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'Respect His Game!' Diggs Reacts to Bills Signing Linval Joseph

Originally posted on FanNation Bills Central
By Anthony Licciardi | Last updated 11/4/23

Change can be difficult, even for professional athletes who know their future is in the hands of a general manager with the power to make a life-altering trade. New schools, houses, and—most importantly—people are common roadblocks in the adjustment period for NFL players on the move.

Newly-signed defensive tackle Linval Joseph may not have that problem. The Buffalo Bills signed Joseph on Thursday, hoping to patch up the hole left by star defensive tackle DaQuan Jones’ indefinite absence.

Joseph has spent more than a decade in the league, winning a Super Bowl in 2011 with the New York Giants and reaching the big game once more last season with the Philadelphia Eagles. In the latter stages of his career, he’s made a habit of waiting around for the right opportunity and then making an impact down the stretch.

Now, it’s time for him to do that in Buffalo.

Joseph, though, may not have to deal with all that comes with meeting new people in an organization that has just acquired one’s services. In fact, he’s already got a rapport with superstar receiver Stefon Diggs.

The two were teammates with the Minnesota Vikings from 2015 to 2019 before both left Minnesota for greener pastures. Joseph took his talents to the Los Angeles Chargers, while Diggs, famously, was traded to the Bills. The rest is history.

Diggs spoke about the Joseph addition on Friday.

“I know what I’m getting,” Diggs said. “I was with him in Minnesota, he’s had a hell of a career. I can imagine him and Big Phil [Jordan Phillips] putting the pressure on the pocket, especially with two edge rushers. So it adds another layer to that defense.”

Joseph may cut into the aforementioned Phillips’ playing time, but when they’re both on the field, pockets shouldn’t last very long. Buffalo’s pass rush has been strong this season, especially along the edges (even without edge rusher Von Miller producing!), but these are two 330-pound men lining up along the interior.

The veteran tackle had 15 sacks over his six seasons with the Vikings, an acceptable mark for a professional run stuffer. He makes a living taking on double teams on early downs, helping free up linebackers to make tackles. Any pass-rushing productivity is a bonus.

“I don’t play too much defense but I’ve seen his work and I respect his game,” Diggs added. “It’s gonna be a lot of trouble in there.”

Acquiring the tackle was the finishing touch on general manager Brandon Beane’s successful Week 9. Before the trade deadline, he swapped mid-round picks for cornerback Rasul Douglas. He also signed veteran running back Leonard Fournette to the practice squad.

All were positions of need, and all have been patched up fairly well. They may see their respective impacts come at different points down the stretch, but for a single trade and two signings off the street, the Bills did well for themselves.

Don’t be surprised to see any of those midseason reinforcements making a big play when it matters most.

This article first appeared on FanNation Bills Central and was syndicated with permission.

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