He was labeled a priority to be re-signed by Bills GM Buddy Nix. Just days before the free agent market was set to open Buffalo successfully brought CB Leodis McKelvin back into the fold. McKelvin and the Bills agreed to terms on a multi-year contract agreement Saturday.
McKelvin, who made more contributions to the team as a punt returner than a cornerback in 2012, figures to be in the thick of the competition for the starting cornerback role opposite Stephon Gilmore in 2013. The dynamic return man led the league in punt return average with an 18.7 figure along with a pair of touchdowns making him the first player in team history with two punt returns for scores in a single season.
For the past two seasons McKelvin has been a part-time starter with 10 starts in 29 of the team's last 32 games. The former first-round pick made four starts this past season with one interception and three pass breakups.
"I feel like I went out there and played to the best of my ability, I put everything out there for whatever I did," said McKelvin. "I did everything, I played gunner, I did returns, I played corner, I played nickel, everything they asked me to do. I'm just striving to get better and better."
Buffalo's left cornerback position was in a state of flux last season due mainly to injury. Aaron Williams, who won the starting job coming out of training camp, missed six games. McKelvin, Ron Brooks and the since released Terrence McGee also saw time at the position.
Set to turn 28 just prior to the 2013 season, McKelvin believes he has a lot of good football in front of him.
"I feel like I'm young, I feel like I can put a great effort in and help the team win," said McKelvin. "No matter what the situation may be I just go out there and play ball."
