The Buffalo Bills have tendered restricted free-agent guard Ike Boettger, the team announced on Wednesday. Through that contract offer, Boettger is set to return to the Bills for another year, unless another team chooses to sign him away from the team. The team didn’t specify, but multiple beat reporters mentioned that this is the lowest-cost “right of first refusal” tender. Essentially, that means the Bills will pay Boettger $2.133 million this season, but another team could offer him a contract, and the Bills would be allowed to match that contract and retain Boettger’s rights if they wanted.
Boettger, a former undrafted free agent, has been a part of the Bills’ roster for the last three years. 2020 was his first starting opportunity, when Jon Feliciano and Cody Ford both dealt with long-term injuries. Boettger started seven games and ultimately appeared on 57 percent of snaps for the offense. After a slightly rocky start, Boettger’s pass protection improved. He was a reliable spot starter for the team down the stretch.
It’s also noteworthy that the Bills’ statement did not mention RFAs Corey Bojorquez and Levi Wallace. Bojorquez is unlikely to return to the Bills after they signed Matt Haack to a three-year deal, and Wallace is reported to be on his way out the door, too.