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Bills ‘Sacrifice’ Veteran to Prioritize Young Talent on Final 2025 Roster

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Buffalo, NY – The Buffalo Bills shook up their defensive line over the weekend by re-signing Jordan Phillips, a nine-year veteran and former fan favorite in Orchard Park. The move, reported by NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, immediately sparked questions about DaQuan Jones, the 33-year-old starter who now looks vulnerable just days before the NFL’s 53-man roster deadline at 4 p.m. ET on August 26.

DaQuan Jones In Play To Return This Season

Jones has been a steady presence since signing with Buffalo in 2023, but injuries and age have caught up. He missed ten games in 2024 with a torn pectoral muscle and has been limited to just 20 preseason snaps this summer, earning a modest 62.5 PFF grade in run defense. Cutting him would not only create space for younger players, but also save the Bills close to $4 million in cap room with only minimal dead money. With contract extensions for stars like Josh Allen looming, financial flexibility is critical.

Cardinals' Jordan Phillips determined to prove 2019 wasn't a fluke

Phillips’ return only intensifies the competition. A familiar face from 2018–2021, he brings toughness and scheme knowledge. But the real pressure on Jones comes from the youth movement Buffalo has been building. DeWayne Carter, a third-round pick in 2024, has stood out this preseason with three tackles, a sack, and a pass-rush grade over 70. Rookie Deone Walker, drafted this year, has impressed with his 6’6” frame and run-stopping ability. TJ Sanders, another sophomore, has also carved out a role with steady snaps. Together, they represent the future Beane and McDermott are determined to develop.

National analysts are split on Jones’ fate. ESPN suggested a trade could net a late-round pick, while the Democrat and Chronicle called his release “unlikely but possible.” Buffalo Rumblings and Yahoo Sports both acknowledged he could be the odd man out, despite his experience. Fans are equally divided. On X, one user wrote, “Probably DaQuan Jones will be cut since you brought Jordan Phillips back,” while another added, “Feel like it has to mean something… either DeWayne Carter or DaQuan Jones.”

Bills place rookie DeWayne Carter on injured reserve - Yahoo Sports

Losing Jones would mean losing leadership and stability, but the reward could be long-term growth and crucial cap savings. Projections now favor a five-man group of Ed Oliver, Phillips, Carter, Walker, and Sanders heading into Week 1 against Arizona. That would mark another bold step in Buffalo’s shift toward youth, echoing the decisions to part with Tre’Davious White and Jordan Poyer in recent years.

Whether Jones stays or goes, the Bills’ defensive line in 2025 will be younger, riskier, and perhaps more dynamic. The answer will come when final cuts are announced on August 26, and Bills Mafia will be watching closely.

Ravens Fan-Favourite CB Faces Family Tragedy After Week 5 Game as Military-Trained Skydiving Instructor Dies in Nashville
Baltimore, MD – October 8, 2025Baltimore Ravens second-year cornerback Nate Wiggins is mourning a profound personal loss following the team’s Week 5 matchup, as his cousin, Justin “Spidey” Fuller — a respected military-trained skydiving instructor — died in a tragic tandem jump accident outside Nashville. Fuller, 35, was fatally injured after becoming separated from his harness mid-air during a jump organized by Go Skydive Nashville. His student survived after landing in a tree with the parachute deployed and was later rescued by firefighters. Police confirmed Fuller’s body was recovered in a wooded area off Ashland City Highway. The Nashville Fire Department called it “one of the most complex high-angle rescues in recent years,” commending personnel for their efforts. Known by the nickname “Spidey,” Fuller died after a tandem skydive went wrong on October 4, 2025, near Nashville, Tennessee. (Facebook/Justin Fuller Spidey) Beloved in the skydiving community, Spidey had completed more than 5,000 jumps and helped train U.S. service members in advanced aerial maneuvers. Friends described him as “fearless, focused and devoted to lifting others higher — in life and in the air.” Wiggins — whose mother is the younger sister of Fuller’s mother, grew up admiring his cousin’s discipline and sense of purpose. Family members say that influence helped shape his mental toughness and leadership on the field. A relative told local media, “Justin taught Nate that strength isn’t about being unbreakable — it’s about standing firm when life hits hardest. That’s exactly how Nate lives and plays today.” Wiggins, a former first-round pick from Clemson, has steadily earned the Ravens’ trust as a rotational cornerback in nickel/dime packages, praised for his speed, press technique, and ability to carry deep routes. Coaches describe him as “wise beyond his years,” calm under pressure, and disciplined at the catch point. Through the first five games of 2025, he has 12 solo tackles, 4 passes defensed, and 1 interception, reinforcing his value on the perimeter.  The Ravens organization has provided time and private support for Wiggins and his family, ensuring he can grieve without team-related obligations. Teammates have stood beside him, honoring both his resilience and his family’s tradition of service. The FAA is investigating the incident, while tributes to “Spidey” continue to pour in on social media from military colleagues, fellow skydivers, and fans across the country.“He taught others to fly — now he flies higher than all of us,” one tribute read. Wiggins kept his public comments brief, speaking softly before being embraced by teammates:“Spidey always told me not to fear the height — only the moment you forget to look down and pull someone else up with you. This week, I’m playing for him.”