Jordan Phillips is no stranger to leaving the Buffalo Bills to pursue his football career elsewhere, whether by choice or due to circumstances. However, the 10-year defensive tackle has also become accustomed to returning to Buffalo whenever the opportunity arises.
On Wednesday, Phillips rejoined the Bills for the third time, signing with the team just a day after being released by the Dallas Cowboys. Phillips explained that his departure from Dallas stemmed from a disagreement with the team, particularly after spending seven weeks on injured reserve recovering from a wrist injury.
“Seeing the smiles and actually feeling wanted—it’s a hell of a drug,” Phillips said. “You can do a lot for people when it’s the right environment.” He added that he’s fully recovered and ready to contribute, joking that he’s “an acquired taste” but that the Bills “like his taste.
This isn’t the first time Phillips has returned to Buffalo. In 2018, the Bills claimed him off waivers after the Dolphins moved on from him due to inconsistent play. After a stint with Arizona in 2020, Phillips returned to Buffalo for another two years in 2022 but wasn’t re-signed in the spring.
Joining Phillips in his return to Buffalo was defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson, who was also released by the Cleveland Browns. Jefferson, a nine-year veteran who played for Buffalo in 2020, said he had other options but was eager to return.
Winning culture. They know me; they know my skill set,” Jefferson said. “It seemed like a great fit, great opportunity.” With both players familiar with the defense, their transition back to the team should be relatively smooth as the Bills (7-2) prepare to face the Indianapolis Colts (4-5) on Sunday.
With limited cap space, the Bills have focused on strengthening their run defense, which has been inconsistent and plagued by injuries this season. Buffalo is working to secure its fifth consecutive AFC East title and make a deeper playoff run.
Starting linebacker Matt Milano, who tore his left biceps, is expected to return next month, along with rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter and edge rusher Dawuane Smoot, who are both recovering from wrist injuries. Despite these setbacks, the defense has struggled at times, allowing over 120 rushing yards in five games this season, including 271 yards in a 35-10 loss to Baltimore in Week 4.
On the offensive side, quarterback Josh Allen may be without two key receivers, Keon Coleman and Amari Cooper, both dealing with wrist injuries. Cooper, who missed last Sunday’s game, has been limited in practice, while Coleman, who was hurt against Miami, could be unavailable for this Sunday’s game.
If either player is sidelined, the Bills will lean even more on their balanced offensive attack, which has already seen 11 different players catch one of Allen’s 17 touchdown passes this season. Allen acknowledged the challenges, saying, “It’s not if you get hurt, it’s when you get hurt. We rock with who we got… So whatever the case is, we’ll be prepared.
The Bills are coming off a game where Allen threw three consecutive second-half touchdown passes to secondary targets: receiver Mack Hollins, rookie running back Ray Davis, and third-string tight end Quintin Morris. Despite some shuffling in the receiver corps—especially before Cooper’s trade from Cleveland three weeks ago—Allen’s production hasn’t dropped off significantly
Last season, he had 18 touchdown passes through the first nine games, and this season, the Bills have scored 30 or more points in six games, matching last year’s total. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady emphasized that the team’s goal remains the same: “It doesn’t matter how we win; we’re just trying to find a way to get one more point.” Whether it’s through the air or on the ground, the Bills are committed to being versatile and finding the best path to victory.
