Patrick DiMarco, Buffalo Bills reportedly agree to a long-term deal
By John Buhler
In a bit of shocker, fullback Patrick DiMarco is opting to leave the Atlanta Falcons in free agency to sign with the Buffalo Bills on a long-term deal.
The Atlanta Falcons had a lethal running game during their Super Bowl run last year. A lot of that has to do with the great play of Pro Bowl-level fullback Patrick DiMarco. While Atlanta should have prioritized bringing him back in 2017 NFL free agency, it seems his time in Flowery Branch has come to an end.
According to the NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Buffalo Bills will be signing DiMarco to a four-year contract worth $8.5 million, with over $4 million guaranteed.
Source: The #Bills are bringing in FB Patrick DiMarco formerly of the #Falcons. It’s a 4-year deal worth $8.5M. More than $4M guaranteed.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 8, 2017
That’s a lot of dough for a fullback, but the position has become more valuable over recent years. DiMarco is worth that contract because he can do everything well at fullback. He’s a solid running and an elite pass catcher out of the backfield in addition to be a dominant lead blocker.
With the Bills bringing back dual-threat quarterback Tyrod Taylor and already having a Pro Bowl running back in LeSean McCoy, adding DiMarco to the backfield might make the Bills one of the best running teams again in 2017.
Playing in frigid Western New York is a complete change in football climate than what DiMarco is used to. He grew up in Florida, played college ball for the South Carolina Gamecocks, and spent most of his NFL career with the Falcons.
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If the NFL is going to bring back the value of a fullback, why not make DiMarco the first guy to get a big pay day at that position in some time? Buffalo just got a lot more interesting in the running game by adding a player like DiMarco as a lead blocker. Look out, AFC East.