Two signings that were reported and confirmed by Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane last week, have now been made official via pen and paper.
The team announced yesterday that they have re-signed restricted free agent offensive lineman Ryan Bates to a new four-year contract, as well as unrestricted running back/special teams standout Taiwan Jones to a one-year deal.
The Bills actually matched the offer sheet given to Bates by the Chicago Bears, which was reportedly for four years and $17 million. Since Bates was a restricted free agent and the Bills offered him the lowest qualifying tender amount, they had a right to match that offer, but would not have received any compensation if they declined and he left for Chicago.
Instead, they keep a player they’ve developed for the past three years and played a big role for them down the stretch last season, starting the final three regular season contests and both playoff games at guard.
Jones, meanwhile, doesn’t see the field much as a running back, but did play 71% of the team’s special teams snaps last season.