Former wide receiver for the Bills He Signs With Dolphins and Joins Poyer
The Buffalo Bills knew going into the offseason that their defense would be very different from what it was in 2024. As Buffalo reorganized its roster, the loss of three starting defensive backs, its most effective pass rusher, and maybe more defensive linemen cast doubt on the team’s future. General manager Brandon Beane made sure defensive tackle DaQuan Jones and defensive end A.J. Epenesa returned before they really hit the market, which helped mitigate some of the damage during the legal tampering period. However, some will get the chance to exact payback every other year or two.
According to Marcel Louis-Jacques, former Bills defensive back Siran Neal agreed to a one-year contract with the Miami Dolphins. He’ll play in the secondary with Jordan Poyer, a former standout safety for Buffalo. Neal will have the most influence on special teams, not on forcing errors or stopping receivers. Although he recorded 10 tackles on punts and kickoffs in 2021, which was his most noteworthy performance, he has long been considered a special teams ace.
Neal has fashioned himself a good career for himself on special teams, primarily serving as a depth defensive back. This past season, he had trouble covering, giving up a 96.9 passer rating on eight targets. However, since making his debut in 2018, he has shown himself to be a valuable, adaptable depth piece that can occasionally play in the slot and double as a box safety. Though this is not ideal for Buffalo, he probably won’t be as important to Miami’s future success as Poyer, who will offer seasoned pedigree to a defense losing a lot of players to free agency. Neal had a significant impact on special teams, but his team is now losing to a division opponent that made the AFC championship game close.
With their quarterback improvement, the New England Patriots will undoubtedly improve, the Dolphins are in a similar situation as the Bills, and the New York Jets will also immediately improve. Buffalo is the favorite because Josh Allen is starting at center, but Miami is still a threat even as it works its way through the muddy seas of cap restrictions.
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