Before last season began, free-agent safety Jordan Poyer commented during an interview on Good Morning Football that he knew the end of his career was coming. He also indicated that retiring as part of the Buffalo Bills would be “ideal.” Lo and behold he was signed to Buffalo’s practice squad last season, only to be elevated to the active roster after an injury to safety Damar Hamlin.
Poyer acquitted himself admirably all things considered in no small part due to his incredible on-field intelligence.
If Poyer returns to the game in 2026, it sounds like it may be Buffalo or bust. Let’s take a look at his most recent work on the field. Either it’ll be a good look at his chances of returning, or the beginning of a fond sendoff for the popular Poyer.
The Film
I don’t believe there’ll be any surprises in the game film. Poyer remains a capable player thanks to experience and smarts. Those things have kept him in the league for a long time. Nothing jumps off the screen athletically, but I’m expecting that you were expecting that.
Buffalo may see enough there to work out a similar deal with Poyer to the one from last year. If he’s open to it, I am as well. Heck, I might pay him just so he can try to share some of that intelligence with the younger players.
Play notes:
- This is all Poyer’s big brain on display here. He just knows where to be.
- A few years ago this tackle is made much more authoritatively. That said, it’s still made and that’s a result of early play recognition followed by patience to not get beat by a quick step to the side.
- There’s zero indication Poyer isn’t having fun helping his team win; he’s the first to celebrate the interception by teammate Shaq Thompson.
- This is similar to Play 2. See above for thoughts.
- Good recognition, good angle to the play.
- More enthusiasm for the game on display.
- If we’ve seen the last of Poyer, I’ll miss plays like these.
