“Ready to Leave”: Buffalo Bills starter issues statement regarding contract extension.

Bills starter shares ‘breaking news’ about Buffalo’s latest signing.

The Buffalo Bills are working hard to rebuild their roster for the 2024 NFL season. The Bills had a lot of holes to fill after quickly cutting several important veterans to become cap-compliant.

However, Buffalo did re-sign defensive tackle DaQuan Jones to a two-year, $16 million deal. According to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, Jones is “clearly the most important re-signing option” for next season. The defensive tackles room is empty without a starting option in one technique.”

After two weeks of free agency, the Bills had yet to add another defensive lineman, which was alarming. However, on Saturday, March 23, Jones was the first to report that Buffalo had found a backup in Austin Johnson, previously of the Los Angeles Chargers.

!!!BREAKING NEWS!!! @BuffaloBills are Signing former Chargers DE @AJohn15 later on today “close sources say”

Johnson responded, ” Alright Mr. Schefter, lmao.”

Around 20 minutes later, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted, “Sources confirm: Austin Johnson is signing a one-year contract with Buffalo to play alongside former teammate DaQuan Jones.” The agreement is worth up to $4 million.”

Johnson and Jones were teammates at Penn State in 2013. The Tennessee Titans selected Jones in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL draft. Two years later, the Titans selected Johnson in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. They reconnected as teammates until Johnson joined the New York Giants in 2020. Two years later, the Chargers signed Johnson to a two-year, $14 million contract.

Shout-out to @RiDQulous_98 for his superior recruiting skills. #Bills

Johnson verified his trip to Buffalo on Instagram Stories, where he also mentioned Jones. He reposted the news announcement, writing, “And yes, @dqj_90 is the best recruiter out” with two laugh-cry emojis.

Austin Johnson was called the ‘perfect’ backup for Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones.

While Buffalo was unable to sign Arik Armstead, Bills analysts were ecstatic to learn that Johnson would be returning to Orchard Park.

Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 wrote, “DT was a major issue for the Bills entering the summer. The only players under contract for 2024 were Ed Oliver and Eli Ankou. They have since re-signed DaQuan Jones and added Austin Johnson. There is still work to be done in terms of numbers, but this looks a lot better.

DT Austin Johnson summary report:

A mammoth defensive tackle whose #1 comp is DaQuan Jones, showcasing remarkable flexibility across the defensive front, adept at playing as a nose tackle, 3-technique defensive tackle, or even defensive end in odd front formations. Demonstrates…

Capaccio stated, “He can play NT or even DE in a 3-4, but is a DT in a 4-3. So he provides some versatility by kicking outside if the Bills choose to use an odd front.

Built in Buffalo’s Kevin Siracuse wrote, “The #Bills are beefing up their defensive line! Austin Johnson is an excellent backup for DaQuan Jones at 1-tech.”

Johnson played and started 25 games during the last two seasons. He finished with 69 total tackles, three passes defensed, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one sack.

During his two-year stint with the Giants, the 6-foot-4, 314-pounder played in 33 games and made 17 starts. The 29-year-old recorded 90 total tackles, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, two passes defensed, and 4.5 sacks.

The Bills’ defence will look very different in 2024.

After releasing Tre’Davious White, Siran Neal, and Jordan Poyer, the Bills say farewell to Leonard Floyd. Micah Hyde, an All-Pro safety, looks to still be considering retirement.

Among the roster adjustments, the Bills re-signed Taylor Rapp to a three-year, $10.6 million contract and acquired safety Mike Edwards from the Kansas City Chiefs.

Buffalo extended Taron Johnson, making him the league’s highest-paid nickel cornerback. The Bills also signed linebacker Nicholas Morrow, while Tyrel Dodson joined the Seattle Seahawks.