Jordan Poyer Returns To Buffalo On the Practice Squad

Jordan Poyer, the former All-Pro safety who spent seven memorable seasons in Buffalo before his brief detour to Miami, is coming home. When Jordan Schultz broke the news on social media, it raised the eyebrows of the Bills faithful. Poyer was the heartbeat of those dominant Bills defenses from 2017-2023.

He earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 2021 and made the Pro Bowl in 2022. This was a player who intercepted 22 passes, racked up nearly 700 tackles, and served as a team captain during some of the most successful years in franchise history. Bills fans watched him walk away in free agency, knowing they were losing something special. Now he is back. 

Reports Indicate Jordan Poyer Will be On the Practice Squad  

Bringing back Poyer has a different twist. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Poyer is joining Buffalo’s practice squad, not their active roster. For casual fans, this may be confusing. They are essentially acquiring a former All-Pro safety for practice squad wages – roughly $12,500 per week for most practice squad players, though veterans like Poyer can earn up to $21,300 weekly. This represents incredible value for a player of his caliber and experience.

Buffalo’s secondary features several young players who could benefit tremendously from Poyer’s presence. Cole Bishop, their second-round pick from 2024, is still developing his professional instincts. Having a former All-Pro safety available for daily guidance represents an invaluable resource that money cannot typically buy.  

Strategic Implications For Buffalo

From a strategic standpoint, this move demonstrates shrewd roster management by General Manager Brandon Beane. They can elevate him to the active roster when needed. Buffalo can do so up to three times during the regular season without requiring waivers. If injuries strike their safety room, or if they need veteran leadership for specific matchups, Poyer provides an immediate solution.

This arrangement also protects other teams from poaching Poyer easily. While practice squad players can be signed by other clubs to active rosters, the three-week guaranteed salary requirement and immediate roster spot commitment often deter casual interest. Teams must genuinely value a player to make such moves, giving Buffalo reasonable protection for their investment.

Looking Ahead: What This Means

For Poyer, this arrangement offers the best of both worlds. He remains close to the game he loves while transitioning toward a potential coaching career. His experience working with young players in this capacity could prove invaluable for future opportunities, whether in Buffalo or elsewhere.  

Poyer is back in Buffalo, and while his role may be different than his glory days, his impact could prove just as significant. Sometimes the most important contributions happen away from the spotlight, in meeting rooms and on practice fields where champions are truly made.