As Bills free agent signee Mario Addison hopped on a Zoom call for a team meeting with head coach Sean McDermott and his Buffalo teammates recently, the veteran defensive end felt like a fish out of water. He had changed clubs from one season to the next in his career before, but not like this.
Meeting his teammates on a Zoom call was different, and though he knew a couple of his fellow free agent signees from Carolina, he knew little about the rest of the roster.
"It's weird trying to meet people through virtual meetings," Addison told Sirius XM NFL Radio. "For me I'm trying to distinguish which guy was already in Buffalo and who is coming in now like me. It's different when you're not face to face talking to them. So, I have to do a better job of using the numbers in my phone and meet the guys and have more one-on-one conversations."
Such is the challenge for NFL players in an offseason where they're operating remotely and not interacting directly with one another, training together and challenging each other at a team facility. Team training centers have been shuttered since mid-March with no definitive end date in sight.
For a team that has developed into a playoff team in part because of their locker room culture and camaraderie, it is a hurdle coach McDermott is hoping his players can clear.
"That part is certainly a challenge," McDermott admitted. "What we've tried to do is keep things as normal as we can this time of year. Albeit certainly aware of this situation and the circumstances that make it different and unique."
McDermott usually has his players take turns getting up in front of the group at a team meeting to share a story about their background, their upbringing or an adverse circumstance that helped shape who they are as a person. It's been beneficial in strengthening the bond between players throughout the roster. Buffalo's head coach has made a point of continuing that practice in their Zoom meetings.
"Our players this time of year are used to other players sharing their stories, players sharing in some way shape or form in order to help bring our team together," he said. "We've continued with that during our meetings where players are sharing, coaches are sharing some of maybe where they live. They tell their story a little bit. They talk about their family. So, we have not gotten away from that because these are real human beings. We're trying to develop a sense of family and then the resulting culture that comes from that."
The second task for the coaching staff is creating that measure of competition that often raises everyone's level of play. This is often achieved in the offseason conditioning program exercises and group tasks that strength and conditioning coach Eric Ciano sets up and executes with his staff.
The competitive juices just naturally flow out of the players when they're placed in an active and populated environment at One Bills Drive, where they can readily try to one up the player who may have just gone before him in whatever physical challenge might be on the docket for that day.
But with the roster scattered all over the country how do you duplicate that now?
"We do pride ourselves in having different forms of competition in our offseason program," McDermott said. "I give credit to Eric Ciano and his strength staff and what they've done in getting creative. Really finding different ways to reach out to the players to at least establish some sense of accountability in terms of how we know that they're working out. He's come up with some pretty cool and new pieces to our offseason program in order to do that."
"It's different," said Addison. "It's really different. I'm used to being hands-on and working out with the team, but it's a good thing I have all this equipment at home and can do all these things. I just have to get it done and stay in shape."
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.
New arrivals to the roster like Addison and the other free agent signees do want to get to know their new teammates, but it's a heavier lift now that it has to be done by phone or Zoom calls or FaceTime.
Fortunately, some of Buffalo's locker room leaders are already working to overcome the physical distance between players who are all doing the same thing, but in different locations.
"During OTAs every year, I like to bring the guys together," said Harrison Phillips. "So, I'm the one in the group chat planning, 'Hey, can we go to someone's house tonight? Do you guys want to go out to eat?' or 'After practice, let's do this.' I like to plan that stuff and bring us together. Since we don't have that time, it's hard.
"I made a group chat for the D-line, with all of our new D-linemen in it, so that we can send some stuff, but I wanted to coordinate a Zoom call with all of us without any coaches but that's so hard with guys' workout schedules and families and stuff."
The Bills and 31 other NFL clubs are going to be working around all sorts of restrictions this offseason in preparation for the 2020 campaign in the fall. Whoever finds the most effective means for overcoming those obstacles should be that much further ahead come September.
Perhaps the biggest hurdle is assimilating the draft choices and undrafted rookies, who have a brand- new scheme to learn, largely through classroom instruction online. Again trying to take that instruction a step further, coach McDermott has encouraged his veteran players to offer one-on-one assistance to rookies in their position groups once rookies can interact with veterans following the rookie minicamp period.
"A lot of these older guys are aware that the only way we're going to make progress and be on time with progress is if they reach out to these young players and get them up to speed," said McDermott. "That has developed a little bit to this point with some camaraderie, but with a lot more room to grow the rookies are really separated right now by league rule. Give it a week or two here when we're allowed to blend the two together, and I think it'll grow exponentially more than when they can at least interact."
Bills fourth-round pick Gabriel Davis already has plans in place to get some one-on-one tutoring from veteran receiver John Brown after rookie minicamp has concluded.
"I plan on getting the system down and learning some things from him," said Davis. "He's a great receiver who has been a part of this offense. He knows a lot about the game. A great mentor to have so I'll be working with him in a couple of weeks."
If the COVID-19 restrictions stretch through OTA practices and June minicamp there will be more adjustments that must be made. Without physical reps on the field there is one area of the game in particular that can suffer, the timing of the passing game.
"To be able to develop that chemistry, and the continuity and the timing, the rapport with one another (takes time)," said McDermott. "We all know we can't do that right now. We can only control what we can. I am concerned about it, but I guess I'm not worried at this point. I think that we'll have to do a really good job with our practice plans, making sure that we've got enough of that scripted so we can develop that chemistry whenever the time comes.
"There are challenges for everyone right? What you do is, is you try and find ways to adjust and adapt. Our theme this offseason has been 'find a way.' And I think that it really fits the time and the situation and circumstances we're in."
