The Buffalo Bills signed veteran linebacker Lorenzo Alexander to a one-year contract extension on Wednesday.
Alexander, 35, played in all 16 games in 2018 and registered 6.5 sacks, 74 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and a career-high two interceptions. He was set to become a free agent.
The signing Wednesday comes as no surprise after both sides ended the season openly discussing the likelihood of the 35-year-old returning for a third season in Buffalo.
Alexander said at the end of the season that the decision to return in 2019 was based in part of the collection of talent Bills general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott have found and developed since coming to Buffalo two years ago.
“You never want to leave and then that’s when something special happens,” Alexander said on locker close out day. “That’s always in the back of my mind. I see a lot of great talent and young talent here and they’re definitely going on the rise as far as their development. Next year I think there is something special that occurs here.”
Alexander is a 12-year NFL veteran who said he wanted to play one more season and preferred it being in Buffalo.
He provides the Bills versatility because he is able to play various defensive and special teams positions. He also is a respected team leader, who will be asked to further fill that role following defensive tackle Kyle Williams' retirement.
The linebacker is set to turn 36 before next season begins but is coming off one the best seasons of his career. He helped propel the Bills defense to a a second overall ranking in total defense and a number on ranking in pass defense.
Known for his pass rushing ability, Alexander flashed the quickness necessary to still be a force while rushing the pass.
A team captain, Alexander was the Bills' selection for the Walter Payton Man of the Year award in the each of the past two seasons.
Alexander contributed mostly on special teams for the Washington Redskins(2007-2012), Arizona Cardinals (2013-14) and Oakland Raiders (2015) before signing with the Bills in 2016. He has started 35 games and has recorded 22 sacks for Buffalo over the past three seasons.
