Two Bills Drive

'The original round/right of first refusal tenders for Gillislee and Groy mean both will be guaranteed $1.797 million this coming season on one-year deals. They can also sign a different deal with the Bills, for any length or dollars, at any time.'

'In the final days before the Bills' Tyrod Taylor deadline, conversation continues to swirl about which option is better, keeping Taylor or not. Certainly plenty of fans have lobbied for each option. But there's a large contingent of fans that don't believe in either option enough to invest in a comment. Bulldog said it all in three words just as the off-season was beginning and fans were starting to question what the Bills would do not just with Taylor but also in their search for a new head coach.'

'S/OLB Jabrill Peppers, Michigan.'

'Among the quarterbacks in attendance at the NFL Combine, Clemson’s DeShaun Watson was the overall winner of the week spent in Indianapolis. When he met the media he exuded a quiet confidence and leadership qualities. Reports indicated that he held up well in formal interviews with NFL clubs.'

'Gillislee and Groy were both tendered at the low level. That means if the Bills chose not to match any offer sheet signed by Gillislee they would be compensated with a fifth-round pick, the round in which Gillislee was drafted. Groy would carry no compensation as he was an undrafted rookie signing when he entered the league.'

'We asked Cosell if we’ve seen the best Taylor has to offer and if he has reached his ceiling. “In my view, yes. Is he going to be an anticipation thrower? Probably not. Is he going to be more accurate? I would guess probably not. I think he kind of is what he is.”'

'So Buffalo will need more credibility from its passing options to offset its likely rushing regression. Even if Watkins stays healthy — no lock with recurring foot issues forcing him to miss 11 games the past two seasons — the Bills need multiple additions around him to help out whomever ends up under center.'

'Buffalo's kicker for the past four years, Carpenter's release does not come as a surprise. He struggled in 2016, missing five extra points, as well as going 5 of 11 on field goals of 40-plus yards. His 76-percent rate on field goals tied for 31st in the league.

'Depending on what happens with some of those players, the Bills’ list of needs includes quarterback, wide receiver, right tackle, weakside linebacker, cornerback, safety and kicker. Here’s a look at some of the top available players at those positions.'

'Because of that, the best course of action for both Gillislee and Groy, as well as possibly Schmidt, is to work out a long-term contract that lowers their cap hit, but gives them more guaranteed money in the form of a signing bonus. According to Rapoport, that remains the plan in regards to Gillislee.'

'Aiken, 27, had 29 catches for 328 yards and one touchdown last season. His best year came in 2015, when he had 95 catches for 944 yards and five touchdowns. Aiken's playing time dropped in 2016 after the Ravens signed Mike Wallace and had Steve Smith Sr. healthy for the entire year, unlike in 2015. Aiken started his professional career in Buffalo, appearing in two games in 2011 after being an undrafted free agent out of Central Florida.'

'The Bills don't have much money to spend – about $20 million with a need to sign 45 more players to have a 90-man roster – but Brown should be their top priority in free agency. His production last season, and ability to play all three downs, makes him an absolute must to keep. Inside linebackers don't usually break the bank in free agency, so the Bills should be able to find common ground with Brown on a new deal.'

'Marcell Dareus’ six-year contract extension, signed before the 2015 season and the biggest in Bills history, carries a potential value of $100 million. Since he signed it, Dareus has almost as many games missed because of suspensions (five) as he does sacks (5.5).'

'However, Carpenter really struggled over the past two seasons with extra points as he missed 11 combined in 2015 and 2016. And last year, he also made just 76 percent of his field goals (19 of 25), the second-worst percentage of his nine-year career split between Buffalo and Miami. However, in his worst year, he had 41 attempts in 2010.'

'However, McDermott and his staff have done an extensive review of Taylor’s play the past two seasons and set against the list of players they possibly could obtain in the draft or free agency apparently have determined there isn’t a better upgrade option out there.'