Only two days before the Buffalo Bills play their home opener against the Arizona Cardinals on Friday afternoon, the organization revealed that offensive tackle Spencer Brown had agreed to a four-year agreement that will keep him in Buffalo through 2028. The specifics are still pending announcement.

Staying in Buffalo‼️

We’ve signed Spencer Brown to a four-year contract extension through 2028. #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/0Xm6HhrY77

— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 6, 2024

General manager Brandon Beane selected the 26-year-old prospect from Northern Iowa in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft. Despite being viewed as extremely raw and seeing some terrible performances in his first two years of the league, he made a significant improvement in 2023, starting all 17 games of the regular season for an offensive line that allowed the fewest sacks in the league (24).

There was only 2024 left on Brown’s rookie contract, so it’s obvious Buffalo did not want to risk other clubs signing him in free agency the following year. Furthermore, any bit of flexibility is worthwhile given Buffalo’s limited capacity, and the contract will probably add some cap space for 2024.

However, Brown looked fantastic in 2023, and perhaps he can keep getting better for the duration of this contract as a run and pass blocker. See Brown’s explanation for signing the contract in this quote from Katherine Fitzgerald of The Buffalo News.

“Buffalo is the city for me,” Spencer Brown says. “It’s a city that goes well my morals, my style of living, and that’s why I didn’t want to leave at all.” https://t.co/maOZ6DXvzS

— katherine fitzgerald (@kfitz134) September 6, 2024

We projected in June that Brown would be the next Bills player to sign a contract. Apparently, we were correct.We projected in June that Brown would be the next Bills player to sign a contract. Apparently, we were correct.

‘Hail Murray’ attempt fails as Buffalo Bills defeat Arizona Cardinals.

Buffalo, New York (Family AZ) — Sadly, Kyler Murray was unable to complete another “Hail Murray” pass in Sunday morning’s game against the Buffalo Bills. The Red Birds were defeated 34-28 by the Bills in their season opener.

Murray put a deep pass up for Greg Dortch late in the fourth quarter, but Ja’Marcus Ingram blanketed him and made it difficult for him to come down with it. The Arizona Cardinals were unable to win despite a 96-yard field goal attempt.

DeeJay During a kickoff return, Dallas unleashed the jets, sprinting 96 yards without being detected to score. Conner’s clutch two-point conversion helped the Cardinals close the gap with the Bills, bringing their score to 31–28.

Hold on a second here folks. DeeJay Dallas takes it 96 yards and its a one score game again here in Buffalo.

— Mark McClune (@MarkMcClune) September 8, 2024

In the first play of the second half, the Cardinals had a chance to halt the Bills. Buffalo was confronted with a third and eleven, but running back James Cook got the first down on a 25-yard catch from Allen because the Cardinals defense could not contain him. Buffalo proceeded to drive down the field, and Mack Hollins’ touchdown to cap the drive tied the score at 17 all.

After the game-winning touchdown, the Cardinals appeared to have momentarily lost their rhythm. Rousseau sacked Murray, causing him to fumble the ball. Dorian Williams of Buffalo found it amid the confusion, setting up the Bills at the 21-yard line of the Cardinals.

Buffalo didn’t pause to take advantage of the Cardinals error. The Bills took their first lead of the game, 24-17, when Allen promptly found Khalil Shakir.

Despite having a dominating 17-3 lead at the half, the Red Birds were unable to halt Buffalo’s offensive output. The Cardinals were unable to score on three consecutive possessions as Buffalo held them off.

Buffalo was in a prime scoring position because of costly errors made by the Cardinals defense. Holding resulted in a five-yard penalty for Sean Murphy-Bunting. After hitting Allen, Zaven Collins was called for roughing the passer. Following consecutive penalties, Buffalo was forced to play from the Cardinals’ 26-yard line. Allen raced in for the touchdown, bringing the Cardinals’ lead to 17–10.

Guess the bad calls have balanced out. Late hit on Kyler on opening drive led to Cards td. Still not sure why Zavan Collins wasn't awarded a sack instead of 15 yard penalty. It's 17-10 here in Buffalo.

— Mark McClune (@MarkMcClune) September 8, 2024

With a spectacular 70-yard touchdown drive to start the game, the Cardinals took the lead. James Conner caught a 22-yard throw from Murray, and the Cardinals were inside the Bills’ 20-yard line when Buffalo’s J. Ingram was penalized for unnecessary roughness. Murray only needed to pass Michael Wilson five yards for the score to be achieved.