Bills bring in reinforcements to help bolster their defense just days after roster cutdown madness
Some new faces at One Bills Drive.
The Buffalo Bills have had a busy week. From trimming their roster from 90 to 53 players to assembling a 17-man practice squad, there’s been a lot of new and old faces either returning or leaving the organization. While it’s only on the practice squad, the team announced a slew of roster moves, which included releasing cornerback Daequan Hardy and adding Jalen Kimber and Andre Jones Jr.
For those unaware, teams across the NFL get 16 practice squad players who are composed of both veterans and rookies alike. For Buffalo, since it has a member of their team as part of the International Pathway Program, it grants them an exception on the roster. Put plainly, Travis Clayton gets on the practice squad with his own designation. Meaning, with Clayton, they get one additional spot (17 in total). However, if the team bumps Clayton up to the 53-man roster, that exemption goes away unless the team finds another player from the program to put on their practice squad. Buffalo has finalized their 17-man practice squad for now, but that doesn’t mean more moves can’t be made.
Jalen Kimber, welcome to Buffalo
Kimber is an undrafted free agent who initially signed with the Tennessee Titans and became a cutdown casualty. After clearing waivers, he joins Buffalo’s practice squad. Kimber spent two seasons at Georgia before transferring to Florida for a season, and ended his collegiate career playing for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Appearing in 44 college games, Kimber had 26 starts with 75 career tackles, one interception, one fumble recovery, and nine pass breakups. He was named to the SEC Fall Academic Honor Roll multiple times throughout his college career, as well as in his final season garnering All-Big Ten honorable mention honors by the media. Sean McDermott loves students of the game, and while being on the Honor Roll, it speaks to his character and willingness to grow.
It was going to be an uphill battle for Kimber on the Titans with a heavy room full of cornerbacks. Through three preseason contests, he finished with two tackles, one missed tackle, and allowed three receptions when being targeted four times for a total of 25 yards.
Kimber appeared in a total of 53 snaps (21 in rush defense, 32 in coverage) during the entirety of the preseason. As for his defensive alignments during those contests, one in the slot and 52 at corner. PFF grades show a steady improvement in his coverage throughout the preseason (67.8 to 77.1 to 87.1). While he by no means set the world on fire, he got his hands dirty on special teams, another big point of emphasis from McDermott and the front office. While limited, he appeared in 12 total special teams snaps (4 kick return, 1 kick coverage, three punt return, two punt coverage, two field goal block) for an average PFF grade of 60.7. He wasn’t able to manage a tackle or an assist while helping on special teams.
Happy to see ya, Andre Jones Jr.
Unlike Kimber, Jones Jr. entered the NFL in 2023 as a seventh-round selection from the Washington Commanders. After spending the 2023 campaign on the 53-man roster, he was bumped down to the practice squad in 2024 and was released during cutdown day in 2025.
During his 2023 season, Jones Jr. was on the field for a total of 421 snaps (171 on the defensive line, 250 on special teams). Special teams, once again, could be a big reason why the team wanted to take a flier on stashing him on their practice squad. Obviously, for his abilities on the defensive line, but it’s a bonus that he has some prowess on special teams.
In 2024, Jones Jr. was only able to manage 17 total snaps throughout the season, all coming on the defensive line. Before being released by the Commanders in 2025, he appeared in three preseason contests with 134 total snaps played (116 on the defensive line, 18 on special teams). For his defensive play, 53 snaps came in rush defense, with 62 in pass rush, and he added one coverage snap as well. This netted him six total pressures (one sack, one hit, four hurries) and even a batted pass. Pro Football Focus grades show a 62.7 in total defense, 65.1 in rush defense, 75.6 in tackling, and 56.3 in pass rush. Buffalo has had success in the past with developing seventh-round picks. Maybe the Bills can unlock his full potential in Western New York. Always remember, when you come to Buffalo, you become the best version of yourself.
With some recent additions, it’s a good time to remind everyone that the initial 53-man roster is named that for a reason. These players aren’t on the active roster, but there’s so much fluctuation throughout the season that what a team announces on Aug. 26 tends to look drastically different once the season has concluded.
Getting some more help on defense with players who have shown experience on special teams is a win-win. Wishing nothing but the best of luck to Jones Jr. and Kimber. Welcome to Buffalo.
Side note, if you haven’t already seen it, the new Buffalo Bills jerseys are fantastic.
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Welcome home, Po.
