According to a report by ESPN’s Mike Reiss, earlier this season the Buffalo Bills tried to poach cornerback Ryan Lewis off the New England Patriots practice squad. When the Bills came calling, offering him a spot on the 53-man roster, Lewis declined the option to join the Bills, opting to stay on the Patriots practice squad.
In order to keep him, New England offered him a raise to the rookie minimum salary of $465,000, more than most practice squad players make. Buffalo’s contract was likely for the same amount. Reiss says he stayed because of his familiarity with the coaching staff.