Although we're less than a week into the free agency period, there's already been plenty of national buzz surrounding Buffalo's moves. Here we look under the helmet to present eight fun facts:
1. Super Mario
At 6-3, 260 pounds, defensive end Mario Addison is hard to miss. His large stature isn't the only thing that's come to captivate those around him, though. Addison's story, one riddled with hardships and unbearable heartache, has proven inspiring for many. Growing up in the inner city in Birmingham, Alabama, the NFL veteran was faced with adversity at a young age. Defying the odds, Addison not only earned a spot on the Troy University football team, he realized his dream when he was signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2011. A self-made success, Addison now makes it a point to give back to the community that shaped him into the man he is today.
Through his foundation, the Mario Addison Community Partnership, the defender provides youth in Birmingham and around the country with opportunities that they may not receive otherwise. From hosting youth football camps to treating kids to shopping sprees, Addison has shown time and again how big his heart is.
"I was once them," Addison said to Panthers.com. "I do it to show them that somebody cares. I really care."
2. "Big Vern" in the building
Addison isn't the only "big guy" the Bills targeted this year in free agency. Defensive tackle Vernon Butler goes by the nickname "Big Vern," and it's not hard to see why. The 6-4, 330-pound, Louisiana Tech product, was a force on the field in 2019 and a giant headache for his opposition. According to Butler's father, Vernon Butler Sr., his son has been an uncontested playmaker since he was in elementary school.
"When he was in Pee Wee, he was dominating. He was playing D-tackle when he was in the fifth grade," Butler Sr. told Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer. "He was lighting (running backs) up. They'd go the other way."
3. Diggin' the fresh threads
Long before he played a starring role in the 2018 "Minnesota Miracle," Stefon Diggs has garnered national attention. Throughout his tenure in the NFL, the 2015 fifth-round draft pick has established himself as a premier wide receiver, with no shortage of stats to prove it. Fans have also noticed, over the years, that the 26-year-old from Gaithersburg, Maryland, has a serious knack for fashion. His zeal for creating noteworthy ensembles has been part of his identity since he was just a kid.
"[In elementary school] I never wanted to wear what my mom wanted me to," he said in an interview with Leah Faye Cooper of Coveteur.com. "I would hide clothes in my backpack, so I didn't have to [laughs]. Middle school is when I started to pick out everything by myself. Not having a lot of money was hard, but I always wanted to look nice. My close friends and I used to share clothes. If I didn't have something, I'd be like, 'Can I borrow that jacket, bro?' None of us had a lot, but we all had something, so we'd piece things together."
Using his wardrobe to express himself, Diggs is constantly turning heads with his unique clothing combinations. It's not just his personal style that fans find impressive, however. The man known for his "toe-drag swag," is also accustomed to jazzing up his uniform with one-of-kind cleats, showcasing his dynamic personality. As he trades in his Vikings attire for a fresh look, it will be fun to see Diggs in his new threads.
4. Jefferson: "Party of 6"
When he's not playing football, it's safe to assume that defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson is spending time with his family. A devoted husband, Jefferson and his wife Nadia have four children: three girls (including a set of twins) and a boy. Although living in a full house can complicate even the simplest tasks, it's not without it's upside. As chronicled on Nadia's blog, "Jefferson Party of 6" the family has their fair share of adventures. To follow along with the Jefferson family, see the defensive tackle's Instagram account.
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.
5. Keeping up with the Joneses
Surely Bills fans recognize the name Taiwan Jones. The veteran running back spent 2017-18 in Buffalo, where he was a regular contributor on special teams. The nine-year pro is certainly no stranger to hard work – a critical lesson that he learned prior to his days in the NFL. In fact, Jones's first job in college was on a farm, where he was tasked with herding cows and spreading hay.
"It was one of my summer jobs, and I'll never forget it," said Jones to HoustonTexans.com "They wake me up early in the morning, about four in the morning. They drive me out to the middle of nowhere. The first thing they did was they open this big fence and there was like a hundred cows and bulls…"
No easy feat, Jones adapted to his new environment, and learned a few things in the process.
With the free agency period opening this week, scroll through to see some of the most impactful free agent signings in team history.
Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer
Hyde and Poyer both came to the Bills prior the 2017 season, and have been one of the NFL's best safety duos since. They have started nearly every game since arriving in Buffalo, and have been massively important pieces on some of the NFL's best defenses since head coach Sean McDermott came to Buffalo.
Buffalo Bills strong safety Micah Hyde (23) and free safety Jordan Poyer (21) Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers,August 16, 2019 at Bank of America Stadium.
Photo by Gregg Forwerck
Sam Adams | DT | #95
Adams came to Buffalo prior to the 2003 after playing for the Raiders in the previous season. His first game as a Buffalo Bill included his memorable interception return for a touchdown. He was a Pro Bowl alternate in 2003, and anchored the defensive line during his three seasons in Buffalo.
Takeo Spikes | LB | #51
Spikes also came to Buffalo prior to the 2003 season, signing a six year contract worth up to $32 million. In his three seasons as a Bill, he was named to the Pro Bowl twice, and teamed up with London Fletcher to form one of the NFL's best LB duos.
Mario Williams | DE | #94
Williams signed with the Bills before the 2012 season on a six-year deal that was the largest in NFL history for a defensive player at the time. He holds many records in Buffalo, including sacks in a game (4.5 on 9/15/13 vs. CAR)
Terrell Owens | WR | #81
Owens signed a one-year contract with Buffalo, playing in the 2009 season. He started all 16 games for the Bills, catching 55 passes for 829 yards and 5 touchdowns. He also holds the record for the longest receiving touchdown in franchise history, after scoring on a 98-yard passing play with Ryan Fitzpatrick on 11/22/09 at Jacksonville.
Buffalo Bills' Terrell Owens celebrates his touchdown catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the second half of the NFL football game in Orchard Park, N.Y., Sunday Sept. 20, 2009. (AP Photo/ Dean Duprey)
Doug Flutie | QB | #7
Flutie signed with the Bills in 1998 out of the CFL, and played three seasons for the Bills at QB, serving as the starter and the backup during those years.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Doug Flutie, (7), looks for a receiver against the Arizona Cardinals during the second quarter Sunday, Dec. 19, 1999 at Sun Devil Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. (AP Photo/Roy Dabner)
London Fletcher | LB | #59
Fletcher came to the Bills before the 2002 season after signing a five-year contract. He set a new franchise record for tackles in a season with 209 in 2002. He started all 16 regular season games for the Bills during each of his five seasons in Buffalo.
Rian Lindell | K | #9
Lindell came to the Bills via restricted free agency in 2003, and played 10 seasons in Buffalo after that. He is second in franchise history in points scored and field goals made.
ORCHARD PARK, NY - NOVEMBER 26: Rian Lindell #9 of the Buffalo Bills watches his 42 yard game winning field goal as teammate Brian Moorman #8 signals the result against the Jacksonville Jaguars on November 26, 2006 at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, New York. The Bills defeated the Jaguars 27-24.
James Lofton | WR | #80
Lofton came to the Bills in 1989 and played four seasons with the Bills, including appearing in the Super Bowl three times during his time in Buffalo. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2003. His 18.12 yards per catch as a Buffalo Bill are the most in franchise history.
The Buffalo Bills' wide receiver James Lofton flies into the end zone for a second quarter touchdown over the Los Angeles Raiders, Jan. 20, 1991, during the AFC Championship Game in Orchard Park, New York. (AP Photo/Mike Groll)
Sam Gash | FB | #33
A ferocious blocker, Gash signed with the Bills in 1998 and played for two seasons in Buffalo before signing another one year contract with Buffalo in 2003. In 1999, he became the first back in NFL history to be named to the Pro Bowl without recording a single carry.
Ted Washington | DT | #92
Washington came to the Bills in 1995 and played six seasons with the Bills. A dominant presence in the middle of Buffalo's defense, he anchored the DL and helped Bruce Smith get to quarterbacks in the 3-4 defense. He was named to the Pro Bowl three times during his time in Buffalo.
Buffalo Bills nose tackle Ted Washington (92) sacks Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre (4) during the fourth quarter Sunday, Sept. 10, 2000, at Ralph Wilson Stadium in Orchard Park, N.Y. Washington was one of three Bills selected to the Pro-Bowl.
Bryce Paup | LB | #95
Paup came to the Bills in 1995, and was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year by the Associated Press for the 1995 season. He had 17.5 sacks in the '95 season, which ranks second in franchise history today. He was named to the Pro Bowl in all three seasons as a Buffalo Bill.
Buffalo Bills Bryce Paup (95) during a game fro his 1997 season with the Buffalo Bills. Bryce Paup played for 11 years with four different teams and was a 4-time Pro Bowler.
Linebacker Tyler Matakevich came to Buffalo after spending four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Matakevich led the Bills with 10 special teams tackles in 2020. The linebacker has played in 86 games including the playoffs since 2016.
Center Mitch Morse came to the Bills in 2019 after spending four seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs. Morse was a second round pick in 2015 and has started 86 total games during his six seasons in the NFL.
Wide receiver Cole Beasley came to the Bills in 2019 after spending seven seasons with the Dallas Cowboys. Beasley had instant success in his first season with quarterback Josh Allen. In 2020, he racked up a career-high 82 catches for 967 receiving yards and averaged 11.8 yards per reception.
Star Lotulelei (98). Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys, November 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium. Photo by Bill Wippert
Mario Addison (97) sack Buffalo Bills vs New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, November 25, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Emmanuel Sanders (1) touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots - Wild Card Playoff game at Highmark Stadium, January 15, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
6. Family over everything
For linebacker AJ Klein and his loving wife Taylor, family is everything. So, it wasn't long after they tied the knot in January of 2018, that the Kleins decided they were ready to take the next steps in starting one of their own. Just nine months later, in October, the happy couple announced on Instagram that they were starting the adoption process. Then, as it often does, life threw them a curveball.
"We actually found out we were pregnant the day after Thanksgiving [2018] on a Friday. And the following Wednesday, I get a call from our social worker, well, a missed call. I called her back and she told me about his birth mother," said Taylor Klein to Christina Watkins of WDSU News.
Before they new it, the Kleins went from a pair to a team of four! Their son Cannon James was born on Jan. 25, 2019, and their daughter Bowie Rose was welcomed to the world on July 27, 2019. Feeling extremely blessed, the couple often shares their adorable family adventures on their social media accounts.
7. Puppy love
Linebacker Tyler Matakevich may be intimidating on the field, but he has given fans a glimpse of his softer side too. After taking part in a photo shoot at a Pittsburgh Humane Animal Rescue shelter for the NFL's "My Cause My Cleats" program, Matakevich quickly realized his passion for helping animals. While at the center, the defender instantly fell in love with a playful puppy, a Labrador/retriever mix, who he is now lucky enough to call his best friend.
"I walked into the room and there were about five or six puppies, all black labs," said Matakevich to Steelers.com. "They gave me one. Within 10 minutes she just fell asleep right in my arms. I was like, wow you set me up. I can't give her back. That happened on a Friday, my girlfriend picked her up on Saturday and I had her on a Sunday."
8. An offseason overseas
It's been a busy offseason for Josh Norman. Like many other NFL players do during their break, the cornerback linked up with a fellow athlete to condition. However, Norman's workout routine has been far from ordinary. While in Israel – a country that he's traveled to several times – Norman and former teammate Adrian Petersen trained with the Israeli Defense Force. To learn the ropes, the pair even participated in Krav Maga lessons at the Wingate Institute in Netanya, Israel.
"It's amazing to get in there and train with these guys because they are at the top of their game at being in combat," Norman told FOX News.
