Photo Credit:Al Tielemans/Associated Press
He could've taken his talents to the Golden State and signed with either the Oakland Raiders or the San Francisco 49ers. Or he could've gone back to the Sunshine State and rejoined the Miami Dolphins, the team who made him a first-round pick.
But free agent CB Vontae Davis opted to come to Buffalo. A city that's currently buried in over a foot of snow.
"Those guys, Mr. [Brandon] Beane, coach [Sean] McDermott, those guys made me feel welcome. They made me feel at home. As I went on my visits and I evaluated everything, it felt like I just belonged in Buffalo," said Davis via conference call. "I feel like they run their organization with a lot of integrity. They respect their players. I felt like the place was for me. Even though Buffalo was one of my first visits, it seemed like it just stuck with me throughout all my visits, because of Buffalo and their whole organization. They had a huge impression on me."
Davis, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, has played nine seasons (2009-2017) in the league. His first three years (2009-2011) were with the Miami Dolphins and he's spent the past six seasons (2012-2017) with the Indianapolis Colts. However, Davis' last trip to the postseason came back in 2014.
"Well, I was looking for a young team. A team that's growing. A team that has a chance to win right now," he said. "I feel like the Bills were one of those young teams out there that made a huge leap last year. I feel like I can help this team with my veteran presence for us to make another leap this coming season. It was impressive with the younger players, mixed with the veterans in the locker room that intrigued to me.
Some players that sparked Davis' interest are his new teammates in the secondary. Specifically, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, and Tre'Davious White. Those three, with the help others, led a surging secondary in 2017.
The Bills held opposing quarterbacks to a 78.9 passer rating this past season, which was the sixth-lowest mark in the league. In addition, Buffalo's secondary only allowed 14 passing touchdowns in the regular season. That was good enough for second-fewest throughout the league.
Davis sees his strengths fitting in flawlessly with the Bills defense in this upcoming season.
"As far as the corner play, coach Leslie [Frazier] likes physical corners. Corners that can tackle. I feel like I bring those strengths to the defense. In a defense you must have good tackling corners," he said. "I think with the two safeties, with Micah Hyde and [Jordan] Poyer, it was very impressive on tape. I was looking forward to playing with those guys.
"Tre'Davious White's a young player that I think the world of. I think he can be a great player in this league. It's exciting. It was just an intriguing fit for me. I'm very excited to go to Buffalo and play with these young, talented players."
