1. An inside look into the Bills-Panthers pipeline
In the past, the Bills have acquired players via trade or in free agency who have ties to the Carolina Panthers due in part to the fact that general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott both spent time working for Carolina.
On last year's roster, Kurt Coleman and Star Lotulelei were some of the players who came to Buffalo by way of spending time with the Panthers. McDermott was the defensive coordinator in Carolina from 2011 to 2016. Beane was the director of football operations from 2008 to 2014 before taking on the role of assistant general manager from 2015 to 2016.
With Beane and McDermott entering year four together in Buffalo, they welcome corner Josh Norman who played for the Panthers from 2012 to 2015. Reportedly, the Bills add defensive end Mario Addison who was a member of the Panthers from 2012 to 2019, linebacker A.J. Klein who played for Carolina from 2013 to 2015 and defensive end Vernon Butler who was drafted by the Panthers in 2016.
Carolina Panthers play-by-play voice Mick Mixon joined WGR to talk about all the Panthers additions to the Bills roster. Mixon said Addison will be a great fit in the locker room.
"I promise you this, Sean McDermott is going to get whatever Super Mario has left to give and it could be a substantial amount of productive football," Mixon said. "He has been known for this get-off, this burst off the edge. He's a fantastic guy, tremendously active in the community. He will be a positive force in the locker room in the most unnoticeable kind of way, he will just fit in."
Beane and McDermott already have their culture in place at One Bills Drive but are always looking to add players who can help enhance it. These reported four new players will be tasked with just that as well as adding to a defense that needed depth after Lorenzo Alexander retired and Jordan Phillips, Shaq Lawson moved to new teams in free agency.
Scroll through to view the latest updates on Buffalo's reported additions to the roster through free agency.
The Bills have signed Josh Norman to a one-year contract.
Norman joins the Bills after being released by Washington. He is expected to compete for a starting corner position opposite of Tre'Davious White.
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 19-9. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) drops into coverage during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Monday, Sept. 23, 2019, in Landover, MD. The Bears defeated the Redskins 31-15. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Cornerback | Josh Norman joins the Bills from Washington. Once considered one of the league's best cover corners, Norman will likely compete for a starting job opposite of Tre'Davious White this season.
Washington Redskins' Josh Norman reacts after a stop during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) in action during a NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, in Jacksonville,Fla. (Logan Bowles / NFL)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with DT Quinton Jefferson.
Jefferson, 26, joins the Bills from Seattle. The 6'4", 291 pound DT spent the first four seasons of his career with the Seahawks, starting during the last two.
Seattle Seahawks' Quinton Jefferson reacts during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson (99) in action on defense during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 28-23. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Seattle Seahawks' Quinton Jefferson, left, and Jadeveon Clowney, right, close in on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, center, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 21-20. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (99) reacts after he sacked Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with DE Mario Addison.
Addison, 32, joins the Bills from Carolina. The 6'3", 260 pound DE joined the NFL in 2011 and has been with the Panthers since 2013.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Mario Addison (97) rushes the edge during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Panthers, 24-16. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Mario Addison (97) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Defensive End | Reports indicate that Mario Addison has agreed to a three-year deal with the Bills. He is regarded as a durable, productive pass-rusher and will be a big part of the defense in 2020.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Mario Addison (97) lines up during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Houston. The Panthers beat the Texans 16-10. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles as Carolina Panthers linebacker Mario Addison (97) rushes during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with DT Vernon Butler.
Butler, 25, joins the Bills from Carolina. The 6'4", 330 pound DT spent the first four seasons of his career with the Panthers.
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Panthers, 24-16. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Defensive Tackle | Media reports indicate that Vernon Butler has agreed to a deal with the Bills via free agency. He is regarded as being a very physical player, and should add some more "nasty" to the DL group.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is chased by Carolina Panthers' Vernon Butler (92) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) rushes Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) as offensive tackle Morgan Moses (76) blocks during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) takes the field priore to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with LB Tyler Matakevich.
Matakevich, 27, joins the Bills from Pittsburgh. The 6'1", 235 pound LB spent the first four seasons of his career with the Steelers and is regarding as one of the best tacklers on special teams in the league.
Linebacker | Reports have indicated that Tyler Matakevich will join the Bills as a free agent. A terrific special teams player, he figures to be a big factor in 2020.
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) plays against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) celebrates during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Steelers defeated the Chargers 24-17. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) makes a tackle during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday Dec. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 23-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with LB AJ Klein.
Klein, 28, joins the Bills from New Orleans. The 6'1", 240 pound LB comes to Buffalo after spending the previous 3 seasons with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) scores after an interception on Carolina Panthers quarterback Will Grier (3) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Linebacker | Reports have indicated that AJ Klein will join the Bills as a free agent. Another terrific special teams player, he figures to be a big factor in 2020 on special teams and defense.
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Saints beat the Titans 38-28. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New Orleans Saints linebacker A.J. Klein (53) lines up for the snap during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in New Orleans. The Vikings beat the Saints 26-20. (Matt Patterson via AP)
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Colts 34-7. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with RB Taiwan Jones.
Jones joins the Bills again after playing in Houston last season. He was a member of the Bills in 2018, and is regarded as a very good special teams player.
Houston Texans running back Taiwan Jones rushes against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
Buffalo Bills running back Taiwan Jones (26) in action during the Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals game on August 26, 2018 at New Era Field. Photo by Craig Melvin
Taiwan Jones has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Bills. He is considered a very good special teams player and was with the team in 2018.
Houston Texans running back Taiwan Jones (34) runs during an NFL regular season football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Houston. The Titans won, 35-14. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Running Back | The media is reporting that Taiwan Jones is back in Buffalo after agreeing to a one-year deal. Jones is a very valuable special teams player, and was with the Bills in 2018.
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) hands the ball off to running back Taiwan Jones (34) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
The Bills have agreed to terms with CB E.J. Gaines. He was with the Bills for training camp prior to the 2019 season.
- Buffalo Bills OTAs, May 21, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
E.J. Gaines - Buffalo Bills, May 14, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
Cornerback | E.J. Gaines has agreed to terms with the Bills and will be back in Buffalo after spending camp with the team in 2019.
Buffalo Bills take part in mandatory minicamp on June 12, 2019.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills cornerback E.J. Gaines (26) Buffalo Bills Return of the Blue & Red at New Era Field, August 2, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Ian Rapoport reports that the Bills have agreed to terms with former Panthers OL Daryl Williams.
With the ability to play both guard and tackle, the veteran lineman should help add depth to the rotation on the offensive line.
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) lines up during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Houston. The Panthers beat the Texans 16-10. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Offensive Line | Daryl Williams has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Bills and should help add depth to the OL rotation.
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) during an NFL regular season football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers won, 51-13. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) lines up during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Atlanta. The Falcons beat the Panthers 40-20. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) lines up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
The Bills signed Mike Bell to a contract. A draft eligible player in 2019, Bell comes to the Bills from Fresno State.
Bell has added weight and will make the switch to linebacker after a productive career at Fresno State playing safety.
The Bills signed Mike Bell to a contract. A draft eligible player in 2019, Bell comes to the Bills from Fresno State.
Bell has added weight and will make the switch to linebacker after a productive career at Fresno State playing safety.
The Bills signed Mike Bell to a contract. A draft eligible player in 2019, Bell comes to the Bills from Fresno State.
Bell has added weight and will make the switch to linebacker after a productive career at Fresno State playing safety.
Fresno State defensive back Mike Bell runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Monday, March 4, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Bills signed Mike Bell to a contract. A draft eligible player in 2019, Bell comes to the Bills from Fresno State.
Bell has added weight and will make the switch to linebacker after a productive career at Fresno State playing safety.
2. This Bills player could have a big season in fantasy football
With the reported addition of Stefon Diggs to Buffalo's roster, fantasy footballers may want to keep an eye on Diggs as well as Josh Allen as potential draft targets in your next fantasy football draft. Why? NFL Network senior fantasy analyst Michael Fabiano thinks Diggs will get more targets than last year which will in turn help Allen's stats.
"Last year he had the fewest targets he has seen since his rookie year," Fabiano said. "He was a wide receiver two in Minnesota, I feel like he is a wide receiver two in Buffalo maybe sees a little uptick in value. Josh Allen's got that big arm but much like Kyler Murray, Josh Allen's the big winner here. I mean Allen was the QB seven last year. Now you add Stefon Diggs, a playmaker in his prime to go along with John Brown and Devin Singletary. This is an offense that could be very fantasy friendly. Josh Allen's moving up and Stefon Diggs likely to be a fourth or fifth round pick in most fantasy drafts."
Last year with Minnesota, Diggs averaged 9.9 fantasy points per game per fantasydata.com. His season high was in Week 6 against the Eagles when he racked up 36.5 fantasy points from scoring three touchdowns along with seven catches for 167 yards.
3. Buffalo receives this grade for the addition of Mario Addison
ESPN writer Bill Barnwell is grading all of the biggest free agency moves of 2020 and he gave the Bills a 'B' for acquiring defensive end Mario Addison.
The rush of former Panthers to Western New York continues, as Addison joins former Panthers teammates Star Lotulelei and Josh Norman in playing for former Carolina defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. I'm not sure there is a more underrated pass-rusher in the NFL than Addison, who ranks 11th in sacks (39.5) over the past four seasons. ...
Barnwell said it's harder to find a player like Addison rather than a player like Shaq Lawson, explaining the role Addison can fill will be one that can help the Bills win. With the AFC East looking quite different than it did last week, Buffalo is looking like an early favorite to win the division.
Addison likely took a bit of a discount to play for McDermott, given how much edge rushers are being paid. That is a useful reminder of how quickly the story has flipped for Buffalo, which was once thought of as a place free agents wouldn't want to go. It's also an indicator of where the Bills are; with Tom Brady leaving the Patriots, the Bills are the favorites to win the AFC East. Spending 5% of the cap on a 32-year-old edge rusher who might play only 50% of the defensive snaps wouldn't have made sense for the Bills for much of the Brady era. Now, having rebuilt their roster and waited out the Patriots, Buffalo is rightfully in win-now mode.
