The 2018 Free Agent Class and Us

[H2o]

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/

 

If you ask me, it's looking pretty weak for the positions of need that we have. DT is thin, LB is pretty thin, and OL is really not hitting on much either. Not to mention the fact that we will be competing with other teams for their services and I don't know how easy of a sale Buffalo is. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's a real possibility we will get even worse before we get better.  If Kyle retires, we let Glenn go in a stupid move, Richie decides he's had enough, Clay is cut like rumored as a possibility, we let Gaines walk, we let Matthews walk, Tyrod is excommunicated, and you basically have another entire roster turnover. We will fill holes with middle to lower tier FA's and rookies. That is not conducive for success. As a matter of fact it is rather reminiscent of the Jauron days. Perennial 7-9 teams that were harder to watch than any I can remember. A lot hinges on Beane and his scouting department. I want to see us be a winner as much as anyone else, but where this roster is at with where it seems to be headed doesn't make me all that hopeful at the moment. 

[WMDman]

I think Kirk and Star L should be priority 

[BuffaloBillyG]

I'm sure there will be a bunch of names added to the list as teams work the salary cap and cut some vets. Read something earlier speculating the Jets cutting Wilkerson due to him not playing as well since signing a fat contract, being late or no showings team meetings (sound familiar?)

 

I would take a flier on him if cut...not that we would likely be able to afford it...and no way would McD want a player like that.

[The Now Moment]

I don't think this offseason will be there spending offseason.  I think the following offseason they will dip into the free agent market more and let the youth get another year to develop to see what needs are left.  That being said, I expect them to go after a few guys.  We shall see.  

[PolishDave]

17 minutes ago, H2o said:

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/

 

If you ask me, it's looking pretty weak for the positions of need that we have. DT is thin, LB is pretty thin, and OL is really not hitting on much either. Not to mention the fact that we will be competing with other teams for their services and I don't know how easy of a sale Buffalo is. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's a real possibility we will get even worse before we get better.  If Kyle retires, we let Glenn go in a stupid move, Richie decides he's had enough, Clay is cut like rumored as a possibility, we let Gaines walk, we let Matthews walk, Tyrod is excommunicated, and you basically have another entire roster turnover. We will fill holes with middle to lower tier FA's and rookies. That is not conducive for success. As a matter of fact it is rather reminiscent of the Jauron days. Perennial 7-9 teams that were harder to watch than any I can remember. A lot hinges on Beane and his scouting department. I want to see us be a winner as much as anyone else, but where this roster is at with where it seems to be headed doesn't make me all that hopeful at the moment. 

 

I also think this team could get a lot worse next year.

 

The main reason is because this offensive line and defensive line both suck.   And I don't think they will be able to fix both in one year - or even two years of drafting.   

 

They will probably spend their first pick on a QB - and perhaps trade away other picks to move up to do so.    But that QB is very likely to struggle behind this offensive line.

 

The direction this team is heading due to talent purge (both intentional and non-intentional) is moving the Bills one step closer to being Cleveland.

 

The Bills being the worst or near the worst team in the NFL next year is a distinct possibility.    

 

But I am sure we will all be fired up going into next season thinking playoffs again. 

[JaCrispy]

27 minutes ago, H2o said:

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/

 

If you ask me, it's looking pretty weak for the positions of need that we have. DT is thin, LB is pretty thin, and OL is really not hitting on much either. Not to mention the fact that we will be competing with other teams for their services and I don't know how easy of a sale Buffalo is. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's a real possibility we will get even worse before we get better.  If Kyle retires, we let Glenn go in a stupid move, Richie decides he's had enough, Clay is cut like rumored as a possibility, we let Gaines walk, we let Matthews walk, Tyrod is excommunicated, and you basically have another entire roster turnover. We will fill holes with middle to lower tier FA's and rookies. That is not conducive for success. As a matter of fact it is rather reminiscent of the Jauron days. Perennial 7-9 teams that were harder to watch than any I can remember. A lot hinges on Beane and his scouting department. I want to see us be a winner as much as anyone else, but where this roster is at with where it seems to be headed doesn't make me all that hopeful at the moment. 

Well considering we r never gonna be legit contenders until we draft and groom our franchise QB, I’d say we aren’t really ready for big money FA’s anyway...maybe in a few years.

[PolishDave]

Just now, ScottLaw said:

Not sure above them being Cleveland, but I can't see how people think they will be in better shape next year considering the roster going forward. 

 

I am assuming Cleveland will actually take a step forward eventually and not have another completely defeated season.  

[26CornerBlitz]

5 hours ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

2018 UFA DTs Listed Here: http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/defensive-tackle/

 

Possible Target - Star Lotulelei

 

4 hours ago, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

Wouldn't mind seeing Dontari Poe in a Bills' uniform. 

 

[Kirby Jackson]

Here is my list:

- Star Lotulelei

- Paul Richardson

- Andrew Norwell

- Nigel Bradham

- Jeremy Hill

- Kony Ealy

 

It is a combination of guys that I think fit, we can afford and in many cases guys that McDemott and Beane are familiar with.

 

thoughts??

[WMDman]

Just now, Kirby Jackson said:

- Nigel Bradham

- Kony Ealy

 

 

when Ealy was released from CAR we didn't even put in a waiver and i don think Nigel is a McD kinda guy...

[Captain Murica]

Just now, WMDman said:

when Ealy was released from CAR we didn't even put in a waiver and i don think Nigel is a McD kinda guy...

Another guy we let go due to Rex. Even though you're probably right about him not being a coach McD type of guy, he would be perfect for this system. 

[26CornerBlitz]

1 minute ago, WMDman said:

when Ealy was released from CAR we didn't even put in a waiver and i don think Nigel is a McD kinda guy...

 

Ealy was released by NE and the Bills might have put in, but the NYJ had priority with a worse W/L record.

[Kirby Jackson]

3 minutes ago, WMDman said:

when Ealy was released from CAR we didn't even put in a waiver and i don think Nigel is a McD kinda guy...

Do we know that they didn’t put in a claim? I know that the Jets got him. At any rate, he will be cheap and a guy that they are familiar with at a position of need.

 

In terms of Bradham I am thinking that they understand they need a guy that can run.  Zach Brown probably makes even more sense but they made it clear how they feel about him.

Edited December 7, 2017 by Kirby Jackson

[WMDman]

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/08/27/seven-team-made-waivers-claims-for-kony-ealy/

Just now, 26CornerBlitz said:

 

Ealy was released by NE and the Bills might have put in, but the NYJ had priority with a worse W/L record.

im almost positive i read something that said we didnt put in a claim

 

edit: I found a link 

 

6 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Do we know that they didn’t put in a claim? I know that the Jets got him. At any rate, he will be cheap and a guy that they are familiar with at a position of need.

 

In terms of Bradham I am thinking that they understand they need a guy that can run.  Zach Brown probably makes even more sense but they made it clear how they feel about him.

http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2017/08/27/seven-team-made-waivers-claims-for-kony-ealy/

Edited December 7, 2017 by WMDman
link added

[Dkollidas]

How about Pugh from the Giants. Sign him for guard money, play him st right tackle.

 

also like Lotulelei, Poe, Logan as Defensive tackles.

 

I think they’ll go after one or two defensive backs, even if they re-sign Gaines, in order to gain some depth. One guy I think they could go after is Travis Carrie from the Raiders. Can play corner or safety, outside or in the slot, and is still a young guy. 

[H2o]

47 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Here is my list:

- Star Lotulelei

- Paul Richardson

- Andrew Norwell

- Nigel Bradham

- Jeremy Hill

- Kony Ealy

 

It is a combination of guys that I think fit, we can afford and in many cases guys that McDemott and Beane are familiar with.

 

thoughts??

Ealy and Star I think they would make a play for. I don't know if Bradham fits the character mold. I would like to see us get Zach Brown back as well, but who knows what he'll do? Hill would be a nice COP to Shady. Richardson seems a lot like the guys we already have, but I wouldnt be mad at it. I know nothing of Norwell. 

Edited December 7, 2017 by H2o

[SoCal Deek]

57 minutes ago, JaCrispy said:

Well considering we r never gonna be legit contenders until we draft and groom our franchise QB, I’d say we aren’t really ready for big money FA’s anyway...maybe in a few years.

This!   End of thread.

[Pbomb]

55 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Not sure above them being Cleveland, but I can't see how people think they will be in better shape next year considering the roster going forward. 

So we are gonna be worse next year based on our roster, no one has a clue what this team is gonna do this offseason and what it will look like next year

[PABillsfan23]

1 hour ago, WMDman said:

I think Kirk and Star L should be priority 

Doesn’t seem like this regimes style to shell out huge contracts.  Never know though i guess

[CommonCents]

49 minutes ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Here is my list:

- Star Lotulelei

- Paul Richardson

- Andrew Norwell

- Nigel Bradham

- Jeremy Hill

- Kony Ealy

 

It is a combination of guys that I think fit, we can afford and in many cases guys that McDemott and Beane are familiar with.

 

thoughts??

Hill had surgery maybe he will bounce back. I like the list, it's a pricey list but attractive. It will be intresting to see how much they spend leading up to the draft. If the plan is to trade away the draft pile to move for a QB that may change their outlook on FA market.

Just now, Pbomb said:

So we are gonna be worse next year based on our roster, no one has a clue what this team is gonna do this offseason and what it will look like next year

It's a safe bet that the team will be younger in key spots and growing pains will be the theme of 2018.

[Kirby Jackson]

1 minute ago, Commonsense said:

Hill had surgery maybe he will bounce back. I like the list, it's a pricey list but attractive. It will be intresting to see how much they spend leading up to the draft. If the plan is to trade away the draft pile to move for a QB that may change their outlook on FA market.

Yeah, I was just thinking of the number of holes that the Bills have. I was thinking Ealy and Hill would be “buy low” guys. Norwell is starting on the OL in Carolina. Richardson can run and play regularly. He’s a better fit than Matthews. Bradham would be a mobile LB and Star would be their main target. It’s not a perfect list but it would improve the team and they will have a lot of money. 

 

 

[White Linen]

I thought the team should have been worse this year especially with what looked like a daunting schedule - so there is that.

[Paul Costa]

2 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Here is my list:

- Star Lotulelei

- Paul Richardson

- Andrew Norwell

- Nigel Bradham

- Jeremy Hill

- Kony Ealy

 

It is a combination of guys that I think fit, we can afford and in many cases guys that McDemott and Beane are familiar with.

 

thoughts??

 

This would be a nice haul!! plus a solid draft????

[Woodman19]

I think we are going to fill out the lines through free agency and the draft and use the top picks on skill positions (DB, QB, DE, WR)

[H2o]

9 hours ago, Woodman19 said:

I think we are going to fill out the lines through free agency and the draft and use the top picks on skill positions (DB, QB, DE, WR)

With so many teams having the same needs I just hope we go forward and not backwards. I do have a feeling that next year is going to be what the "experts" were predicting this year to be though. Hope I'm wrong.

[yungmack]

13 hours ago, H2o said:

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/

 

If you ask me, it's looking pretty weak for the positions of need that we have. DT is thin, LB is pretty thin, and OL is really not hitting on much either. Not to mention the fact that we will be competing with other teams for their services and I don't know how easy of a sale Buffalo is. I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but it's a real possibility we will get even worse before we get better.  If Kyle retires, we let Glenn go in a stupid move, Richie decides he's had enough, Clay is cut like rumored as a possibility, we let Gaines walk, we let Matthews walk, Tyrod is excommunicated, and you basically have another entire roster turnover. We will fill holes with middle to lower tier FA's and rookies. That is not conducive for success. As a matter of fact it is rather reminiscent of the Jauron days. Perennial 7-9 teams that were harder to watch than any I can remember. A lot hinges on Beane and his scouting department. I want to see us be a winner as much as anyone else, but where this roster is at with where it seems to be headed doesn't make me all that hopeful at the moment. 

It's a 3 to 5 year rebuild.

[BmarvB]

13 hours ago, WMDman said:

I think Kirk and Star L should be priority 

 

Star would be a good pickup. Kirk would be unlikely with his price tag. Not much out there to choose from. Too much age among O-Linemen and linebackers, not a lot of quality among D-linemen and WR's. I think they'll focus more on the draft and maybe make a deal or two.

[MiltonWaddams]

I don't see Gaines being a casualty. Based on his consistency this season, he'll be re-signed as a priority. The cap space exists for him and a few mid-tier guys. Star would be a great fit, but the $'s may be too rich. Sadly, the draft will be the most key thing this offseason.

[P51]

13 hours ago, Kirby Jackson said:

Here is my list:

- Star Lotulelei

- Paul Richardson

- Andrew Norwell

- Nigel Bradham

- Jeremy Hill

- Kony Ealy

 

It is a combination of guys that I think fit, we can afford and in many cases guys that McDemott and Beane are familiar with.

 

thoughts??

 

It almost seems like Star makes too much sense to not happen, the Panthers cap situation looks dicey heading into the off-season, Richardson adds the speed element to the receiving core it needs. I like both. 

 

Norwell I would love, he is truely under appreciated league wide and IMO will get a lot more in FA than most would believe, hired D.Rose as his agent in the summer, he's going to be very pricey and is not a perfect fit IMO for the current scheme he can pull but its not his strength, however if a new OC comes in and runs a more power based run scheme (sprinkling in zone runs) he would be a great fit given his age and ability, could start at RG day 1 and be the long term solution at LG or new LG depending on how things play out with Richie over the next year/year+. 

 

Hill and Ealy make sense if they are looking for low cost roster depth. Not personally a big fan of either and Hills ball security issues could rub McD the wrong way, but I could see it. Bradham doesnt seem to fit the staff, but makes sense, I like Tahir Whitehead OLB - Lions more in the SLB role in the McD, I think he's had a good year and would be a solid addition to the Bills D. 

 

I am sure it wont happen but if they could get DeMarcus Lawrence to play LDE via FA, that would be a huge signing, young and instant impact, not sure the Cowboys will be able to keep him and if not IMO he should be there FA priority. 

 

My FA List  FWIW:

 - Star Lotulelei (NDT)

- Paul Richardson (SWR)

- Jonathan Cooper (RG)

- DeMarcus Lawrence (LDE - Wishes and Dreams...)

- Orleans Darka (RB)

- Tahir Whitehead (SLB) 

- Alex Smith (Bridge QB)

 

Draft:

QB (Future), ILB, 3DT, RT, TE, S/SS, CB, BPA, BPA

 

 

[Kirby Jackson]

3 minutes ago, P51 said:

 

It almost seems like Star makes too much sense to not happen, the Panthers cap situation looks dicey heading into the off-season, Richardson adds the speed element to the receiving core it needs. I like both. 

 

Norwell I would love, he is truely under appreciated league wide and IMO will get a lot more in FA than most would believe, hired D.Rose as his agent in the summer, he's going to be very pricey and is not a perfect fit IMO for the current scheme he can pull but its not his strength, however if a new OC comes in and runs a more power based run scheme (sprinkling in zone runs) he would be a great fit given his age and ability, could start at RG day 1 and be the long term solution at LG or new LG depending on how things play out with Richie over the next year/year+. 

 

Hill and Ealy make sense if they are looking for low cost roster depth. Not personally a big fan of either and Hills ball security issues could rub McD the wrong way, but I could see it. Bradham doesnt seem to fit the staff, but makes sense, I like Tahir Whitehead OLB - Lions more in the SLB role in the McD, I think he's had a good year and would be a solid addition to the Bills D. 

 

I am sure it wont happen but if they could get DeMarcus Lawrence to play LDE via FA, that would be a huge signing, young and instant impact, not sure the Cowboys will be able to keep him and if not IMO he should be there FA priority. 

 

My FA List  FWIW:

 - Star Lotulelei (NDT)

- Paul Richardson (SWR)

- Jonathan Cooper (RG)

- DeMarcus Lawrence (LDE - Wishes and Dreams...)

- Orleans Darka (RB)

- Tahir Whitehead (SLB) 

- Alex Smith (Bridge QB)

 

Draft:

QB (Future), ILB, 3DT, RT, TE, S/SS, CB, BPA, BPA

 

 

Great stuff as always P51!!

 

I assumed Lawrence would be out of their price range but maybe they take a shot. I like your list quite a bit. Cooper is really playing well at the moment after being a giant bust. Maybe you could get him at the right price and Darkwa can be that #2. Whitehead would seem to be a natural fit as well. The Bills have some work to do.

[BuffaloHokie13]

Names that intrigue me (that aren't our own FAs) are:
DT - Sharrif Floyd, Star Lotulelei, Bennie Logan

EDGE - Connor Barwin, Datone Jones

RT - Byron Bell, Breno Giacomini, Don Barclay

WR - Taylor Gabriel, Paul Richardson, Mike Wallace, De'Anthony Thomas

ILB - Demario Davis

RB - Carlos Hyde, Alfred Morris, Kenjon Barner

CB - Bashaud Breeland, Brandon Boykin, Tramaine Brock

G - Jonathan Cooper, Xavier Su'a-Filo

 

Some are big price tags, others are value guys imo. I could see us spending a bit at CB (Gaines/Breeland) & DT.

[GETTOTHE50]

revamp the defensive line and get sheldon richardson and star lotulelei. Pick up Paul Richardson for the slot.

 

trade/cut glenn, then..

 

draft offense: QB, RG/RT, and RB.

 

If you dont want to get rid of glenn, then atleast move him to guard, or right tackle.

 

 

 

 

[baskingridgebillsfan]

I don't see a splash free agent unless it is Cousins but they will probably look to fix some situations like they did last year.  poyer and hit it with the Hyde 

no particular order 

keep E.j gains, cardet  and Klye 

G  jake mewhart .   

nt  Star L 

olb Bradham 

Wr Taveras King 

Rb Charles Sims 

 

Not my list but the type of players and values I could see McBean bring in 

I fully expect them to get a Mlb that fits the system in the draft.  

 

[YoloinOhio]

The Bills need to find a way to get this guy.... for obvious reasons! He would love Buffalo.

 

 

[Pete]

Sammy is a UFA coming off a tough year.  I doubt he gets the huge payday he was expecting