1. Diggs: I think it's a team that's ready to be great
Newly added wide receiver Stefon Diggs took to the Players Tribune to put his thoughts on paper, sharing the trade process and the reasons why he can't wait to get to Buffalo.
When my agent called and said, "You're going to be a Buffalo Bill," honestly, it took a second to digest. I know that the NFL is a business first and foremost. But you're never really ready for that kind of news, you know? Your mind definitely goes in 100 different directions.
The first thing I felt was pure excitement. I was like, O.K., Buffalo, Buffalo, Buffalo … what do I know about Buffalo?
Diggs wrote he knew about the wings and Josh Allen, which was enough to get him fired up about his new home. The receiver recalled facing the Bills in 2018 when Buffalo beat the Vikings 27 to 6. Diggs said Josh Allen made a big impression on him during that game—it was Allen's hurdle that left Diggs thinking the QB was different.
I remember being on the sidelines thinking, O.K. … this guy's got some moxie. He just had a ton of energy and played with so much passion. And anybody who knows me knows that I'm a passionate guy. I wear my heart on my sleeve and I give everything I got every time I step onto the field.
I could tell right away that Josh Allen was the same type of player.
So once I found out about the trade, I couldn't wait to go to work with him.
Many Vikings players including Kirk Cousins and Adam Thielen reached out to Diggs telling him congrats and that he'll be missed in Minnesota. Diggs also said he received a lot of messages from players around the league wishing him the best with his new team.
I'm getting even more excited just writing about it. I mean, honestly, if you look at this Bills team — if you look at it RIGHT NOW, in 2020? I think it's a team that's ready to be great. I don't know how anybody could look at this team, this roster, and the passion this team plays with and not be excited to be a part of it.
The receiver explained he will miss his old team but the buzz surrounding the Bills makes him ready to link up with his new teammates.
I already talked about Josh Allen. But then you got John Brown, who's been a baller since he came on the scene in Arizona, and he just had the best season of his career. You got Cole Beasley, who's an excellent route-runner and has a crazy ability to create separation. I look forward to learning from those guys and, together, taking that offense to the next level.
2. Could this free agent help the Bills?
Bleacher Report looked at all free agents still available and chose one who fits best for each team. Even though the Bills added three defensive linemen in free agency, Bleacher Report believes defensive end Ezekiel Ansah is a valuable fit in Buffalo based off of remaining needs.
Taking a flier on 30-year-old edge-rusher Ezekiel Ansah could help Buffalo solidify its defense before the draft.
The Bills' pass rush was good in 2019—it produced 44 sacks—but it was not elite. They already signed outside linebacker Mario Addison to bolster it, but Ansah could be another budget addition.
Ansah is entering his eighth year in the NFL and played in Seattle last season. In 2019, the defensive end registered 2.5 sacks, 18 total tackles and 8 QB hits.
Ansah will likely garner a low-value, prove-it deal after producing only 6.5 sacks over the past two injury-hampered seasons. Gambling on Ansah, who racked up 12 sacks in 14 games in 2017, could pay off big for Buffalo.
3. Why A.J. Klein fits the linebacker room
Saints linebacker Demario Davis, who's a former teammate of A.J. Klein, joined One Bills Live to explain why Klein will be great for the Bills. Davis said Klein's capability to play multiple positions paired with the way he studies film makes him an important addition to a young linebacker room.
"He's one of the best guys I've ever been around," Davis said. "A phenomenal football player. He loves the game and that's what you want, you want guys who love the game. He's going to be one of the first guys in and the last to leave every day. A very instinctual linebacker because of the way he studies. He studies tape to the tee, has a phenomenal recognition of plays and can see them before they happen."
Klein played for the Panthers from 2013 to 2016 and is familiar with the culture that general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott have built in Buffalo. Davis thinks Klein will have a positive impact in the locker room.
"A phenomenal guy, a great leader," Davis explained. "Everybody in the locker room is going to respect him. He's going to care about the team, care about the city. You guys are getting a first-class player."
