News and notes from Brandon Beane, Sean McDermott at NFL Scouting Combine

INDIANAPOLIS (WIVB) — Bills general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott both met with the media at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. Here are a few talking points from their availability.

Sean McDermott says they are still deciding who will call the defensive plays; him or new defensive coordinator Bobby Babich.

Beane and McDermott once again stressed the importance creating more explosive plays on offense. This draft class is deep at wide receivers and offers the Bills a way to solve the issue.

The timing of Matt Araiza legal issues weighed heavily on the Bills decision to release the punter. If things unfolded early in the offseason they would have been able to take more time but their hand was force because the regular season was right around the corner. “I’m glad he was cleared off all that. I wish he could be here, but we wish him all the best,” Beane said. Araiza signed with the Chiefs this offseason.

Media members who cover other NFL teams who need a QB gathered around Beane’s podium to ask about the pre-draft process with Josh Allen and trading up to get the franchise quarterback. They drafted Allen back in 2018 and years later people are still impressed with the way the Bills were able to find their guy. A badge of honor for Beane.

McDermott says Micah Hyde has not made a decision on playing next season.

Beane said he couldn’t help but smile when he found out the big leap in the NFL salary cap. The cap has been set at $255 million, a $30 million jump. The Bills are still over the cap, but this really helps.

It’s still to early to give a timeline on Tre’Davious White and Matt Milano as they work their way back from injuries, according to Beane.

McDermott says he’s very honored to be a new member of the NFL Competition Committee. He received a text from Bill Polian, who was on the committee for years, that said “be a guardian of the game.”

Beane was asked if he thought Stefon Diggs would be back in Buffalo next season. The Bills GM replied, “I expect him to be here, nothing has changed from that standpoint.”