It was an agreement rooted in mutual appreciation. Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips wanted to continue playing for the Buffalo Bills after joining the club midseason via waivers. The Bills wanted to keep a young, talented, energetic interior defensive lineman in the fold. That's why on Tuesday, Phillips was re-signed to a one-year deal.
Last week at the NFL combine, GM Brandon Beane indicated that they were interested in bringing Phillips back into the fold after he made a good impression in the second half of the 2018 campaign.
"We liked the energy he brought to our team in midseason when we acquired him," Beane said.
Phillips, a former second-round pick of the Miami Dolphins in 2015, contributed 19 tackles including two for loss, three pass breakups and a fumble recovery in 12 games for the Bills.
The four-year veteran developed a quick affinity for his new teammates in Buffalo and expressed an interest in re-signing with the Bills at the end of last season.
"Buffalo's great," Phillips said on locker clean out day. "Our defense speaks for itself. We're a great defense. We finished number two in the rankings. That speaks for itself. Why wouldn't you want to be here? We're young, we have a lot of talent. We've got a lot of guys that love to play ball. Buffalo is the place to be."
Phillips also became a fan favorite as his energetic on-field demeanor played well with Bills fans.
"I love the atmosphere," said Phillips of playing at New Era Field. "The fan base is a big part of my game, and I haven't seen anything better than the Bills Mafia."
The signing provides the Bills with a player who could challenge for the starting role left behind by the retired Kyle Williams. Phillips often rotated in during the second half of last season for Williams.
"Word on the street is that the Bills are looking for a new three-technique and I think I'm the best candidate," said Phillips. "We'll see."
