LATEST NEWS: Which free agents are available to the Buffalo Bills this offseason…
Before an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, January 7, 2024, in Miami Gardens, Florida, Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Tim Settle (99), linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44), guard Connor McGovern (66), centre Mitch Morse (60), defensive end Leonard Floyd (56), and running back James Cook (4) lead the team onto the field. (Doug Murray/AP Photo)
Brandon Beane is aware that, come March, it will be challenging to re-sign a few of the team’s existing free players as well as other free agents across the league.
Buffalo is now $43.7 million over the cap. Buffalo can turn things around with a few reorganisations and salary reductions, but the general manager of the Bills is aware that the team won’t be looking to sign elite free players.
“I think it’s important for everyone to realise that we won’t be on New York City’s main street or any other main thoroughfare where all the upscale shopping malls are located. Instead, we will be shopping at some of the same stores we visited last year,” Beane told the media on Tuesday.
While Buffalo is not going to be major spenders in free agency, Beane feels the team can be competitive in 2024.
During the news conference to wrap out the season, Beane stated, “We’re not planning on taking a year off and not being competitive.”
Prior to focusing on outside free agents, it’s critical to understand who players the Bills may lose in 2023. Here are the restricted, exclusive rights, and unrestricted free agents for Buffalo.
Quarterback: Kyle Allen, unrestricted free agency
RBs: Damien Harris, Ty Johnson, and Latavius Murray
WRs: Trent Sherfield and Gabriel Davis
OL: Edward David
DE: Shaq Lawson, Leonard Floyd, and A.J. Epenesa
DT: Linval Joseph, Jordan Phillips, Tim Settle, DaQuan Jones, and Poona Ford
LB: Tyler Matakevich, Tyrel Dodson
DB: Taylor Rapp, Cam Lewis, Dane Jackson, and Micah Hyde
Gabriel Davis is the lone offensive starter that the Bills might lose. Although he is open to a return, he has previously said that he intends to test free agency. Although Davis is a good player, Buffalo would probably be best served by selecting a wide receiver early in the 2024 draft in an effort to replace Davis’ role and perhaps develop him into the clear successor to Stefon Diggs.
David Edwards, an additional offensive lineman, made a significant contribution. Re-adding Edwards to the team probably wouldn’t cost the earth. Based on his performance in Buffalo, Ty Johnson is another a player worth consideration for a return; however, the Bills may not view Johnson as a high priority because they also have James Cook and Nyheim Hines under contract.
In terms of defence, Buffalo may have to choose between Leonard Floyd and A.J. Epenesa. Floyd, who will turn 32 in September, has 10.5 sacks this season. After a stellar career year, Epenesa, 25, could only be beginning to develop as a pass-rusher. In addition to posting career highs in interceptions (2) and passes defensed (8), he equaled his career high in sacks (6.5) and QB hits (10).
Also scheduled to become free agents is the bulk of the defensive tackle roster. Although DaQuan Jones has performed admirably for Buffalo, it might be prudent for the defensive lineman to see how things stand before deciding to make a comeback. Buffalo needs to address the defensive tackle situation in the draft and free agency, regardless of Jones’ return.
This season, Tyrel Dodson demonstrated his value as a backup linebacker by filling in when injuries hampered the position. Micah Hyde, a defensive back, is thinking about retiring. If the price was right, Taylor Rapp, who had a breakout season with the Bills towards the end of the season, might be worth re-signing. Dane Jackson, who provides depth at cornerback, and Cam Lewis, a versatile athlete who can play safety and cornerback, are comparable.
Morris, a free agent with exclusive rights, is probably going to be a member of the Bills in 2024. Morris only needs the team to cater to him in order for him to return.
Leave a Reply