Buffalo's special teams unit made positive gains in 2019 under new coordinator Heath Farwell after a down 2018 campaign. But as general manager Brandon Beane said in the team's end of season press conference, they want to be better in that phase of the game.
Beane and his pro personnel staff made some clear steps to accomplish that already in free agency. Knowing the team was losing special teams stalwart Lorenzo Alexander to retirement and with four other special teamers set to become free agents, Buffalo struck early to refortify the core of Farwell's unit.
Scroll through to view the latest updates on Buffalo's reported additions to the roster through free agency.
The Bills have signed Josh Norman to a one-year contract.
Norman joins the Bills after being released by Washington. He is expected to compete for a starting corner position opposite of Tre'Davious White.
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 19-9. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) drops into coverage during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Monday, Sept. 23, 2019, in Landover, MD. The Bears defeated the Redskins 31-15. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Cornerback | Josh Norman joins the Bills from Washington. Once considered one of the league's best cover corners, Norman will likely compete for a starting job opposite of Tre'Davious White this season.
Washington Redskins' Josh Norman reacts after a stop during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) in action during a NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, in Jacksonville,Fla. (Logan Bowles / NFL)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with DT Quinton Jefferson.
Jefferson, 26, joins the Bills from Seattle. The 6'4", 291 pound DT spent the first four seasons of his career with the Seahawks, starting during the last two.
Seattle Seahawks' Quinton Jefferson reacts during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson (99) in action on defense during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 28-23. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Seattle Seahawks' Quinton Jefferson, left, and Jadeveon Clowney, right, close in on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, center, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 21-20. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (99) reacts after he sacked Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with DE Mario Addison.
Addison, 32, joins the Bills from Carolina. The 6'3", 260 pound DE joined the NFL in 2011 and has been with the Panthers since 2013.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Mario Addison (97) rushes the edge during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Panthers, 24-16. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Mario Addison (97) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Defensive End | Reports indicate that Mario Addison has agreed to a three-year deal with the Bills. He is regarded as a durable, productive pass-rusher and will be a big part of the defense in 2020.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Mario Addison (97) lines up during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Houston. The Panthers beat the Texans 16-10. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles as Carolina Panthers linebacker Mario Addison (97) rushes during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with DT Vernon Butler.
Butler, 25, joins the Bills from Carolina. The 6'4", 330 pound DT spent the first four seasons of his career with the Panthers.
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Panthers, 24-16. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Defensive Tackle | Media reports indicate that Vernon Butler has agreed to a deal with the Bills via free agency. He is regarded as being a very physical player, and should add some more "nasty" to the DL group.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is chased by Carolina Panthers' Vernon Butler (92) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) rushes Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) as offensive tackle Morgan Moses (76) blocks during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) takes the field priore to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with LB Tyler Matakevich.
Matakevich, 27, joins the Bills from Pittsburgh. The 6'1", 235 pound LB spent the first four seasons of his career with the Steelers and is regarding as one of the best tacklers on special teams in the league.
Linebacker | Reports have indicated that Tyler Matakevich will join the Bills as a free agent. A terrific special teams player, he figures to be a big factor in 2020.
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) plays against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) celebrates during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Steelers defeated the Chargers 24-17. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) makes a tackle during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday Dec. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 23-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with LB AJ Klein.
Klein, 28, joins the Bills from New Orleans. The 6'1", 240 pound LB comes to Buffalo after spending the previous 3 seasons with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) scores after an interception on Carolina Panthers quarterback Will Grier (3) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Linebacker | Reports have indicated that AJ Klein will join the Bills as a free agent. Another terrific special teams player, he figures to be a big factor in 2020 on special teams and defense.
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Saints beat the Titans 38-28. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New Orleans Saints linebacker A.J. Klein (53) lines up for the snap during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in New Orleans. The Vikings beat the Saints 26-20. (Matt Patterson via AP)
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Colts 34-7. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with RB Taiwan Jones.
Jones joins the Bills again after playing in Houston last season. He was a member of the Bills in 2018, and is regarded as a very good special teams player.
Houston Texans running back Taiwan Jones rushes against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
Buffalo Bills running back Taiwan Jones (26) in action during the Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals game on August 26, 2018 at New Era Field. Photo by Craig Melvin
Taiwan Jones has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Bills. He is considered a very good special teams player and was with the team in 2018.
Houston Texans running back Taiwan Jones (34) runs during an NFL regular season football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Houston. The Titans won, 35-14. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Running Back | The media is reporting that Taiwan Jones is back in Buffalo after agreeing to a one-year deal. Jones is a very valuable special teams player, and was with the Bills in 2018.
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) hands the ball off to running back Taiwan Jones (34) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
The Bills have agreed to terms with CB E.J. Gaines. He was with the Bills for training camp prior to the 2019 season.
- Buffalo Bills OTAs, May 21, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
E.J. Gaines - Buffalo Bills, May 14, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
Cornerback | E.J. Gaines has agreed to terms with the Bills and will be back in Buffalo after spending camp with the team in 2019.
Buffalo Bills take part in mandatory minicamp on June 12, 2019.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills cornerback E.J. Gaines (26) Buffalo Bills Return of the Blue & Red at New Era Field, August 2, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Ian Rapoport reports that the Bills have agreed to terms with former Panthers OL Daryl Williams.
With the ability to play both guard and tackle, the veteran lineman should help add depth to the rotation on the offensive line.
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) lines up during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Houston. The Panthers beat the Texans 16-10. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Offensive Line | Daryl Williams has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Bills and should help add depth to the OL rotation.
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) during an NFL regular season football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers won, 51-13. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) lines up during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Atlanta. The Falcons beat the Panthers 40-20. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) lines up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
The Bills signed Mike Bell to a contract. A draft eligible player in 2019, Bell comes to the Bills from Fresno State.
Bell has added weight and will make the switch to linebacker after a productive career at Fresno State playing safety.
The Bills signed Mike Bell to a contract. A draft eligible player in 2019, Bell comes to the Bills from Fresno State.
Bell has added weight and will make the switch to linebacker after a productive career at Fresno State playing safety.
The Bills signed Mike Bell to a contract. A draft eligible player in 2019, Bell comes to the Bills from Fresno State.
Bell has added weight and will make the switch to linebacker after a productive career at Fresno State playing safety.
Fresno State defensive back Mike Bell runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Monday, March 4, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Bills signed Mike Bell to a contract. A draft eligible player in 2019, Bell comes to the Bills from Fresno State.
Bell has added weight and will make the switch to linebacker after a productive career at Fresno State playing safety.
Specialists: P Corey Bojorquez, LS Reid Ferguson, K Stephen Hauschka, P/K Kaare Vedvik
Buffalo's kicking and punting operation is largely unchanged from last season, but the end of season addition of Vedvik was a good chance to add competition in the kicking game.
Vedvik can kick, punt and kickoff. Vedvik is a good kickoff specialist who hit his last 13 kickoffs for touchbacks in the 2019 preseason and regular season.
Hauschka had a tough stretch of games in the middle of the season, but rebounded nicely down the stretch hitting 13 attempts on the season including all four in the Wild Card playoff loss at Houston. That included a perfect 6-6 streak on kicks of 40 yards or more, the last of which was his clutch 47-yard attempt with five seconds left to force overtime in the playoff game.
Key coverage players: WR Robert Foster, DE Darryl Johnson, DB Jaquan Johnson, RB Taiwan Jones (agreed to terms), LB AJ Klein (agreed to terms), LB Tyler Matakevich (agreed to terms), DB Siran Neal
The Bills re-tooled their core of punt and kick coverage units with the free agent additions of LB AJ Klein, LB Tyler Matakevich and RB Taiwan Jones.
No one in the league has more special teams tackles over the last four seasons than Matakevich, and Klein excelled as a special teams coverage player while with the Carolina Panthers. Klein led the Panthers in special teams tackles in 2015.
The Bills also re-signed Taiwan Jones, who in his first stint with the Buffalo was a special teams captain. Pairing the top end speed of Jones with Robert Foster, who was re-signed as an exclusive rights free agent, gives coach Farwell a formidable duo of gunners to get down the field and cover punts.
And Buffalo's leading tackler on special teams last season, Siran Neal, figures to be a critical component of the cover teams again in 2020.
Returners: S Micah Hyde, RB Taiwan Jones, WR Ray-Ray McCloud, WR Isaiah McKenzie, WR Andre Roberts
Primary return man Andre Roberts is still under contract and had a solid season for the Bills in 2019.
Buffalo re-signed Roberts' main understudy in McKenzie, who filled in for Roberts when he missed three games due to injury.
Hyde was used sparingly when ball security was more important strategically in a game than return yards and Taiwan Jones can be a consideration on kick returns.
What the additions mean
Matakevich and Klein figure to help make up for the loss of Alexander and any of the team's other special teamers who are free agents. They bring proven production to the Bills' coverage units.
Taiwan Jones brings versatility as he can serve on coverage and return units if necessary, and his 4.35 speed will be a welcome addition.
Scroll through to view the players at each position on Buffalo's special teams unit that are currently on or reported to be on the roster prior to the NFL Draft.
Returner | Andre Roberts is back in Buffalo after being named to the Pro Bowl last season as a return specialist.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Andre Roberts (18) Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots at New Era Field, September 29, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
Kicker | Stephen Hauschka will be back in Buffalo in 2020 after having another strong season in 2019.
Stephen Hauschka. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
Punter | Corey Bojorquez is back in Buffalo after spending 2019 as the team's starting punter. He also held kicks for Stephen Hauschka.
Buffalo Bills punter Corey Bojorquez (9) Buffalo Bills vs Philadelphia Eagles, October 27, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Long Snapper | Reid Ferguson is back in 2020 after serving as the LS and a team captain for every game in 2019.
Buffalo Bills long snapper Reid Ferguson (69) Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins at New Era Field, November 3, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
Robert Foster was a valuable member of kick coverage in 2019, as his speed on the outside helped in kick and punt formations.
Robert Foster. Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns, November 10, 2019 at FirstEnergy Stadium. Photo by Sara Schmidle
Kicker / Punter | Kaare Vedvik was signed after spending time in the NFL as both a kicker and punter.
Minnesota Vikings punter Kaare Vedvik warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Jim Mone)
Jaquan Johnson showcased his versatility in his rookie season, filling in on defense while also serving as a valuable special teams player.
Buffalo Bills defensive back Jaquan Johnson (46) Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens game at New Era Field on December 8, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
Siran Neal led the team in special teams tackles in 2019 while also being a valuable rotation member on defense.
Buffalo Bills defensive back Siran Neal (33) Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, September 29, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Linebacker | Reports have indicated that AJ Klein will join the Bills as a free agent. Another terrific special teams player, he figures to be a big factor in 2020 on special teams and defense.
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Saints beat the Titans 38-28. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Linebacker | Reports have indicated that Tyler Matakevich will join the Bills as a free agent. A terrific special teams player, he figures to be a big factor in 2020.
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) plays against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Taiwan Jones has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Bills. He is considered a very good special teams player and was with the team in 2018.
Houston Texans running back Taiwan Jones (34) runs during an NFL regular season football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Houston. The Titans won, 35-14. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Three questions moving forward?
Will Vedvik prove to be stiff competition for Bojorquez?
How will the depth at the receiver position potentially impact special teams when roster decisions are made?
Can Hauschka pick up where he left off late last season?
What could happen between now and training camp?
Buffalo figures to supplement the talent it already has for its special teams units with a later free agent additions or two.
The Bills have done a good job of developing their draft choices into special teams contributors the last few years with Siran Neal, Darryl Johnson and Jaquan Johnson some of the most recent examples. Look for that to continue with this year's draft class.
