While Buffalo bills head coach Sean McDermott gushed over the team’s high attendance during organized team activities, Douglas absence stood out.
Douglas was the only player to skip all of OTAs, which sparked
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between the Bills and their starting cornerback.
However, Douglas showed up to mandatory minicamp and was incredibly upfront about his previous absences. The veteran wanted to spend quality time with his son, Jeremiah, and his family.
Douglas explained to reporters recently that understanding the mindset required during a sports season means recognizing the necessity of taking breaks. “You can’t sustain that mindset constantly,” he noted. “Athletes often miss out on significant events like funerals and birthdays because, like everyone else, we’re only human. Sometimes, you just need to step back, take a deep breath, and appreciate the blessings God has given you — your family, and the opportunity to spend quality time with them. It’s important for maintaining a healthy and positive state of mind.
Rasul Douglas didn't attend any of the #Bills voluntary OTAs.
His reason: family time and a mental break.
The CB explains why this has always been how he's gone about that portion of the offseason program.
"Once you get back, you're locked and loaded." pic.twitter.com/BbfYdXT6bf
— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) June 12, 2024
“You know there’s not much sun here,” he continued. “You gotta get out and chill.” Douglas shared his offseason process with the Bills coaches and staff beforehand so there were no doubts over his commitment.
The 29-year-old uses voluntary time to reset his mind and body, which helps prepare him to be 100% when training camp starts. “Once you get back, you’re kinda locked and loaded,” Douglas said.
Bills News: Rasul Douglas Didn’t Seem Concerned Over His Expiring Contract
The Bills acquired Douglas from the Packers following Tre’Davious White’s Achilles injury mid-season. Douglas, who joined on a three-year, $21 million deal with Green Bay, is now entering the last season of his contract. Despite this, the West Virginia alum seemed relaxed about his contract situation, expressing surprise when informed that his deal concludes after the 2024 NFL season.
Douglas asked the media, “So, this is my contract year, huh?” He then mused aloud, “I’m not sure. I hope those in charge see my value and decide to reward me accordingly.”
CB Rasul Douglas taking part in minicamp and safety Mike Edwards, who was limited today with the shoulder injury. pic.twitter.com/1319Qa7Paf
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) June 11, 2024
Trading for Douglas turned out to be a huge win for the Bills. In nine games and eight starts, he registered 29 tackles, 8 passes defensed, 4 interceptions, and 1.0 sack. And he recorded these stats without having a firm grip on Buffalo’s defense.
Douglas basically did whatever All-Pro safety duo Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde told him to do. “Low key Last year, I just came in and I just listened to whatever Micah and ‘Po’ said,” Douglas revealed.
“With honesty, they simply assessed me and said, ‘Okay, you can jump.’ And so I did.”
With a deeper understanding of the Bills’ defensive system, Douglas aims high for 2024. “We have team objectives, but personally, I’m focused on making the Pro Bowl, being All-Pro—that’s my goal. I’m eager to achieve that.”
RASUL DOUGLAS MAKES US WANT TO SHOUT!
📺: @NFLonCBS pic.twitter.com/6mDWULE7np
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) December 31, 2023
With Poyer departing and Hyde’s status uncertain, Douglas will step into a more prominent leadership role. He’s slated to start alongside Christian Benford, and Douglas is enthusiastic about it. “CB, he’s my guy,” Douglas remarked about the third-year cornerback.
“I appreciate his work ethic every day. He plays hard, practices hard, communicates openly about what he sees and listens to your perspective too. We bounce ideas off each other.”
“Honestly, me and CB, even the whole offseason, we call each other probably every other day. Just talk ball and family because he’s got a son like I got a son.”
