Things have changed since the New England Patriots crossed paths with the Buffalo Bills in October. But some familiarity remains beyond the coaching likes of Doug Marrone, Robert Kugler, Todd Downing, Scott Booker and Mike Pellegrino this December.
Four former Bills can be found between the 53-man roster, practice squad and injured reserve in Foxborough, while one former Patriot can be found in Orchard Park.
Here’s a glance though the ties heading into Sunday’s 1 p.m. ET AFC East rematch at Gillette
Stadium.
BUFFALO
Brandin Cooks, wide receiver — The Bills signed Cooks to the 53-man roster after he cleared waivers in November. The Patriots had faced the 32-year-old wideout earlier in the campaign. But Cooks’ second stint with the organization that filled out his card in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft is in the rearview now. His career has brought 730 receptions for 9,710 yards, 58 carries for 341 yards, as well as 62 total touchdowns across 170 games. The New Orleans Saints sent Cooks to Foxborough during the 2017 offseason. The rights to pick No. 32 overall were part of the exchange. The following year, the former Biletnikoff Award winner out of Oregon State went to the NFC West in a swap involving capital in the first, fourth and sixth rounds. A five-year extension with the Los Angeles Rams followed on the way to Super Bowl LIII. So did an additional two trades.
NEW ENGLAND
Stefon Diggs, wide receiver — In his autumn return to Highmark Stadium, Diggs amassed 10 catches for 146 yards in a 23-20 divisional win. The veteran wide receiver has started all 13 games for New England. His 79 targets, 64 receptions and 705 receiving yards all lead the offense. Three touchdowns have been logged along the way by Diggs, who joined the Patriots on a three-year deal in March. The 32-year-old Maryland Terrapins product did so after finishing last season on injured reserve with a torn ACL. Originally entering the NFL in the fifth round of the 2015 draft at No. 146 overall, Diggs spent five campaigns with the Minnesota Vikings before being traded into quarterback Josh Allen’s passing game. He led the league in receptions and receiving yards in his first year as a Bill. He went on to eclipse 100 catches and 1,000 yards every season with Buffalo through 2023, earning four Pro Bowls and two All-Pros. The run ended through a trade with the Houston Texans.
Mack Hollins, wide receiver — The Patriots signed Hollins to a two-year contract in free agency. He has since had a hand in 11 starts along with 35 catches for 440 yards and a pair of touchdowns. There have been 567 snaps on offense and more on the odometer via special teams. There have been key blocks, as well. The energetic 32-year-old wide receiver started 13 games as a member of the Bills in 2024. His lone campaign with the previous AFC East winners included a team-high five touchdown grabs. Entering the NFL in the fourth round at No. 118 overall in the 2017 class, Hollins earned a Super Bowl LII ring as a rookie with the Philadelphia Eagles. The North Carolina alum made later stops with the Miami Dolphins, Las Vegas Raiders and Atlanta Falcons and stands 124 appearances into his career.
Otis Reese, linebacker — Reese joined New England’s practice squad midway through November. The 27-year-old linebacker did so after spending time on Buffalo’s practice squad from September into October. But prior to then, he was in Nashville dating back to head coach Mike Vrabel’s tenure. Reese entered the league with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted rookie in 2023. The product of Georgia and Ole Miss appeared in 20 games and started a handful. Reese tallied 38 tackles between defense and special teams, notching one for loss as well as an interception.
Alex Austin, cornerback — The Bills selected Austin in the seventh round of the 2023 NFL draft. The former Oregon State Beaver would be claimed off waivers at the NFL’s 53-man roster after his initial training camp. To Houston and then to Foxborough he went from there. Late in his rookie year, Austin recorded his first career interception against the organization that drafted him at No. 252 overall. And the future league MVP. The 24-year-old cornerback was placed on New England’s injured reserve at the end of November. Through 26 games, including six starts, Austin has seen 589 snaps on defense and 220 snaps on special teams with the Patriots. He’s logged 31 tackles and eight passes defensed.
