EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 07: Brian Winters #67 of the New York Jets is introduced before a game against the Oakland Raiders at MetLife Stadium on September 7, 2014 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
(Photo by Jeff Zelevansky/Getty Images)

Brian Winters has signed with the rival Buffalo Bills after his recent early-August release from Joe Douglas’ New York Jets.

Brian Winters did not have to worry about unemployment for very long. Just a day after his New York Jets release, the veteran guard has found a new home.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the John Idzik pick back in 2013 has signed with the rival Buffalo Bills.

Winters, 29, heads to Orchard Park on a one-year deal. The Bills return both starting guards from a season ago, Jon Feliciano and Quinton Spain. The issue is that Feliciano is expected to miss anywhere from 8-12 weeks with a torn pectoral muscle. Where Winters fits into the offensive line portion of the depth chart remains to be seen.

Interestingly, Winters was the longest-tenured Jet and final holdover from the Idzik days. The Kent State product has started for the Jets since his rookie season (2013) when he initially played left guard opposite veteran Willie Colon. He eventually settled into right guard officially in 2015–a place he’s been since.

Winters’ shoulder is what eventually led to the split. He first injured the shoulder in camp 2019 yet began the season as the starter. Eventually, he went down during the New York Giants game and never returned. Successful surgery led to season-ending IR status.

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There’s no surprise in the Jets cutting the veteran. The only surprising aspect is that they did so on Aug. 2. Conventional wisdom led everybody to believe he would be a veteran cap casualty earlier in the offseason or after the camp battled ended.

Winters’ immediate misfortune leads to fortune, as this timing allowed him to quickly hop on a Bills squad in need of a guard (thanks to injury).

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Robby Sabo is a co-founder, developer and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor | Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (sold in 2020). SEO: XLM Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com
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JetOrange
JetOrange
2 years ago

Interested to see Winters contract, cut at 7.2, possibly a value of about 3.5. Timing is fascinating. Believe that Douglas let the agent work out a deal before cutting Winters, giving him leverage allowing him maximum bucks. JD is fair to players

JetOrange
JetOrange
2 years ago
Reply to  JetOrange

Winters signed for 3 million, 2 million guaranteed