KISSIMMEE, Fla. — Lorenzo Alexander says Bills brass wants him back in 2017.

That doesn’t mean it will happen.

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First things first: NFL rules prevent Alexander from re-signing with the Bills before the March 9 start of the free-agent signing period because the outside linebacker played under a minimum-salary veteran’s contract in 2016. In his case, Alexander earned a one-year paycheck of $885,000.

Alexander won’t come as cheaply this time around now that his pass-rush skills were unearthed at the unlikely age of 33.

Having served primarily as a backup linebacker and special-teams ace during his first nine NFL seasons, Alexander flourished coming off the edge in the 3-4 scheme run by former head coach Rex Ryan. Alexander notched 12.5 sacks — which were 10 more than his previous career-high set in 2012 with Washington — and logged 76 tackles to earn his first Pro Bowl honor as a defensive player (he was previously selected on special teams).

Such success will make Alexander a far more attractive target than during 2016 free agency. Alexander also must ultimately decide whether he wants to play in a 4-3 defense under new head coach Sean McDermott or join a team that deploys a 3-4.

“I’ve heard great things about (McDermott),” Alexander told co-host Kirk Morrison and me on SiriusXM NFL Radio following Pro Bowl practice at the ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex. “I know I can play in any scheme in the league, but obviously coaches have their own opinion.

“[The Bills] have reached out to me. They want me to be back ... I’m waiting to see what all the offers are on the table. My wife and I will sit down and make the best decision for ourselves.”

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One positive for the Bills is that Alexander has enjoyed his time in Buffalo both on and off the field.

“I would love to go back,” Alexander said. “It’s a great football city, a blue-collar town and family oriented. It’s right up my alley.”

As for the 2016 season itself, Alexander described it as “crazy.” The Bills lost three of their final four games to miss the playoffs for a 17th consecutive season with a 7-9 record. And after being undermined by front-office leaks to the media, head coach Rex Ryan parted ways with the organization before the Week 17 finale.

Alexander, though, believes the Bills are close to ending their postseason drought.

“We have some talent there that you can build around,” Alexander said. “We have to continue to grow. Guys have to make sure this offseason that they’re coming in knowing they’ve got to fight for their jobs because you’ve got a whole new coaching staff. Nobody’s job is safe. Hopefully, guys come back ready to play.”

And for Buffalo’s sake, they should hope Alexander is with them.

Alex Marvez can be heard from 8 to a.m. ET Saturday and 9 a.m. to noon ET Sunday on SiriusXM NFL Radio.