When quarterback Case Keenum arrived in Buffalo this offseason, he saw a familiar face in the Bills' locker room.
"I think for the first month, we would see each other, and kind of be like – 'This is kind of weird, we're back together'," Keenum laughed.
Keenum is, of course, referencing his good friend and current Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs. The two played together for the Minnesota Vikings in 2017, where both enjoyed standout years.
Keenum, playing in his fifth NFL season, went 11-3 as a starter in the regular season, throwing for a career-high 3,547 yards and 22 touchdowns. Meanwhile, Diggs continued his ascent as one of the best receivers in the NFL with a then career-high eight TDs in 14 games.
In their lone year at Minnesota, both developed a bond with one another and it has carried over to now where the pair are happy to be reunited in Buffalo.
"I mean he's Stef. He's still my guy," Keenum said. "We had such a cool time in Minnesota, but to see him, the growth he's had, on and off the field, as a leader, as a person, it's really cool to see. I mean he's big time, and he's doing all the right things on and off the field, so I'm proud of him and excited to play with him again."
Then there's Bills running back James Cook, the younger brother of Vikings RB Dalvin Cook. Keenum was in Minnesota for Dalvin's rookie season and is now in Buffalo for James' first year. Though it's only been a few weeks, the younger Cook is impressing in practice and showing signs he possesses traits similar to Dalvin.
"They're very similar. And you see flashes of it," Keenum said. "And to see him out of the backfield too, catching the ball, I think he's got a little something to him. And I'm excited to be able to show what he can do."
Keenum and fellow quarterback Matt Barkely will likely see the bulk of reps under center during the preseason and Keenum is looking forward to his first game in Buffalo.
"There's a different feel here. The offense is special. They're doing things here that nobody else is doing," he said. "I'm enjoying being a part of it and add as much as I can."
