The Buffalo Bills are making waves ahead of their Week 1 showdown with the Baltimore Ravens, set for two weeks from today on September 8, 2025. As the team finalizes its roster cutdowns, they’ve pulled off a surprising move by bringing back a familiar face to strengthen their defensive line. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, veteran defensive tackle Jordan Phillips is expected to re-sign with the Bills later this week, marking his fourth stint with the franchise. “Veteran DT Jordan Phillips visited the Bills today and is expected to sign with the team later this week, per source,” Pelissero reported. “It’ll be the fourth stint in Buffalo for Phillips, 32, who has played parts of five seasons there.”
A Familiar Face Returns to Orchard Park
Jordan Phillips, a fan favorite known as “Big Phil” to Bills Mafia, is no stranger to Buffalo. The 6-foot-6, 341-pound defensive tackle has been a key part of the Bills’ defensive front during his previous tenures (2018-2019, 2022-2023, and a brief return in 2024). His return comes at a critical time, as the Bills face depth challenges on their defensive line. With Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht suspended for the first six games of the 2025 season due to PED violations, Phillips’ experience and familiarity with the team’s system make him a valuable addition.
Embed X: https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1959725815735714181
Phillips’ connection to Buffalo runs deep. A second-round pick by the Miami Dolphins in the 2015 NFL Draft, Phillips was claimed off waivers by the Bills in 2018 after a rocky stint in Miami. He quickly endeared himself to fans with his energetic play and infectious personality, often hyping up the crowd at Highmark Stadium. His standout 2019 season with the Bills saw him record a career-high 9.5 sacks, 13 tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits, earning him a three-year, $30 million contract with the Arizona Cardinals in 2020. Despite less success in Arizona and subsequent stops with the New York Giants and Dallas Cowboys, Phillips has consistently performed at his best in Buffalo.
Contributions in Kansas City and Beyond
Phillips’ connection to Kansas City, a key rival of the Bills, adds an intriguing layer to his return. While he never played for the Kansas City Chiefs, Phillips has faced them multiple times as a Bill, including in memorable playoff matchups. Notably, he attended the Bills’ heartbreaking “13 seconds” AFC Divisional Round loss to the Chiefs on January 23, 2022, in Kansas City, cheering from the stands despite playing for the Cardinals at the time. His presence at that game, wearing a Star Lotulelei jersey, underscored his loyalty to Buffalo.
In games against Kansas City, Phillips has made his mark. During a 2022 regular-season matchup (October 16, 2022, in Kansas City), he contributed to a 24-20 Bills victory, recording a tackle and helping to pressure Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes. In the 2024 season, Phillips appeared in Buffalo’s playoff run, including their AFC Divisional Round game against Kansas City on January 19, 2025, where he recorded a tackle and a sack. Across his career, Phillips has faced the Chiefs in five games (regular season and playoffs), amassing 4 tackles and 1 sack, showcasing his ability to disrupt against elite competition.
A Veteran Presence for a Young Defensive Line
Phillips’ return is a strategic move to bolster a defensive tackle group that includes established players like Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones, alongside rookies T.J. Sanders, Deone Walker, and DeWayne Carter. With Ogunjobi sidelined, Phillips is expected to join the 53-man roster rather than the practice squad, signaling the Bills’ confidence in his ability to contribute immediately. His veteran presence will be crucial in mentoring younger players and maintaining the defensive line’s cohesion early in the season.
Over his NFL career, Phillips has recorded 182 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, 24 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 1 interception across 122 games, with 54 of those games played for Buffalo. His 13.5 sacks as a Bill highlight his ability to be a disruptive force in the trenches, a role he’ll likely reprise in 2025.
A Fan Favorite’s Homecoming
Phillips’ return is more than just a roster move—it’s a homecoming for a player who has repeatedly called Buffalo his home. “I’m not retiring … but this is the only place I’m gonna play,” Phillips said after the Bills’ playoff loss to Kansas City in January 2025, emphasizing his commitment to the team. His Instagram post on November 5, 2024, captioned “Run it back,” hinted at his desire to return after being released by the Cowboys. Now, with a new jersey number (52) and a familiar locker labeled “Big Phil,” Phillips is poised to once again energize Bills Mafia.
As the Bills prepare to face the Ravens, Phillips’ addition brings depth, experience, and passion to a defensive line tasked with stopping Baltimore’s dynamic offense. With his history of big plays and knack for rallying the team, “Big Phil” is ready to make an impact in his fourth chapter with the Bills. Buffalo’s trenches just got a whole lot stronger.