The Buffalo Bills have added depth to their linebacking corps by signing Joe Andreessen, a record-breaking rookie with a local connection.
The organization announced on May 11 that they had signed the former University of Buffalo standout to a one-year contract. Andreessen had tried out for the team’s rookie minicamp, but he ended up getting a contract and the opportunity to compete for a final roster place this summer.
“Andreessen is a 6-foot-1, 232-pound local product who grew up in Depew, NY and gets a chance to start his pro career in his hometown,” the team said in a statement on Saturday.
“Andreessen spent his graduate season playing for the University of Buffalo. In 2023, he started all 12 games and finished with 90 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, one sack, two passes defensed, and one forced fumble.
Joe Andreessen Set Records at Bryant
Before completing his scholastic career at UB, the Buffalo native attended Bryant University for five seasons, where he set a single-season school record of 116 tackles in 2022. He was named an All-American that season.
Speaking to reporters at the team’s minicamp on Friday, Andreessen expressed his excitement to play for such a well-run organization.
“It’s amazing,” Andreessen told Spectrum News 1’s Andy Young on X. “Everything I’d hoped for. “You can see the culture and why they’ve been so successful in recent years.”
But, as Kyle Silagyi of SI.com’s Bills Central pointed out, Andreessen may have a difficult time making the final 53-man roster.
“As a 6-foot-1 small school linebacker, Andreessen faces an uphill battle to the roster; he’ll compete with the likes of fifth-round pick Edefuan Ulofoshio and free agent signing Nicholas Morrow for a depth role and a spot on special teams,” Silagyi stated. “There’s a bit of precedent for former University at Buffalo players sticking around with the Bills; Andreessen joins Cam Lewis and Ja’Marcus Ingram as former Bulls currently on Buffalo’s roster.”
#Bills have signed WNY's own Joe Andreessen (@LHSfballLegends/@UBFootball) after a tryout at rookie minicamp.
I caught up with the linebacker after practice on Friday about the opportunity, which he's since turned into a contract with the hometown team.#BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/ffpDBjJmrr
— Andy Young (@AndyYoungTV) May 11, 2024
Bills Leaning on Another Rookie
While it’s unclear whether Andreessen will make the roster in Buffalo, another youngster is anticipated to play a key role. Wide receiver Keon Coleman, the team’s first-round pick at No. 33 overall, is anticipated to help cover the vacuum left by top receiver Stefon Diggs’ trade to the Houston Texans and No. 2 receiver Gabe Davis’ departure in free agency.
Coleman said he has already begun working with Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and that they have been in constant communication about his role this season.
“He understands what he’s saying on the football field. “He’s a great OC,” Coleman told SI.com. “I believe he is perhaps the greatest in the league at what he does. He enjoys ball, as do I, and we communicate well. “He was in Louisiana for his stint.”
The Bills rookie said that he and Brady have already developed a personal and business bond.
“He kinda reminds me of myself, just a little bit older, but he still can crack a few jokes here and there, get a good laugh,” stated Coleman.
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