ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills love themselves a reunion.
Over the last few years we've seen the likes of Cole Beasley, John Brown, Mitch Trubisky, Matt Barkley, Shaq Lawson, and Jordan Phillips return for another stint with the team.
Phillips part of the latest example, signing with the Bills for a third time.
Quinton Jefferson also coming back, his second time with the the organization.
"No, definitely don't want to weigh any other options," Phillips said Wednesday. "It's a great organization, great people. Familiar with it. When you come in you see a lot of smiling faces, so that's a big deal."
"I had some options, but definitely wanted to come back here," Jefferson said. "I'm familiar with everybody. Winning culture. They know me, know my skillset. It seemed like a great fit, great opportunity."
"I think that players that have left here wanting to come back, I think, is a great sign of our team, of our culture," head coach Sean McDermott said.
Phillips played just one game with the Cowboys this season before being placed on injured reserve. He says that he has been healthy for some time now and is ready to get back on the field.
Jefferson had one sack in five games with the Browns this season.
Both were released Tuesday.
The defensive tackles are being brought back onboard to solidify a position group currently dealing with injuries. Dawuane Smoot had wrist surgery yesterday and was placed on IR - meaning he will miss at least the next four games. McDermott did say Wednesday he believes Smoot will be able to return before the season is done. Rookie DeWayne Carter is also currently on IR with a wrist injury.
Phillips originally joined the Bills in 2018. He had a career-high 9.5 sacks in 2019 before leaving in free agency. He signed back with the team a few years later, registering 3.5 sacks in 26 games over 2 seasons.
Jefferson had three sacks in 16 games for the Bills in 2020.