Knowing the type of committed player that Jordan Poyer is, it wasn't a surprise to see the All-Pro safety on the practice field for the first day of training camp. Though he is seeking a new and improved contract after one of his most productive seasons in a Bills uniform, he has put the task of landing a new contract with the Bills squarely on his agent, who was also at St. John Fisher University on Sunday.
"My agent is here," said Poyer of his representative, Drew Rosenhaus. "I know him, and Brandon Beane are talking things through. I'm just excited to be back out here playing football, the game with my teammates. It's been a journey but I'm here right now. I'm excited to play football and to continue to get better."
When asked if the fans should take his agent's presence at Bills training camp as a sign that something could be imminent with a new contract, Poyer wasn't sure that would be the case.
"It's hard to say," Poyer said. "I've got to talk to them some more see where see everything's going."
Bills GM Brandon Beane addressed the media on Sunday, but he doesn't talk about negotiations publicly.
"Drew and I have a great relationship, as do us and Jordan and Drew and I have had many conversations. This just happened to work out for him to come up here and do this to start camp but we're good. I don't talk about negotiations, but we love Jordan, Drew is great to work with and that's probably the extent I'd be willing to talk about it."
Poyer said he never entertained not showing up to training camp despite his desire for a new contract. He explained how football is something that he loves, and he cherishes the time he gets to spend on the field with his teammates. More importantly, Poyer served as a team captain last season. Knowing the Super Bowl aspirations of the team and his leadership role on it, he recognizes the responsibility he carries for his teammates.
"I want to be here," he said. "I'm going to continue to be a leader for this team and continue to do what I can help this team win football games."
Poyer believes he's coming off one of the best offseasons of his professional career as he was motivated by those that have wondered if he can still play at a high level now at age 31.
"I still feel like that I can play at a high level for a few years," said Poyer. "All I've heard is Jordan's age, this and that. So that continues to motivate me in the offseason. I chose to be here because I wanted to come here and show that I'm ready to play and I can still play at a high level."
Hopefully Poyer's contract situation is resolved with something that's good for both sides. That's always been Beane's approach, and it's worked very well during his tenure as Bills general manager. Whether it's done in short order or takes longer, it doesn't sound like it's going to change Poyer's approach to the game.
"I'm letting them handle that side of it," said Poyer. "Drew's here to talk things out with Brandon. I know he's going to work, and I know Beane's going to work and I'm optimistic that something will happen, but I'm just excited to be out here and playing football again."
