Buffalo Bills failed to snag New England Patriots cornerback Ryan Lewis, per report

According to a report by ESPN’s Mike Reiss, earlier this season the Buffalo Bills tried to poach cornerback Ryan Lewis off the New England Patriots practice squad. When the Bills came calling, offering him a spot on the 53-man roster, Lewis declined the option to join the Bills, opting to stay on the Patriots practice squad.

In order to keep him, New England offered him a raise to the rookie minimum salary of $465,000, more than most practice squad players make. Buffalo’s contract was likely for the same amount. Reiss says he stayed because of his familiarity with the coaching staff.

Lewis began the season on the Arizona Cardinals practice squad before being released September 12th. He signed onto the Patriots practice squad the next day.

The move to attain Lewis probably came two weeks ago before the Bills signed Greg Mabin from their own practice squad to fill in for injuries. Even though Buffalo couldn’t get Lewis, they helped him get a raise at least.