As the NFL offseason unfolds, post the NFL Combine, teams are actively engaged in either bolstering their rosters through signings or strategically releasing players to manage cap space. The Buffalo Bills are coming off a disappointing playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Hence, they are keenly focused on revitalizing their squad for a fresh start and a more robust roster in the upcoming season.
After trading Ryan Bates, the Bills have recently extended contracts to two veteran players, strategically addressing concerns on both the offensive and defensive fronts.
Taylor Rapp re-signed by Bills on $14.5M, 3-year deal
To bolster their defense, the Buffalo Bills have secured Ryan Rapp with a three-year deal worth up to $14.5 million. This decision followed the team’s cost-cutting measure of parting ways with longtime safety Jordan Poyer earlier in the week.
Rapp served in a backup role behind Poyer and Micah Hyde during the 2023 season. He showcased his skills with 50 tackles, an interception, two passes defensed, and a fumble recovery across 16 games, including four starts in Buffalo.
Since, the salary cap of this upcoming season was declared, the Bills were aimed to deal with salary cap constraints. In this regard, they released several key players, including Poyer, wide receiver Deonte Harty, Tre’Davious White, defensive back Siran Neal, center Mitch Morse, and running back Nyheim Hines.
With the addition of Rapp, the Bills aim to maintain a sense of continuity in the defensive backs room. The 26-year-old will step into Poyer’s shoes, ensuring a smooth transition, while the team looks to fill the void left by Hyde at the safety position. Rapp, however, is not the only addition to their main roster with QB Mitchell Trubisky making his return to Buffalo.
Mitchell Trubisky returns to Bills
The Bills have made a familiar addition to their roster, bringing back quarterback Mitchell Trubisky to Buffalo. Trubisky, who departed two years ago to pursue the starting job with the Pittsburgh Steelers, returns to the Bills to serve as a backup quarterback.
His return signals the likely end of Kyle Allen’s time in Buffalo, as the team opts to reestablish Trubisky as the backup to Josh Allen. It is the role which he previously held during his initial stint with the Bills in 2021.
Despite the changes, Trubisky will find comfort in familiar surroundings. However, this time, he will be working under the guidance of offensive coordinator Joe Brady, following Brian Daboll’s departure to become the head coach of the New York Giants.
The Buffalo team’s move came after the Steelers team parted ways with the backup quarterback. His tenure in Pittsburgh saw him initially positioned as a bridge starter before being surpassed on the depth chart by Kenny Pickett midway through the season. The saga continued as Mason Rudolph emerged as the preferred option over Trubisky late in the 2023 campaign and into the wild-card round.
Though the setbacks let him suffer much, Trubisky still brings a wealth of experience to the Bills, having started 57 games over seven seasons. With 12,536 passing yards, 72 touchdowns, and 48 interceptions to his name, his return adds depth and familiarity to the Bills’ quarterback room as they prepare for the upcoming season.
