Orchard Park, N.Y. December 2025
The Buffalo Bills made a quiet but telling roster decision this week, moving on from a recently signed defensive back after a brief stint with the organization. While the timing raised eyebrows, league sources suggest the decision was rooted in fit rather than talent.
Buffalo’s front office has been deliberate about maintaining a specific locker-room identity under head coach Sean McDermott. Players are expected to align not only with the scheme, but also with the team’s standards of preparation, accountability, and day-to-day professionalism.
That evaluation ultimately led to the release of M.J. Devonshire, an athletic young cornerback who had joined the Bills just one week earlier. Despite his upside, the team determined that the overall fit was not where it needed to be.
Devonshire entered the league with intrigue. The former Pitt defensive back ran a 4.35-second 40-yard dash and drew attention for his length and speed, traits that once put him on Buffalo’s radar during the 2024 draft process. The Bills had tracked him closely before getting a second look this season.
However, talent alone was not enough. According to team sources, Devonshire struggled to fully integrate into the Bills’ culture and expectations during his short time with the club. Buffalo has consistently prioritized cohesion and trust, particularly in the secondary, where communication and discipline are critical.
The decision reflects a broader philosophy inside the organization. McDermott and the Bills have shown they are willing to move quickly if a player, regardless of potential, does not align with the team’s established environment.
While Devonshire’s stay in Buffalo was brief, his speed and athletic profile should still attract interest elsewhere. For the Bills, the move reinforces a clear message. Fit matters, culture matters, and roster spots are reserved for players who embody both.
49ers Sign Veteran Guard After Ben Bartch Is Ruled Out for the Season
The San Francisco 49ers acted quickly after losing Ben Bartch for the remainder of the season. His foot injury created an immediate depth crisis along the interior offensive line.
Team doctors fear Bartch suffered a Lisfranc injury requiring surgery. With his year officially over, San Francisco faced a dangerous situation at left guard with limited backup support available.
Spencer Burford became the only reliable option. Coaches were unwilling to risk turning again to rookie Connor Colby, whose earlier performance raised major concerns about consistency and readiness.
This urgency pushed the 49ers to sign Laken Tomlinson, a familiar veteran who previously thrived in Kyle Shanahan’s system. The front office believed his experience would stabilize the depleted position group.
Tomlinson spent his best seasons in San Francisco and understands the blocking schemes. Coaches expect him to transition smoothly and contribute quickly as the team prepares for a demanding schedule.
Since leaving the team, Tomlinson had mixed stints with the Jets, Seahawks, and Texans. San Francisco hopes a return to familiar surroundings can help him regain the reliability he once displayed.
The move also protects the roster from further injuries. Tomlinson can serve as immediate depth for Burford and potentially reclaim rotational snaps if his performance meets expectations.
San Francisco monitored his availability closely. Once he cleared waivers and became a free agent, the 49ers moved fast, inviting him for a workout and finalizing the signing shortly afterward.
Tomlinson is expected to join practice this week. Coaches believe he will be game ready soon, giving the 49ers the reinforcement they desperately needed for their playoff push.