The Buffalo Bills signed some linebacker depth on Wednesday, adding veteran Julian Stanford. Most of his impact has been on special teams, as it will likely continue to be in Buffalo, and he spoke with the media on Thursday about his expected role and more.
#BuffaloBills Julian Stanford, linebacker free agent signee talks to media at One Bills Drive. pic.twitter.com/ew7Fq2npMP
— John Hickey (@jhickeyBN) March 15, 2018
Q: Congratulations on signing. What made Buffalo a fit for you?
A: I just thought it was a great opportunity. I like the way the organization is here, I like the culture here, I like the staff, and from top to bottom, it’s a first class organization. They have the best fan-base in football. I think this is a good fit for me.
Q: What do you recall [of] them [from] facing them a couple of times last year [as a member of the Jets] and what McDermott did?
A: Obviously, as you know, it’s a divisional opponent, so we have a lot of competition going back and forth. They definitely have a good football team. I know the comradery, as far as the team is, they seem as though they enjoy playing with each other and playing for each other and I think those are two big, key components in a successful team.
Q: Have you talked about what your role will be with this defense?
A: We have briefly touched on my role in the defense. I know they brought be in to be a special teams producer and I’m just here to do whatever I have to do to help the team win games and accomplish the common goal.
Q: Do you feel comfortable playing everywhere in the line-backing core?
A: I do. I’ve played in different systems, I’ve played inside in the three-four, I’ve played in the four-three. I think with my skillset and my ability, I think that I can play all three spots. Like I said, I’m just here to help the team win games.
Q: What’s it like for you, having bounced around to a few teams, to get a deal on the first day of free agency like you did?
A: I mean, it’s a dream come true. Like I said, this is the first time for me going through free agency. It was a little bit of uncertainty about what’s going to happen [and] what to expect. This is new for me, but it’s definitely overwhelming and definitely a dream come true. I’m very excited to be here.
Q: What did you know about Buffalo before you decided to come here?
A: I didn’t know a whole lot about Buffalo, other than the fact that we played them a couple times a year. I have a couple friends that live up in this area, [I] have family members in this area. I know that their fan-base is phenomenal – I’ll tell you that to say the least.