Joe B takes a look at Buffalo's four core free agents...

[dpberr]

I like them all but if it were my money being spent, I'd be very concerned about Lawson and Phillips being productive after getting paid their big contracts.  What incentive is as good as the big contract in the business of football?

 

  

[Malazan]

1 hour ago, billsfan89 said:

 

Outside of that comment about Lawson wanting to get paid (which is fair in football when you might only get one shot at a significant contract) I don't know what makes you think Lawson is someone who would "Get Paid, Get Lazy." Unless I am missing/forgetting something I don't know what else would lead you to believe that Shaq is a bad egg. 

 

I did not say he is a bad egg. I think he did a fine job this season and he seems to be a fine person.

 

1) NFL History says big paydays to middle of the pack players who have only 1 good season is more often a mistake than not.

2) He needed a significant slap to wake up. This wasn't just an 'adjusting to the NFL' type of thing and that's by his own admission. 

3) The slap also meant a quicker payday. Is there any other way to motivate him? Whatever motivation of his first years didn't seem to have an impact...certainly not to the degree a payday did.

4) His production can be replaced...if I look at the Bills other options...can he really produce value at a higher contract number that someone closer to what he makes now can't? For example, I'm all for paying Hyde because he has outperformed players as talented and perhaps more talented than he has league wide. 

 

You'll also note that I said candidate. I just wouldn't say the odds are ever in the favor of it happening. I'd say the factors in his initial performance and his improvement put him at a higher risk of performance problems after a new contract. 

[tcampbell104]

2 hours ago, offyourocker said:

i hear you there.  I remember he released a video in the offseason where he was climbing a hill or some small mountain somewhere out west.  And he was very winded.  I thought to myself, why would a young guy that plays as one of the best athletes in this country struggle that much.  I feel he leaves some on the table.

 i went out to arizona last year and climbed around mt. lemon i'll tell you altitude can have a lot to do with it!

Edited January 14, 2020 by tcampbell104

[Augie]

5 hours ago, eball said:

 

I guess you're not considering the fact that he has become a team leader?  Those guys don't typically slack off after a new contract.

 

Yeah, this where you need to know the man, not just the player you see on the field. Since I don’t, I’ll just have to trust the FO. 

[purple haze]

4 hours ago, jeremy2020 said:

 

I'm not sure what criteria you use for a 'team leader'. I'd say Hughes, Alexander and Hyde would be team leaders before him. I'd probably also put Milano, Edmunds, and Poyer ahead of him in that regard. I'd debate whether White and Lotulelei are ahead of him as well. I'm not sure how far down you go and still call someone a 'team leader'. 

 

In short, if he goes, I don't think the Bills lose any 'leadership'.

Joe B. Is there every day.   You think he might know who is who on the team and what roles they play.  Maybe he is a vocal leader for the defensive linemen or for the defense, as oppossed to the entire team?

[Captain Murica]

Honestly, If this team is all about the process. Then let Phillips & Shaq (or sign him & cut Murphy)walk then develop Darryl Johnson to be the rotational guy. With Harry and Oliver we have our 1 tech and 3 tech for a long time. Either decide if you like Liguet or Taylor as they other DT or possibly grab another Vet on the open market. 
 

I’d re-sign Spain & KJ to short term deals .

[OldTimeAFLGuy]

6 hours ago, jeremy2020 said:

Lawson scares me. His comments and history here make me feel like he's a candidate for "Gets Paid, gets lazy."

 

 

...probably DEAD wrong, but even in this era of "Crazy & Crazier Money", I don't see McBeane as the FA "Big Splash-Overpay" type........if I remember an older quote correctly (paraphrased), he said, "we establish a value for a player (FA target) and that's it"......

[billsfan89]

1 hour ago, jeremy2020 said:

 

I did not say he is a bad egg. I think he did a fine job this season and he seems to be a fine person.

 

1) NFL History says big paydays to middle of the pack players who have only 1 good season is more often a mistake than not.

2) He needed a significant slap to wake up. This wasn't just an 'adjusting to the NFL' type of thing and that's by his own admission. 

3) The slap also meant a quicker payday. Is there any other way to motivate him? Whatever motivation of his first years didn't seem to have an impact...certainly not to the degree a payday did.

4) His production can be replaced...if I look at the Bills other options...can he really produce value at a higher contract number that someone closer to what he makes now can't? For example, I'm all for paying Hyde because he has outperformed players as talented and perhaps more talented than he has league wide. 

 

You'll also note that I said candidate. I just wouldn't say the odds are ever in the favor of it happening. I'd say the factors in his initial performance and his improvement put him at a higher risk of performance problems after a new contract. 

 

All fair points, I do agree that I would not dramatically overpay for Shaq. But I would be willing to pay retail to keep him (8-9 million aav with a manageable out after 2021.) I think that if you could he would be somewhere around 7 million (Spotrac has him at 7.6 million aav and they are usually accurate + or – 1.5 million on most signings.) I view him as a 3rdDE (who is a starter on running downs) who can grow into a high end starter. I think given what we pay Murphy for far less production I would be more than comfortable cutting Mucphy and giving his cap hit over to Shaq plus maybe a million. 

 

Now if Shaq goes over 9 million aav on the market I do let him walk (I would consider 9 million aav a “Fair Overpay” by NFL Free Agency standards) I think at that point you could take your dollars elsewhere and at worst keep Murphy to be a rotational player and sign Yannick to take the starting role (Either way I would love to have Yannick start opposite Hughes.) 

 

I also am interested to see what Phillips, Spain and Shaq all command on the market. Spotrac estimates that Shaq is 7.6 million aav and Phillips a 6.1 million aav. I would be ecstatic if I could get both with easy outs after 2021 for those numbers even plus one million (Thus a 15.7 million dollar total cap hit with easy outs after 2021 when cap space might be a crunch.) 

 

They don’t have an estimate on Spain but it would be interesting to see what he commands. Given McBeane’s history with roster/cap management I would trust that they value their own properly and sign these players responsibly. 

[Nester]

I like his predilections and hope it plays out as such.

[Buddo]

Spain has said he wants to come back, and I'd like that to be the case. Keep the O-Line together for continuity, while looking to add another tackle. I  think the Bills would have him back also, but they might let him go to FA to find a fair value for him, but be prepared to match reasonable offers. I think his deal would be one of the more difficult, because he's a vet, who hasn't earned any real big $ in his career (relatively speaking), yet has started plenty of games. The Bills will probably need to make a serious decision on the length of contract they want to sign him to, and then how much for. He will only be 29 come next season, so be in approximately his prime going forward.

 

I think Shaq gets a fair offer - he's actually earned it. After his rookie season was derailed by injury, he's steadily improved. I think there's room for him to get better still.

 

Johnson has done pretty well, and likewise deserves a fair offer. Tbh I don't know how much that might be, but regardless, the guy performed and can play both inside and outside as necessary. Not too old either.

 

I'm not averse at all to getting Phillips back, but as others have pointed out, he's probably the most 'expendable', with the returning Harry.  And he's probably going to be the most expensive, to boot. In fairness, he's done nothing wrong ini the time he's been here, and does bring a deal of energy to the table. He also can make some big plays. There's a lot to like about the guy, except in the Bills case, the likely money he will get from someone else.

 

If we can manage to keep the top 3 (Shaq, Spain and Johnson), I think Beane will have done a good job, and in effect, kept the D (and O-Line) intact. McDermott would no doubt be happy at that too.

 

[Orlando Tim]

I am certainly not a salary cap expert but I would prefer the general an be shorter contracts for more money per year on the expensive dudes( Lawson/Phillips) and be willing to to go longer on others. If we are guaranteeing 30 million to Lawson I would prefer it be for 3 years all in then over 5 years with lots of money coming later.

[NoSaint]

When you sign Shaq who does it send the message to that they will take care of the old regime if you buy in? 
 

it’s down to Hughes and....? 

[bills11]

Shaq scares me due to commitment questions once he's paid ..Phillips is the one I'd let go for sure if the price isn't right.

He's a very good rotational piece but his production numbers aren't as impactful as his play an overpay wud be a huge mistake .

[TigerJ]

Both Lawson and Phillips want to get paid.  With Harrison Phillips coming back from injury next season, and that apparent fact that Jordan leaves something to be desired in run defense, makes paying Lawson over Phillips pretty logical.

[reddogblitz]

I hope we re sign Phillips cuz he gets a lot of sacks.  Shaw is a nice player too.  You can't dump everybody.

[LB48]

11 hours ago, jeremy2020 said:

Lawson scares me. His comments and history here make me feel like he's a candidate for "Gets Paid, gets lazy."

Agree!  Let him go!

 

[Punching Bag]

8 hours ago, MJS said:

I'm fine without Lawson or Phillips. I'd bring back Johnson and Wallace though. I'd also bring back Spain until we have a clear upgrade.

 

I like Johnson and Wallace is a ERFA so he is back if Bills want.  

Spain is solid and has had good availability last three years; if asks for reasonable terms keep him.

Would be good with either of Lawson or Phillips if their contracts were structured incentive based with good base.

I think Phillips is a a leader on the field and teams need high energy players even if they do not bring lunch pails.

 

The game however is 0 sum unless you do deficit spending and Bills will need to pay their top players and keep players they want so players may need to choose between a team which is desperate and will pay more and the Bills.   Hughes was a player who we got because he could not get enough snaps behind two very good players on a team which did not rotate line so much.  Those players got paid well but they got more miles on them due to it.  Spain especially should know difference between playing in a good locker room and bad one.

[BigBillsFan]

I always fear the guy who pretty much gets productive at the end of his rookie deal. Shaq

 

I sometimes fear the prove it 1yr contract guys. Phillips

 

Cut Star, Murphy and get a guy with consistent production for 2 of their salaries.

[WideRightRevenge]

Before we approach Shaq and Phillips ... my preference is pull forward Tre White and even Poyer and lock those down ... then see what's left in terms of FA money  .... those guys have showed from day 1 of their contracts unlike Shaq ... I love Phillips alot with his attitude (still can't believe he we cut by Dolphins)and play ... so if had to coin flip between the two .. I'll take Phillips.  I see comments about Horrible Harry coming back and again he's a fan favorite (illegitimate son of Kyle Williams), but he's not Phillips in the middle.

[Buffalo86]

21 hours ago, blacklabel said:

I didn't see this posted yet so I thought I'd share. It's an article on The Athletic so it's behind a paywall but I'll cut and paste a few bits and pieces.

 

Shaq Lawson - Joe predicts the Bills will get a long-term deal done with him before free agency. Quote...

 

"Signing Lawson would benefit the Bills in a few ways. They would be rewarding a young, vocal leader who has grown immensely under their watch. They would also be sending a message through the locker room that it doesn’t matter whether a player was brought in under the current regime; hard work, a good attitude and production are more important to them."

 

Wouldn't Shaq be the only player still here from the previous regime?  Not sure how much the locker room would actualy benefit from this message.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

22 hours ago, jeremy2020 said:

Lawson scares me. His comments and history here make me feel like he's a candidate for "Gets Paid, gets lazy."

 

I feel like Lawson goes a bit too much for the showboat stuff.  Having to be restrained by Morse and herded away by security from a Denver OLman after the win is just bush league.  The comments by Duck Hodges were relatively milquetoast as inspiration, do you really need that to get up for a game?

 

20 hours ago, PIZ said:

Sign Shaq. Put a C on his jersey. If he is the real deal, he won't want to let his teammates down.

 

See above.  That's not Captain level stuff.  It's bush league.  That is not a guy you want to hang out as an example for the team.

 

2 hours ago, WideRightRevenge said:

Before we approach Shaq and Phillips ... my preference is pull forward Tre White and even Poyer and lock those down ... then see what's left in terms of FA money  .... those guys have showed from day 1 of their contracts unlike Shaq ... I love Phillips alot with his attitude (still can't believe he we cut by Dolphins)and play ... so if had to coin flip between the two .. I'll take Phillips.  I see comments about Horrible Harry coming back and again he's a fan favorite (illegitimate son of Kyle Williams), but he's not Phillips in the middle.

 

Again - Horrible Harry Phillips has been playing 1 tech for us.  BigJ9797 Phillips plays 3 tech.  They are literally not interchangeable parts.  HH was platooning with Lotulelei and BigJ was platooning with Ed Oliver.

 

 

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, Buffalo86 said:

 

Wouldn't Shaq be the only player still here from the previous regime?  Not sure how much the locker room would actualy benefit from this message.

 

I had that exact same thought.  Who are these defensive players from the previous regime who would benefit from this "message" per Joe B?

Who else is here?

 

[BuffaloHokie13]

6 minutes ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I had that exact same thought.  Who are these defensive players from the previous regime who would benefit from this "message" per Joe B?

Who else is here?

 

Jerry? 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

5 minutes ago, BuffaloHokie13 said:

Jerry? 

 

He was signed to a 2 year, $21.5M contract with $19.75 guarantees last May.

 

I think we should make every effort to sign Shaq because he balled out last year, but it should be because he balled out and elevated his game, not because they're "sending a message" that it doesn't matter if you were drafted by us or the previous regime as Joe B suggested, 'cuz he's about the only one left far as I know.

[Dopey]

4 hours ago, BigBillsFan said:

I always fear the guy who pretty much gets productive at the end of his rookie deal. Shaq

 

I sometimes fear the prove it 1yr contract guys. Phillips

 

Cut Star, Murphy and get a guy with consistent production for 2 of their salaries.

Maybe I'm reading this wrong. You say you're afraid of signing Shaq and Jordan. Does that mean you wouldn't sign them? Shaq has improved every year under this regime. It's not a 1 year thing. Unless you're just looking at sacks(numbers). Then cut Star and Murph for 1 guy? Sounds like you wanna get rid of 4 players from a top defense. Numbers aside and contrary to what some posters wrote throughout the season, you don't find someone who does what Star does under a rock. I tend not to look at numbers as a determining factor. I watch them play. Star is worth every penny he gets.

Back to my original thought when posting, who replaces these 4 players? Please don't say draft picks. 

[SCBills]

I'm starting to think we may not even be in the market for Jordan Phillips.  You just can't invest that much at the DT position.  My thinking is we roll with Star, Oliver, Harry and Liuget.

 

As far as DE, I don't how we view Darryl Johnson, but I could see us re-signing Shaq and signing a FA EDGE to pair up with Hughes and Murphy.   Next year, we'll probably be drafting a pass rusher, but with our cap situation, and those two contracts relatively harmless after 2020/21, that's a strong rotation and buys a year before we are looking at Shaq, whoever we sign, and a high draft pick or two.

[Reed83HOF]

31 minutes ago, SCBills said:

I'm starting to think we may not even be in the market for Jordan Phillips.  You just can't invest that much at the DT position.  My thinking is we roll with Star, Oliver, Harry and Liuget.

 

As far as DE, I don't how we view Darryl Johnson, but I could see us re-signing Shaq and signing a FA EDGE to pair up with Hughes and Murphy.   Next year, we'll probably be drafting a pass rusher, but with our cap situation, and those two contracts relatively harmless after 2020/21, that's a strong rotation and buys a year before we are looking at Shaq, whoever we sign, and a high draft pick or two.

 

From Beane's end of season presser:

 

General statements:

 

1.) “We’re a lot of positions away that we’ve got to clean up or answer.”

2.) “I don’t think we’re looking at an overhaul,”

3.)  We are going to look under every rock to find competition and upgrades where we can, but my philosophy has not changed. We have to draft, develop, and sign our guys.

4.) “I do agree with continuity. The more cohesive you are out there, this is the ultimate team sport . . .

5.) I would say, we want to keep as many intact as we can, but we wouldn’t do it in spite of a clear upgrade. But if you’re talking about, I’m bringing in a guy with a similar skill set, why would I do that if this guy can do it?

6.) If we’re going to change out guys, other than people who leave in free agency that we can’t control, we do believe in continuity and we want to keep as many of this core, these guys that we’ve drafted and spent time developing and learning our system,

 

Pass Rushers, Phillips & Shaq:

 

7.) Though he knows that premier pass rushers are rare, Beane admitted that he’s always in search of improvements across the defensive line. 

“You’d love to have one, you really would,” Beane said. “There’s not even 32 of them, though, one for each team. I promise you, we’re looking for those guys, and would love pressure on the quarterback. If the quarterback’s on his backside, he can’t do too much damage to us.

“We want to be strong upfront, we want to stop the run, things like that, but at the end of the day, there’s only so many Von Miller’s, that type of player.”

 

8.)"I thought Jordan really stepped his game up this year on the field, but also bringing some young guys along. I thought he was good with Ed and just showing him some different things. I think Jordan’s still got room to grow. Again, he had a career year, sack production, so he’s earned the right to see what his value is on the market. We’ll just have to see where that goes.”

 

9.) ‘Listen Shaq, us not picking up your option has nothing to do with us [not] wanting you here, it’s just where we are at this time. We would love for you to have a great year and sign you to a longterm.’ I was very happy with Shaq, and we’ll obviously talk to his representatives.

 

I am 100 % on board with the fact that Phillips is gone as his market based on what he did this year and Jordan still having room to grow - Beane basically said as much. So honestly, he will be missed for what he brought, but he is not a core player and we are not overpaying for him. If he tests the market out and it's reasonable we would re-sign him over signing a FA with a similar skill set. 

 

On DE where we will go with this is based on what the FO feels is a clear upgrade. Are Yannick, Chris Jones, Armstead, Barrett, Judon, Van Noy etc. a clear upgrade over Shaq? Shaq as it has been pointed out, while not drafted by them, he is part of the system and being developed in it, we have a price and would rather sign him as opposed to bringing a replacement with a similar skill set. It is reasonable to assume that if we are shut out or don't deem one of these better players and what there worth is a clear upgrade; Shaq will be back. Personally I see 5 FAs who are an upgrade over Shaq's pass rushing skills. 

 

Edit: Very easy to make a case if Shaq's value is worth around $9M/ season, I think you could reasonably dump Murphy for him. To have that level of continuity. 

Edited January 15, 2020 by Reed83HOF

[SCBills]

3 minutes ago, Reed83HOF said:

 

From Beane's end of season presser:

 

General statements:

 

1.) “We’re a lot of positions away that we’ve got to clean up or answer.”

2.) “I don’t think we’re looking at an overhaul,”

3.)  We are going to look under every rock to find competition and upgrades where we can, but my philosophy has not changed. We have to draft, develop, and sign our guys.

4.) “I do agree with continuity. The more cohesive you are out there, this is the ultimate team sport . . .

5.) I would say, we want to keep as many intact as we can, but we wouldn’t do it in spite of a clear upgrade. But if you’re talking about, I’m bringing in a guy with a similar skill set, why would I do that if this guy can do it?

6.) If we’re going to change out guys, other than people who leave in free agency that we can’t control, we do believe in continuity and we want to keep as many of this core, these guys that we’ve drafted and spent time developing and learning our system,

 

Pass Rushers, Phillips & Shaq:

 

7.) Though he knows that premier pass rushers are rare, Beane admitted that he’s always in search of improvements across the defensive line. 

“You’d love to have one, you really would,” Beane said. “There’s not even 32 of them, though, one for each team. I promise you, we’re looking for those guys, and would love pressure on the quarterback. If the quarterback’s on his backside, he can’t do too much damage to us.

“We want to be strong upfront, we want to stop the run, things like that, but at the end of the day, there’s only so many Von Miller’s, that type of player.”

 

8.)"I thought Jordan really stepped his game up this year on the field, but also bringing some young guys along. I thought he was good with Ed and just showing him some different things. I think Jordan’s still got room to grow. Again, he had a career year, sack production, so he’s earned the right to see what his value is on the market. We’ll just have to see where that goes.”

 

9.) ‘Listen Shaq, us not picking up your option has nothing to do with us [not] wanting you here, it’s just where we are at this time. We would love for you to have a great year and sign you to a longterm.’ I was very happy with Shaq, and we’ll obviously talk to his representatives.

 

I am 100 % on board with the fact that Phillips is gone as his market based on what he did this year and Jordan still having room to grow - Beane basically said as much. So honestly, he will be missed for what he brought, but he is not a core player and we are not overpaying for him. If he tests the market out and it's reasonable we would re-sign him over signing a FA with a similar skill set. 

 

On DE where we will go with this is based on what the FO feels is a clear upgrade. Are Yannick, Chris Jones, Armstead, Barrett, Judon, Van Noy etc. a clear upgrade over Shaq? Shaq as it has been pointed out, while not drafted by them, he is part of the system and being developed in it, we have a price and would rather sign him as opposed to bringing a replacement with a similar skill set. It is reasonable to assume that if we are shut out or don't deem one of these better players and what there worth is a clear upgrade; Shaq will be back. Personally I see 5 FAs who are an upgrade over Shaq's pass rushing skills. 

 

Edit: Very easy to make a case if Shaq's value is worth around $9M/ season, I think you could reasonably dump Murphy for him. To have that level of continuity. 

 

However It works out, keep Murphy/cut Murphy, I'd hope the offseason view is to re-sign Shaq (within reason) AND be in the market for one of those pass rushers. 

 

Murphy could be back for 2020, but could also be a cut candidate.  Hughes may or may not be around after this upcoming season.  To have Shaq and one of those pass rushers would allow us to, most likely, upgrade the defense this year, and be in a strong position moving forward when Hughes and Murphy are both gone.

[Reed83HOF]

1 minute ago, SCBills said:

 

However It works out, keep Murphy/cut Murphy, I'd hope the offseason view is to re-sign Shaq (within reason) AND be in the market for one of those pass rushers. 

 

Murphy could be back for 2020, but could also be a cut candidate.  Hughes may or may not be around after this upcoming season.  To have Shaq and one of those pass rushers would allow us to, most likely, upgrade the defense this year, and be in a strong position moving forward when Hughes and Murphy are both gone.

 

Didn't mean to reply with a book, just want to keep some of that info in front of everyone's eyes

[PIZ]

3 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

 

I feel like Lawson goes a bit too much for the showboat stuff.  Having to be restrained by Morse and herded away by security from a Denver OLman after the win is just bush league.  The comments by Duck Hodges were relatively milquetoast as inspiration, do you really need that to get up for a game?

 

See above.  That's not Captain level stuff.  It's bush league.  That is not a guy you want to hang out as an example for the team.

 

Again - Horrible Harry Phillips has been playing 1 tech for us.  BigJ9797 Phillips plays 3 tech.  They are literally not interchangeable parts.  HH was platooning with Lotulelei and BigJ was platooning with Ed Oliver.

 

 

 

 

Sometimes doing something like putting a C on a guy's jersey, along with a discussion with the coach, can get a guy that younger players look up to, to live up the expectations. Considering Lawson is a "vocal leader", according to Joe B, he may get voted as a team captain by the players, since that is how they are chosen. I'm sure though, that the HC needs to approve it.

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Spotrac has suggested a value for Phillips and for Shaq.

 

https://billswire.usatoday.com/2020/01/20/buffalo-bills-jordan-phillips-shaq-lawson-free-agent-value/

 

It's a lot less than I thought.  $6.1M for Phillips (3 years at $18.5), and $7.6M for Shaq (4 years, $30.7) AAV.

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/all/buffalo-bills/

 

They don't have an estimated market value up for Spain yet.

[Prickly Pete]

On 1/14/2020 at 8:12 AM, eball said:

 

I guess you're not considering the fact that he has become a team leader?  Those guys don't typically slack off after a new contract.

 

"Fact" he has become a team leader... is it a fact? I'm not sure how to judge that. Sometimes even coaches will say a guy is becoming a leader just to kind of motivate the guy, and see if he starts to assume the role.

 

All I see from Shaq is dancing and posing by himself after he makes a "big" play. I prefer guys that turn to find others to celebrate with, or just go back to work.

 

I don't know how we fans would know how much of a leader a guy is, unless we hear it consistently, from all kinds of sources.

 

I can't say I have heard much about Shaq being a leader, or spoken of with reverence by teammates.

 

 

I'd like him back, but he isn't irreplaceable.

 

Edited January 21, 2020 by 32ABBA

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Spain putting his best stuff on display:

 

 

[Prickly Pete]

I like Spain alright. I hope they have make an upgrade at OT, though

 

[Success]

I’m surprised at some of the casual comments about losing Shaq.  He was a force this year - relentless at times.

 

Of all 4, he’d be my priority.

[LB48]

On 1/14/2020 at 10:39 AM, blacklabel said:

I didn't see this posted yet so I thought I'd share. It's an article on The Athletic so it's behind a paywall but I'll cut and paste a few bits and pieces.

 

Shaq Lawson - Joe predicts the Bills will get a long-term deal done with him before free agency. Quote...

 

"Signing Lawson would benefit the Bills in a few ways. They would be rewarding a young, vocal leader who has grown immensely under their watch. They would also be sending a message through the locker room that it doesn’t matter whether a player was brought in under the current regime; hard work, a good attitude and production are more important to them."

 

Jordan Phillips - Joe predicts Phillips will sign elsewhere during free agency, however...

 

"It wouldn’t be a surprise if Phillips allows the Bills to match a contract offer he receives, but the Bills are in a good place. Oliver is a superior pass rusher and run defender to Phillips, and Harrison Phillips is on the way back. All the team needs is another low-cost, rotational piece to complete their four-person defensive tackle rotation and they should be able to make up for the loss of Jordan Phillips. If Phillips doesn’t find a long-term deal in free agency, the Bills should remain open to another one-year pact (though it seems unlikely his market falls flat after his jump in production). But, with so much already in place at the position, it makes sense for the Bills to use that money elsewhere."

 

Quinton Spain - Predicts he will test free agency...

 

"Spain was an above-average starter for the majority of the season and stood out as a run blocker. But it’s notable that the Bills chose to rest Feliciano, and not Spain, in Week 17 against the Jets. Feliciano provides the versatility that Spain does not. The Bills also have a team option on the second year of Long’s deal and could bring him back this offseason. Cody Ford could play a part in the Spain decision, as the Bills haven’t ruled out moving the second-round pick inside."

 

Kevin Johnson - Predicts the Bills will give him a short-term deal...

 

"Without any substantial money tied to the cornerback position right now, the Bills have the flexibility to bring Johnson back on a short-term deal. He would give the Bills a fringe starter and depth option, he fits their scheme, is a special teams contributor and can even play inside at nickel when they need it."

 

He also adds that he believes the Bills will likely bring back some depth/special teams players, naming Dean Marlowe, Julian Stanford, Senorise Perry, and LaAdrian Waddle.

 

I wouldn't be opposed to bringing Lawson back, but at a manageable deal. He might be looking for a payday, though, who knows. There were also some quotes from Beane in the article that seemed to allude to them knowing the likelihood of Jordan Phillips testing the market is high. He added that they have Harrison Phillips coming back and how he had been playing very well before his injury. JP had some splash plays but also seemed to disappear at times, and also seemed to be in the game when the struggles to stop the run would happen, so, we'll see what happens there. Kevin Johnson is solid depth, I'd bring him back. Spain played well down the stretch but they may feel they have a better option there if they decide to switch Ford over to guard full-time. Should be an interesting off-season. 

Joe B just repeats everything he gets from other sources.  Most of the posters here could write the same!   He's a loser in the large scope of sports reporting!

[Doc Brown]

7 minutes ago, LB48 said:

Joe B just repeats everything he gets from other sources.  Most of the posters here could write the same!   He's a loser in the large scope of sports reporting!

We're the suckers then because we don't get paid to do it.