What you are incorrectly calling “conservative” is actually what prudence forces teams do when they are paying an elite QB big money. Teams like the Bills who have a QB on a rookie deal can afford to be more aggressive elsewhere.
And in any event I don’t think you’re right about their mentality. They went after Mack. They must know that adding a top tier receiver will help Josh’s development - they need to protect the investment they’ve made in him - beefing up the interior line, adding a young versatile running back, maybe a tight end, and yes, a real actual live-bodied pro receiver - these are just things need to be done and I expect Beane to do them.
As for your list of expiring contracts - that is one motley bunch - they had better not use up a sizeable portion of their cap room on that group.
And before that, Brandon Cooks. And before him, the Cowboys did it again with Roy Williams. And there was Percy Harvin going to the Seahawks for a first.
I know we’re in a post-truth society now but please, try to fact-check just a little...