Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills looked like legitimate Super Bowl contenders in the 2024 NFL season. But once again, their championship aspirations were destroyed by the Kansas City Chiefs.
For the fourth time in the last five years, Patrick Mahomes and company left Buffalo empty-handed. The Chiefs remain unbeaten against Allenâs team in the NFL playoffs with a perfect 4-0 record.
The latest loss has been particularly painful, and it will be a tough one to swallow for a while. However, the Bills know that they have no option but to move forward, which is why theyâve already secured a teammate that might be relevant to Allen for next season.
On Monday, Buffalo re-signed offensive lineman Ryan Van Demark to a one-year deal. It was a necessary move if the team wanted to keep him, as the 26-year-old had impending exclusive rights to become a free agent this offseason.
Tyler Bass #2 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates after kicking a field goal with teammate Ryan Van Demark #74 against the Tennessee Titans during the third quarter at Highmark Stadium on October 20, 2024 in Orchard Park, New York.
Van Demark staying with Allen, Bills for another year
Even though he only started in two games in the 2024 NFL season, Van Demark saw significant playing time by making 14 appearances with the Bills this year. Thatâs two more games played than in 2023.
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After going undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, the UConn product joined the Indianapolis Colts but didnât make the cut to the 53-man roster. It didnât take him long to find a new home in the league by joining the Billsâ practice squad that year.
Van Demark made the active roster in 2023 and has been a mainstay on the Bills since then. This season, he played 199 snaps on Allenâs offense and took 72 reps on special teams.
Bills sign more players for the offseason
Apart from re-signing Van Demark, the Bills secured more players for their offseason roster by tying nine practice squad members to reserve/future deals: cornerback TeâCory Couch, offensive lineman Mike Edwards, running back Frank Gore Jr., offensive lineman Richard Gouraige, wide receiver KJ Hamler, cornerback Daequan Hardy, defensive tackle Zion Logue, wide receiver Jalen Virgil, and wide receiver Tyrell Shavers.
It will feel like a long offseason in Buffalo after another playoff campaign where they fell short of a Super Bowl appearance, once again due to the Chiefs. It will hurt for a while, but the Bills already have to turn the page. Because as long as they have Allen under center, they should never give up.
