL.com). His 1-year, $1.2 million pact last season proved a bargain, and at 32, he’s still got juice to back Ed Oliver and DeWayne Carter (SI.com).
Douglas dazzled in 2024—72.9% completion rate allowed, 1.2 yards separation per target across 16 starts (PFF.com). His $2 million deal last year was a steal, and his knack for locking down receivers made him a Bills staple (NFL.com). He’s set to pair with Christian Benford again.
Bills Mafia roared on X: “Phillips and Douglas back? Defense is stacked!” Phillips’ Buffalo love—three stints with the team—and Douglas’ fit in Sean McDermott’s scheme sealed the deal (SI.com). The duo plugs holes left by Larry Ogunjobi’s suspension and Kaiir Elam’s trade (Spotrac).
Beane’s cap wizardry—shaving $4 million off Josh Allen’s hit—made it work (Spotrac). Phillips brings locker room fire, famously hyping Highmark Stadium, while Douglas’ quiet savvy steadies a 15th-ranked pass defense (218.6 yards/game, ESPN). Chiefs beware (SI.com).
The $5 million combined tab—Phillips at $1.5 million, Douglas at $3.5 million—keeps Bills lean, sidestepping pricier free agents like Justin Simmons (Spotrac). Both vets know McDermott’s playbook cold, a nod to Beane’s “keep it in-house” mantra (SI.com).
Two AFC East showdowns loom—Phillips and Douglas could tip the scales against Miami and beyond (NFL.com). With James Cook’s drama simmering, Beane’s reunion play might just lock Buffalo’s defense for a Super Bowl push (ESPN).
