Report: Former FCS star signs extension with NFL team

Buffalo Bills cornerback and special teams contributor Siran Neal has agreed to a three-year deal worth $10.9 million, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero. The Jacksonville State alum and Alabama native has played all four seasons with the Bills and will now continue his career with the franchise.

During the 2018 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills selected Siran Neal with the No. 154 overall pick out of FCS school Jacksonville State in Alabama. After a successful college career, which included two All-Ohio Valley Conference selections at two different positions, he decided to turn pro.

After starting his career as a linebacker, he moved to safety in 2017. He finished his college career at Jacksonville State with 191 tackles, three interceptions and 24 pass deflections. Over his first four NFL seasons, Neal established himself as one of the best special teams contributors in the league. He has 83 total tackles with one sack and three forced fumbles over his career.

Buffalo Bills looking at new stadium

The Buffalo Bills continue to talk with the state of New York about a new stadium. On Wednesday, the NFL commissioner weighed in.

During his regular address to the media before the Super Bowl, Roger Goodell addressed the Bills’ talks with the state about a new home. A spokesperson for New York Governor Kathy Hochul told the Buffalo News “negotiations are ongoing,” but didn’t comment further.

Still, commissioner Goodell said a new stadium for the Bills would become a necessity within the next five years.

“The bottom line on it is we have to get a new stadium in Buffalo,” Goodell told reporters, via ProFootballTalk. “The governor has recognized that. It’s got to be a public-private partnership. All parties are going to have to work together. That means the state, the county, the team and the NFL to be able to achieve that.”

Highmark Stadium opened in 1973 as Rich Stadium. New renderings for a new stadium include a roof, which would help with the cold winters in Buffalo. The Bills recently played a game against the New England Patriots in 25-35 mph wins and 55 mph gusts.

A new stadium construction would cost an estimated $1.4 billion, but it was left out of New York’s most recent budget, according to Front Office Sports. On the other hand, the needed renovations would cost about $862 million, according to a study by the state of New York.