Bills news: Sean McDermott admits that Jake Fromm still has to work to do

Buffalo Bills quarterback Jake Fromm finds himself in a precarious position after his opinion regarding gun owner clientele was revealed.

Although Fromm has made efforts to reconcile with his new teammates, head coach Sean McDermott realizes there is still plenty of work to be done.

Fromm's comments were unearthed during a time of social unease following the death of George Floyd. According to ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques, McDermott feels the rookie will need to continue finding ways to earn the respect of his teammates:

Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott said rookie quarterback Jake Fromm has communicated with the team on “more than one occasion” after texts surfaced earlier this month of Fromm suggesting guns should be priced to a point where “only elite white people can afford them.”

“Jake's situation is certainly one that we've taken very seriously,” McDermott said. “Jake did a very good job of communicating to the team on more than one occasion … and that has to continue.

McDermott added that Fromm can expect the process to be an extensive one.

“Right now it's, where do we go from here? Jake has to continue to earn it. … There's going to be players who are going to be wanting to see how Jake acts and reacts in certain situations. Not just on the field but off the field.

“They're going to have a chance to evaluate Jake not only on the field but off the field, and that will be an important piece.”

Fromm quickly issued an apology for his statements, and McDermott's comments indicate that he is doing what he can to stay in contact with fellow teammates. Although this has helped him maintain his job on the team, it is safe to say that he still has a long way to go before truly earning the respect of the locker room.

While there is no denying the importance of team chemistry, this rings especially true for quarterbacks trying to serve as leaders of the team. Despite his status as a backup, Fromm's presence – whether positive or negative – could have a major impact on the overall morale in Buffalo.

Several white quarterbacks around the league have generated support for standing in solidarity with their black teammates. The onus will fall on Fromm to show that he is committed to putting effort into the fight against racial injustice.