Free Agency Wish List After Pre FA re-signings

[IgotBILLStopay]

After re-signing Feliciano, Milano and WIlliams and with Addison and Morse taking a pay cut, we are returning most of the major contributors from the 2020 season. John Brown was a loss, but really more of a sentimental one based on his 2019 season since Gabe Davis is ready. We did go 5-0 without Smoke.

 

We still need to re-sign or replace 

 

Murphy, McKenzie, Boettger, Wallace, Bojorquez, Nsekhe and Roberts. Bojo is a no-brainer in my opinion.

 

Beane has done well so far in re-signing our own 3 key players and getting the paycuts. But with all due respect, I am not going to go with the majority and call him a magician yet for this offseason. With the franchise QB on a rookie deal, the cap should be the least of our worries. The NFL with its voidable years trick (see Taysom Hill's new deal, for example) allows you to indefinitely kick the can down the road - so I am going to bet that we will  be aggressive going after free agents even though we are up against the cap.

 

We have 5 needs from FA / Draft

 

a. Game Changing Edge Rusher: Judon, Dupree, Hendrickson or Lawson should be on Brane's radar with Autry being a cheaper option. I am not so sold on Von MIller. The wild card will be a trade with the Vikings for Danielle Hunter.

b. CB 2: We will likely tender Levi Wallace and Dane Jackson will fight for the spot - but need to bring in someone else not named Norman to compete with these 2 for the starter spot and for depth.

c. Tight End: Jonnu Smith, Hunter Henry and Robert Tonyan are the top 3 TEs and I like Tonyan for his ability to find the endzone. Ertz (at less than 5 mill), Everett or Cook might be cheaper options. Wild card will be Dallas Goedert. Why? Because the chatter is the Eagles are smitten with Kyle Pitts and wont let him fall below 6 in the draft. If so, the Bills can likely acquire Goedert in a draft day trade.

d. Mauling guard to open running lanes (a la Incognito)

e. RB: While I feel SIngletary / Moss combo is not bad, an upgrade may be available in the draft or FA

 

Update 3/17: Still waiting on the above wish list. Here is the chatter / list of possibilities

 

 

a. Game Changing Edge Rusher: Justin Houston, Jadeveon Clowney or Haason Reddick, with Dunlap being a cheaper option

b. CB 2: Adoree Jackson or Xavier Rhodes (Cheaper option)

c. Tight End: Zach Ertz and the Starting TE of any team that drafts Kyle Pitts.

d. Mauling guard to open running lanes (a la Incognito): Lane Taylor, James Carpenter (just dont get Gabe Jackson)

e. RB: Hunt, Fournette

 

 

Edited March 17, 2021 by IgotBILLStopay

[Tipster19]

Now that Feliciano is re-signed I fully expect Beane to go after a high end Guard in either free agency or by trade. Feliciano did not get starter money and I’m thinking there’s a reason for that. His versatility at C and G is invaluable but we did not have a ground game last year and it’s no secret that Beane is going to change that. Either Ford, who I believe will be, or Feliciano will be starting at G while the other backs up. 
 

Morse restructures, there’s our C, Dawkins and Williams are solidified at the T positions, so that leaves the G position the one that needs to be upgraded. Beane can’t count on Cody yet and I believe that Beane knows what Feliciano’s capabilities are. Drafting and expecting a rookie to be able to man that position as a starter doesn’t make sense either, especially drafting at the #30 spot.

 

if this turns out to be accurate then that’s 1 less need to address in the draft right away. The other glaring need that needs to be addressed is a outside pass rusher. Once again I expect that to be fulfilled either by trade or signing a FA. 
 

if these scenarios play out then it allows Beane to really be able to draft BPA. In my opinion that would make one of these top RBs to be that. A #2 CB could be the call as well but I’m hoping that someone like Xavier Rhodes to that guy. Hopefully Poyer did a good job of promoting Buffalo this last off season.

[MiltonWaddams]

5 minutes ago, FFadpecr said:

LG Joe Thuney is a great fit.

That would be one heck of a creative contract. I think he’s going in the $10 million plus category for contracts. He would be an excellent fit on the left side of the line, but I’m not sure they commit that kind of money to a guard

[CaptnCoke11]

Where they going to come up with 25-30 million to fund this and sign their draft picks?

[freddyjj]

15 minutes ago, Tipster19 said:

Drafting and expecting a rookie to be able to man that position as a starter doesn’t make sense either, especially drafting at the #30 spot.

Most OGs are drafted after RD1.  Only 9 guards total drafted in 1st round in last 10 drafts.  Very likely a starting guard could be had with any of Bills first 3 picks.   

[Ya Digg?]

2 minutes ago, CaptnCoke11 said:

Where they going to come up with 25-30 million to fund this and sign their draft picks?

It gets said on here all the time-there’s always ways to find money to sign guys...look at what the Saints did just today! 

[CaptnCoke11]

Just now, Ya Digg? said:

It gets said on here all the time-there’s always ways to find money to sign guys...look at what the Saints did just today! 

Pushing all that money to future years just creates future problems.  I don’t see Beane doing a lot of that. 

[Aussie Joe]

13 minutes ago, CaptnCoke11 said:

Pushing all that money to future years just creates future problems.  I don’t see Beane doing a lot of that. 

He might do a bit of it though...

[SCBills]

13 minutes ago, CaptnCoke11 said:

Pushing all that money to future years just creates future problems.  I don’t see Beane doing a lot of that. 

I agree he likely won’t do a ton of this, but creative restructuring to get someone they want makes a lot of sense given the future cap increases and Hughes/Addison/Star contracts all potentially coming off the books after this coming season.  

[CNYfan]

We have a window.  But the AFC East is catching up to us.  

I am sure that the FO has thought this through very diligently.   They will have a plan to execute their vision.  

Just less than six months to opening Sunday

[Rc2catch]

I say every year there’s going to be a lot of disappointed people on here come free agency when all those players in the top 5 range of their position are not signed here. Beane is generally 3 steps ahead of this message board. I expect he’ll look for upgrades to the roster but its rarely who us fans are looking at. Feliciano is the prime example. Here’s a guy who spent 4 years in Oakland as a backup who barely ever played. They identified him as an upgrade at a cheaper price and a guy who had room to get better. Under the radar. Those are free agents you want. The top guys rarely even come close to living up to the hype and money invested. 

[78thealltimegreat]

1 hour ago, CaptnCoke11 said:

Where they going to come up with 25-30 million to fund this and sign their draft picks?

Just adjust contracts for more money next year and throw a year or two onto the existing deals heck the Cowboys just signed their qb for 40 million dollars a year with the most money ever guaranteed and they are still 30 million under 

[Brennan Huff]

Beane is a ***** wizard 🧙🏻‍♂️. He’s going to make some moves

[MJS]

Boettger and Bojo should be re-signed. It would be nice to have McKenzie back if the coaches are confident he can be a full-time returner.

 

After that, bringing in pass rush help is of most importance. Maybe a TE if one of the better ones gets left out of the signing frenzy. Find some value free agents. The rest you can draft.

[Process]

Ideally we would sign a good pass rusher. No idea why Addison and Butler are still on the team.

[billsfan89]

1 hour ago, Tipster19 said:

Now that Feliciano is re-signed I fully expect Beane to go after a high end Guard in either free agency or by trade. Feliciano did not get starter money and I’m thinking there’s a reason for that. His versatility at C and G is invaluable but we did not have a ground game last year and it’s no secret that Beane is going to change that. Either Ford, who I believe will be, or Feliciano will be starting at G while the other backs up. 
 

Morse restructures, there’s our C, Dawkins and Williams are solidified at the T positions, so that leaves the G position the one that needs to be upgraded. Beane can’t count on Cody yet and I believe that Beane knows what Feliciano’s capabilities are. Drafting and expecting a rookie to be able to man that position as a starter doesn’t make sense either, especially drafting at the #30 spot.

 

if this turns out to be accurate then that’s 1 less need to address in the draft right away. The other glaring need that needs to be addressed is a outside pass rusher. Once again I expect that to be fulfilled either by trade or signing a FA. 
 

if these scenarios play out then it allows Beane to really be able to draft BPA. In my opinion that would make one of these top RBs to be that. A #2 CB could be the call as well but I’m hoping that someone like Xavier Rhodes to that guy. Hopefully Poyer did a good job of promoting Buffalo this last off season.

 

Feliciano got starter money. Not high end starter money but they are expecting him to start. I don't expect McBeane to invest in getting a guard in free agency unless it is for depth or a reclamation project. I think they do draft a O-line player in round 3 for depth and to take advantage of a supposedly deep tackle class. But don't hold your breath on them going after a "mauler" in free agency unless it is a project player coming off injuries. I think they are comfortable with Mongo at RG and then having Ford/Ike battle it out for the LG position. I hope they do bring Ty back as the swing tackle and draft an O-line in round 3 so they can run 10 deep with Trey being the developmental project. 

 

As far as the draft I think they have to be targeting an edge rusher at pick 30. I don't see this team being able to do much in free agency due to the cap and needing to resign restricted/depth players unless they are willing to really restructure Diggs, Dawkins, White and Poyer's deals to risk more dead money down the line in exchange for cap space now. Personally, I would hope they are willing to convert some base salary into signing bonuses in order to secure depth and add a vet TE and a prime edge rusher. 

[Brennan Huff]

This whole time I thought Von Miller was about to be a free agent. Not til next year. Give me Bud Dupree

[BobbyC81]

2 hours ago, IgotBILLStopay said:

 

We still need to re-sign or replace 

 

Murphy, McKenzie, Boettger, Wallace, Bojorquez, Nsekhe and Roberts. Bojo is a no-brainer in my opinion.

 

Boettger, Wallace and Bojorquez are restricted free agents.  Any of them get qualifying offer?

[Rc2catch]

56 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Unless your the SB champ Bucs.... at some point you gotta add stars. Bills don’t have enough and they just doubled down on their “under the radar” signings from a year ago in Addison and Butler who were disappointing last season and dealt out a big chunk of cash in Feliciano and Milano. 
 

I respectively disagree with you. Love they kept Williams. Wanted Addison cut and to let Milano walk.... the cap space could be used on bigger fish at more premier positions in Milanos case. Just crossing my fingers they still can. 

I think everyone knows who you like and who you don’t. You see potential upgrades in free agency and they disagreed. Doesn’t make ya wrong but it don’t make ya right either. I think in another thread I had mentioned I don’t see any stars or elite kind of players in free agency this year, I don’t see many upgrades to the 3 we signed either. We need pass rush but cutting Addison doesn’t mean you’re getting yannick or lawson or any of the other guys, and it’s conceivable if they were signed they’d have similar numbers to what Addison just put up. We will see how they address it I’m sure they have eyes on a few players, just my opinion I don’t think it will be guys we are familiar with or at the top of any of these lists. 

[NeverOutNick]

Resign Bojo and McKenzie

 

Perfect off season finishes with us signing all 3 of these guys to 1 year deals to win a SB:

 

CB Jason Verrett or Richard Sherman
DE Jadeveon Clowney
TE Rob Gronkowski comes home to Buffalo (obviously this one ain’t happening but I can dream)

[Aussie Joe]

54 minutes ago, Rc2catch said:

We need pass rush but cutting Addison doesn’t mean you’re getting yannick or lawson or any of the other guys, and it’s conceivable if they were signed they’d have similar numbers to what Addison just put up. 

 

Couldnt they have got a  DE signed in FA  and then cut Addison..  at least they are younger guys that could be on the team contributing for years...if you dont land a guy then keep Addison .

 

He has taken a paycut more than likely in return for some more guaranteed money this year ( I havent seen this confirmed anywhere but its usually the convention..) so it seems unlikely now that will happen..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 15, 2021 by Aussie Joe

[Logic]

Realistically, based on our cap space after the recent re-signings, here are some guys that I think would be good fits and are actually affordable/attainable. 

 

- TE Dan Arnold (would prefer Zach Ertz, but doubt Bills are willing to give up the draft pick necessary)
 

- WR John Ross (would like to see us take him on as a reclamation project in Daboll’s offense. Elite speed.)

- EDGE Denico Autry 

 

- WR Emmanuel Sanders (a one year deal to add speed and make sure that Gabriel Davis is ready for a bigger role)

 

- WR Khalif Raymond (....speed.)

 

- RB James White (3rd down back who should slide seamlessly into Daboll’s offense)

- EDGE Melvin Ingram

 

So, basically: a veteran WR with speed, an edge rusher, a tight end with size, and maybe a running back. I think they’ll add cornerback and IOL help in the draft. 

 

These guys represent the tier/price of free agents I think the Bills will be in the market for. I do not believe they’ll be in on any of the “big fish”, the likes of Johnnu Smith or Carl Lawson or Curtis Samuel. I’ll be pleasantly surprised if they are, but I don’t think it will happen. This year is a “bargain shopping” year, in my opinion.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited March 15, 2021 by Logic

[Punching Bag]

1 hour ago, ColeB said:

Boettger, Wallace and Bojorquez are restricted free agents.  Any of them get qualifying offer?

 

Not announced yet.  Teams must submit qualifying offers to restricted free agents by Wed. March 17 at 4PM ET.

24 minutes ago, NeverOutNick said:

TE Rob Gronkowski comes home to Buffalo (obviously this one ain’t happening but I can dream)

 

Unfortunately Gronk will not be coming back to Buffalo for someone to bonk him in his weak spot - his head.

[Buffalo_Stampede]

I think if you get the edge rusher the need to replace Wallace is less. Wallace and Jackson will do just fine, probably draft a guy in the 1st 3 rounds. 

 

Blocking TE is a need but I'm ok with Knox another year. 

 

The rest really aren't needs but would be great additions. 

[John from Riverside]

4 hours ago, Tipster19 said:

Now that Feliciano is re-signed I fully expect Beane to go after a high end Guard in either free agency or by trade. Feliciano did not get starter money and I’m thinking there’s a reason for that. His versatility at C and G is invaluable but we did not have a ground game last year and it’s no secret that Beane is going to change that. Either Ford, who I believe will be, or Feliciano will be starting at G while the other backs up. 
 

Morse restructures, there’s our C, Dawkins and Williams are solidified at the T positions, so that leaves the G position the one that needs to be upgraded. Beane can’t count on Cody yet and I believe that Beane knows what Feliciano’s capabilities are. Drafting and expecting a rookie to be able to man that position as a starter doesn’t make sense either, especially drafting at the #30 spot.

 

if this turns out to be accurate then that’s 1 less need to address in the draft right away. The other glaring need that needs to be addressed is a outside pass rusher. Once again I expect that to be fulfilled either by trade or signing a FA. 
 

if these scenarios play out then it allows Beane to really be able to draft BPA. In my opinion that would make one of these top RBs to be that. A #2 CB could be the call as well but I’m hoping that someone like Xavier Rhodes to that guy. Hopefully Poyer did a good job of promoting Buffalo this last off season.

Did you just say Mongo didnt get starter money?

[Seoulofstone]

The value is in the cheap, or even average deals where the guy has an unexpected season and can be flipped for a comp pick the following year. Like Agholor last year. 

 

 2 years ago Shaq Barrett signed a modest FA deal. Look at him now.

 

 I think Beans is too smart to get into a bidding war for an 'elite' FA.

[Artem Lipatov]

in FA we must get experienced 
1) pass rusher. In NFL.com top list of FA 7 of top 12 are Edges. Get 1 of them

2) TE Jonnu Smith, Henry or Rudolph

 

I’d also resign as depth McKenzie, Levi, Boetger,

In draft:

RB with real NFL speed 

CB2

OG/C now depth, future replacement of Morse

DT big run stopper

LB which will push Klein out of roster

WR for depth and 4-5WR downs 

[CNYfan]

3 minutes ago, Artem Lipatov said:

in FA we must get experienced 
1) pass rusher. In NFL.com top list of FA 7 of top 12 are Edges. Get 1 of them

2) TE Jonnu Smith, Henry or Rudolph

 

I’d also resign as depth McKenzie, Levi, Boetger,

In draft:

RB with real NFL speed 

CB2

OG/C now depth, future replacement of Morse

DT big run stopper

LB which will push Klein out of roster

WR for depth and 4-5WR downs 

Where does the money come from?  

[Rc2catch]

5 hours ago, Aussie Joe said:

 

Couldnt they have got a  DE signed in FA  and then cut Addison..  at least they are younger guys that could be on the team contributing for years...if you dont land a guy then keep Addison .

 

He has taken a paycut more than likely in return for some more guaranteed money this year ( I havent seen this confirmed anywhere but its usually the convention..) so it seems unlikely now that will happen..

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Yeah I can’t see them getting rid of him this year now. 
They have to like something about him or felt he was better or closer than we think he was. He was a 10 sack guy for multiple years. Maybe he’s declined, or maybe it was the officiating allowing some more holds, but at his salary I have to think they didn’t see anyone as a real upgrade over him in free agency or it’s an easy decision. 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

1. Tender Wallace

2. Sign Bojo 

3. Sign Kyle Rudolph

4. Start watching more college tape because there is no more money to spend

[GLP]

54 minutes ago, Ethan in Portland said:

1. Tender Wallace

2. Sign Bojo 

3. Sign Kyle Rudolph

4. Start watching more college tape because there is no more money to spend

I agree with 1 and 2. Beane should keep signing our own free agents. Better the bird in hand, than two in the bush!

[Ethan in Cleveland]

2 minutes ago, GLP said:

I agree with 1 and 2. Beane should keep signing our own free agents. Better the bird in hand, than two in the bush!

I'm higher on Wallace at a cheap price than many on this board. I don't see CB2 as a big need. Others disagree. 

I can see a scenario where they draft a CB in the first round giving them two lock down corners for the foreseeable future. Would I make that move? No. Would I hate it? PRobably not as long as they add a pass rusher in FA or later in the draft.

[Victory Formation]

Me likes Hunter Henry. Go EDGE in the draft..

[TheFunPolice]

My #1 wish list item is a DE who has proven able to rush the passer. That is what is missing from an otherwise pretty solid defense. 

 

Next would be an interior lineman. The market will be flooded with guards this year, and Beane has shown an ability to find quality lineman at a good price. Get another solid guard in here to compete with Ford or at least offer solid depth. You can't have too many good OL. All it takes is one interior lineman going down and suddenly we're in big trouble. This would be huge insurance for this season. You might even get a quality player on a 1 year deal, given the circumstances with the cap this season. A guy might figure that playing on a top offense with Josh Allen would allow him to cash in big next year. 

 

Finally, we need another option in the passing game, either TE or WR. Diggs, Beasley and Davis is nice, but if one gets nicked up things drop off very quickly. Maybe the draft is the place to go there, but if there is a solid veteran type guy that can produce, bring him in on a 2-3 year deal. 

Edited March 15, 2021 by TheFunPolice

[Slippery Rubber Mats]

I'd like to see some speed so I say we throw money at Roscoe Parrish. Assuming Barkley is gone, some experience and wisdom at the QB position would be nice so I'm looking at Art Schlichter there.

 

Both these dudes are available and should come cheap.

 

Edited March 15, 2021 by Tuel Time

[Ya Digg?]

2 hours ago, Ethan in Portland said:

1. Tender Wallace

2. Sign Bojo 

3. Sign Kyle Rudolph

4. Start watching more college tape because there is no more money to spend

WRT #4-theres ALWAYS more money. I definitely agree that they need to make sure their scouting is on point, but teams can always find more money if they have a guy they really want to sign 

[Mark Vader]

14 hours ago, Rc2catch said:

I say every year there’s going to be a lot of disappointed people on here come free agency when all those players in the top 5 range of their position are not signed here. Beane is generally 3 steps ahead of this message board. I expect he’ll look for upgrades to the roster but its rarely who us fans are looking at. Feliciano is the prime example. Here’s a guy who spent 4 years in Oakland as a backup who barely ever played. They identified him as an upgrade at a cheaper price and a guy who had room to get better. Under the radar. Those are free agents you want. The top guys rarely even come close to living up to the hype and money invested. 

Point taken.

 

Yet there have been a few times where players we wanted ended up here. Mitch Morse, Daryl Williams & Stefon Diggs.

[ngbills]

Update FA Options:

 

Edge: Lawson, Dupree, Ingram, Hendrickson, Reddick, Judon, Yannick, Floyd, Clowney

TE: Henry, Gronk, Everett

WR: Galloday, Samuel, Davis, JuJu, Fuller, Hilton, Agholor

CB: Jackson, Griffin, Peterson, Rhodes, King, Sherman, Poole, Hilton, Darby

DT: Tomlinson, Rankins, Harris

RB: Drake, Carson, Connor

[Rc2catch]

11 minutes ago, Mark Vader said:

Point taken.

 

Yet there have been a few times where players we wanted ended up here. Mitch Morse, Daryl Williams & Stefon Diggs.

I hear ya, but Diggs was a trade and williams was a low risk high reward signing and cheap. Morse and Mario are really the only “top tier” kinda free agents we’ve signed in a long time. I’m happy to add talent and the team to get better always I think our wish lists get a little out of hand a lot of times and it makes people get miserable lol 

[ngbills]

14 hours ago, Rc2catch said:

I say every year there’s going to be a lot of disappointed people on here come free agency when all those players in the top 5 range of their position are not signed here. Beane is generally 3 steps ahead of this message board. I expect he’ll look for upgrades to the roster but its rarely who us fans are looking at. Feliciano is the prime example. Here’s a guy who spent 4 years in Oakland as a backup who barely ever played. They identified him as an upgrade at a cheaper price and a guy who had room to get better. Under the radar. Those are free agents you want. The top guys rarely even come close to living up to the hype and money invested. 

It goes both ways. I think Beane has done better with the low risk signings as do most GM's because there is less of a spotlight. But look at last year and I am sure there was similar talk. What did Beane do? He signed Jefferson, Addison and Butler all to decent deals. All three of them were target to be cut this year. Where did he hit? The Diggs trade was the main game changer. Then the low risk move on Williams and bringing back Feliciano. But if you look over time the FA signings with the most $ have not panned out - Star, Jefferson, Murphy, Kroft, Addison, Butler, Norman.