Expectations are justifiably high for the Bills heading into this season, but for months the contract status of one of their top defenders has remained a key talking point. Amidst his stated desire for a new contract, safety Jordan Poyer reported to training camp yesterday, as noted by NFL Network’s Mike Giardi (on Twitter).
That news alone doesn’t come as much of a surprise, given that players often try to leverage their financial situations via ‘hold-ins’ now. On that point, though, Giardi adds that Poyer “is expected to practice” with the team. The 31-year-old has one year remaining on his current contract.
The fact that he is scheduled to make $6.7M this season – a figure far lower than the compensation most other top safeties are in line for – has led the All-Pro to approach the team about an extension. In his fifth season with the Bills, Poyer matched his career high with five interceptions, adding nine pass deflections and three sacks. That kind of production has many expecting that the Bills would prefer to keep his partnership with Micah Hyde intact for at least the short-term future.
Further incentive for an new deal is the fact that Poyer’s scheduled cap hit ($10.78M) could be lowered through an extension, which has always been viewed as being most likely to take place around training camp. Even if Poyer is on the field during practices, his lack of security beyond 2022 will loom large.
Quelling potential doubts about his desire to remain with the team, the Oregon State alum recently said “I can’t really think of a better situation for me to be in than Buffalo right now.” Progress made between the two sides on finalizing a new deal will be a storyline worth watching for a team looking to remain a Super Bowl contender now and for the foreseeable future.
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