FOXBORO, Mass. — New England Patriots cornerback Ryan Lewis had a difficult decision to make midway through the 2017 season.

Lewis was on the Patriots’ practice squad, and the Buffalo Bills were looking to sign him to their active roster. Most players would jump at the opportunity to join a 53-man roster, but Lewis stuck on the Patriots’ practice squad instead. The Patriots, in return, gave him an active-roster salary.

So, why did Lewis choose to stick on a practice squad rather than joining an active roster?

“I just had a lot of faith and trust in these coaches,” Lewis said Tuesday at Patriots minicamp. “They were willing to work with me. I got a good vibe from them since the first day I got here. Obviously, I know a lot of people want to go and get on a roster as soon as possible. These guys were just willing to work with me and develop me. I think it’s just a good thing for the long run.”

Lewis’ family knows a thing or two about roster construction. His father, Will, is a former director of pro scouting with the Kansas City Chiefs. His cousin, Louis Riddick, was director of pro personnel with the Philadelphia Eagles and now works as an analyst with ESPN.

Riddick also played defensive back under Bill Belichick from 1993 to 1995 with the Cleveland Browns.