Poyer returns to Bills, expected to start on practice squad

Veteran safety Jordan Poyer is returning to the Buffalo Bills this week, agreeing to rejoin the franchise where he spent the bulk of his career and is expected to start on the practice squad, team officials and multiple reports said. The move comes ahead of the regular season opener in Buffalo on Sept. 7 and reunites the 34 year old with the organization where he played from 2017 through 2023.

Poyer, a 13 year NFL veteran, spent last season with the Miami Dolphins, starting 16 games and recording 98 tackles but no interceptions. Agents said he signed with the Bills on Thursday, and NFL reporters including Ian Rapoport and others indicated the deal will place him on Buffalo's practice squad to begin the year. The Bills announced their initial 53 man roster earlier this week and Poyer was not among those players, which aligns with plans to use him first as a practice squad veteran.

General manager Brandon Beane described the signings of Poyer and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips as moves to bolster leadership and culture. "You cannot find enough guys like that," Beane said, praising their character and team first mentality. Beane added that conversations with Poyer, coach Sean...