Spark Plug: Jordan Phillips Returns to Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills officially announced today that they have re-signed defensive tackle Jordan Phillips to a one-year, 4.5-million-dollar contract to keep him in Buffalo for the 2019 season. Phillips provided an immediate spark to the Bills defense after coming aboard following his release from our division rival, the Miami Dolphins in October.

Phillips stats played a big part in his return to Buffalo, Phillips was a clog on the defensive line, consistently disrupting the run game and quarterback play off opposing teams using his immense size and quickness. Phillips appeared in all sixteen games last season but did not make a start for either the Bills or Dolphins, he figures to fill the same role as a rotational run-down player in 2019.

Phillips recorded nineteen tackles, including twelve solo with seven assists for the Bills, and two tackles for loss. He would often be seen riling up the Bills fans on nearly every down and became an emotional leader for the defense. He made an immediate impact in his debut with the Bills on October 7^th in a Bills 13-12 win over the Tennessee Titans, who had just beaten the New England Patriots the previous week.

Phillips was constantly waving his arms to tell the crowd to stand up and was the first to pull his teammates from a pile after a tackle. Phillips also recorded two assists and knocked down a pass on a crucial 3^rd down for the Titans in the 4^th quarter.  

The spark plug of the defense for the Bills is a huge, under the radar signing by Beane and company. The Bills recognized that Jordan was a player they needed to bring back to help fill the leadership void left by Kyle Williams. Some will scoff at the 4.5-million-dollar price tag, but bringing back Phillips with as much cap space as the Bills have was a no-brainer.