It's one of the most unlikely free agent success stories in Bills history.
And it just got better.
Veteran linebacker Lorenzo Alexander signed a one-year contract extension with the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday morning.
Alexander came to Buffalo one month into free agency in 2016, at the time a 32-year old veteran of five different NFL teams. He came to the Bills as a special teamer, signed to boost the Bills defensive depth and play a role on special teams, which he had done with the Redskins, Raiders, Cardinals and others before.
He did much more than that.
Since signing with Buffalo, Alexander has started 35 games, recorded 22 sacks and three interceptions in three years. He made the Pro Bowl following the 2016 campaign and was the Defensive MVP of that game. He was a Bills team captain last season and has become an important leader in the Buffalo locker room, and in the community.
Alexander has made his home in Western New York, keeping his family here during the last two offseasons. And he is clearly viewed as an important leadership and playing piece for the Buffalo defense in the upcoming 2019 season.
Two weeks ago, when the Bills cleaned out their lockers after the season finale, Alexander expressed interest in getting a new contract with the team, and he talked about his investment in the Bills and in Buffalo.
"Obviously, I'm invested," he told the media. "I've been here three years, I'm invested in the community. I'm invested in this team and this organization. I would like to be able to continue to play here and be able to retire here."
Alexander played all 16 games for the Bills again in 2018 and stepped into a new role as the weak-side linebacker when Matt Milano got hurt with three games left to play. His versatility and productivity were a big part of the Bills second-ranked defense.
"I haven't missed a game in the last five years," he said after the season. "I know I can still go out there and be productive at age 36. It's all about creating great habits."
Alexander turns 36 years old on May 31st. He is the Bills nominee for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award for his work in the community, an award that will be announced the night before the Super Bowl, February 2nd.
