Bills FA Strategy - Bargain Hunting

[NewEra]

Just now, RyanC883 said:

 

come on, Duke Williams! I kid.  

 

I think we draft a WR for depth.  Would like an established outside guy.  

I’m fine if we invest a 1st-3rd pick on WR and sign a cheaper FA.  Preferably not a guy that can only play the slot.

[OldTimer1960]

9 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I’m fine if we invest a 1st-3rd pick on WR and sign a cheaper FA.  Preferably not a guy that can only play the slot.

I could understand an argument that a 1, 2 or 3 pick could be used on a WR.  Yet, I could see an argument for DE, CB, OL (backupOT/Possible starting OG), TE, etc.  I think this year especially they will want to go with their BPA at each of the first 3 picks.  Picking very late in the rounds, it would be prudent not to reach to fill any needs.

38 minutes ago, ngbills said:

Which is why he got a $2.5M deal with only $1M guaranteed. Worth the risk as a #3/#4 speed receiver. You can give it a year or even cut bait sooner and does not cost much. 

Understand, thanks.

[NewEra]

1 minute ago, OldTimer1960 said:

I could understand an argument that a 1, 2 or 3 pick could be used on a WR.  Yet, I could see an argument for DE, CB, OL (backupOT/Possible starting OG), TE, etc.  I think this year especially they will want to go with their BPA at each of the first 3 picks.  Picking very late in the rounds, it would be prudent not to reach to fill any needs.

Understand, thanks.

For sure.  I’ve spent some time scouting this wr group and there are several guys that I’d be interested in in each of the top 3 rds. Maybe they all get snatched before their respective round of value, but I think there will be someone available worthy of being at least close to BPA.  

[ColoradoBills]

48 minutes ago, Brennan Huff said:

I was really expecting Beane to pull something out of his ass. I mean there’s definitely still time for something big to happen but I’m starting to get a little antsy

 

There is still a ton of players not signed and more getting cut every hour.

Beane is patient.

We are not.

[Mark92]

I think Beane knew a lot of players will be released before FA officially opens tomorrow.  Wait and let a reasonable priced veteran fall to you at a position of need.  

Edited March 16, 2021 by Mark92
Spelling error

[Simon Says]

4 hours ago, DabillsDaBillsDaBills said:

 

I'm more worried about Thuney to Chiefs and Dupree to Titans. That's 2 of the top teams in the AFC signing 2 of the best FAs. 

 

Spotrac says the Bills have 10 mm in estimated cap space (although I don't see Feliciano on there). With available cap space we could barely afford a WR2 let alone the rest of what OP was hoping we'd sign. Beane's "splash" was keeping Milano, Williams, and Feliciano. 

6 million of that has to pay for draft picks.  Not sure when you checked but Matekevich reworked his deal since Feliciano signed

[The Jokeman]

24 minutes ago, NewEra said:

I’m fine if we invest a 1st-3rd pick on WR and sign a cheaper FA.  Preferably not a guy that can only play the slot.

I like this kid a lot, maybe round 3 but would hope 5.

https://youtu.be/T4hxASGk6RA

[ColoradoBills]

2 minutes ago, Georgie said:

6 million of that has to pay for draft picks.  Not sure when you checked but Matekevich reworked his deal since Feliciano signed

 

It's only $1.6M off the Top 51 Cap.

[Dont Stop Billeiving]

4 hours ago, DabillsDaBillsDaBills said:

 

I'm more worried about Thuney to Chiefs and Dupree to Titans. That's 2 of the top teams in the AFC signing 2 of the best FAs. 

 

Spotrac says the Bills have 10 mm in estimated cap space (although I don't see Feliciano on there). With available cap space we could barely afford a WR2 let alone the rest of what OP was hoping we'd sign. Beane's "splash" was keeping Milano, Williams, and Feliciano. 

Agree on the Chiefs, but don't be worried about the Titans. Dupree is an upgrade for them at edge rusher, but he's a solid, try hard player rather than an elite one. Autry was a sneaky good move by them as well.

 

But they've lost Jonnu Smith and Corey Davis already. Adam Humphries, Kalif Raymond, Malcolm Butler, Jadeveon Clowney, DaQuan Jones, Desmond King, and Jayon Brown are all UFAs hitting the market and they've released Dennis Kelly, Adoree Jackson, and Kenny Vaccaro already. They have limited cap space and have proven to be pretty brutal at drafting in recent years. 

 

Their defense was awful last year and is probably less talented as it stands given the additions/subtractions and now their offense is literally either Derrick Henry or AJ Brown. They need to make some serious moves and hit on their top picks to make the playoffs in 2021 IMO.

[Einstein's Dog]

1 hour ago, Logic said:

One of my favorite bargain options, FA WR John Ross, just signed with the Giants for $1M guaranteed. Darn it.

On the positive side, it just might start a trend of reasonable prices.  Could start showing J Brown that he needs to seriously reduce his expectations.  Would like to have J Brown come back and get another youngster to develop.

[NewEra]

8 minutes ago, The Jokeman said:

I like this kid a lot, maybe round 3 but would hope 5.

https://youtu.be/T4hxASGk6RA

That’s one of my guys for sure and maybe the best fit.....but if we want him, we’re going to have to draft him @62.....if not trade back from 30 and take him mid 2nd rd.  I would say there’s a 2% chance of him being available when we select in rd 3.  -100%chance he’s there rd 5

[Weatherman]

33 minutes ago, Mark92 said:

I think Beane knew a lot of players will be released before FA officially opens tomorrow.  Wait and let a reasonable priced veteran fall to you at a position of need.  

Trust the process? 

[glazeduck]

22 minutes ago, NewEra said:

That’s one of my guys for sure and maybe the best fit.....but if we want him, we’re going to have to draft him @62.....if not trade back from 30 and take him mid 2nd rd.  I would say there’s a 2% chance of him being available when we select in rd 3.  -100%chance he’s there rd 5

I'd say 0% chance he's even there @62... maybe not even at 30, Eskridge's stock is climbing quickly and in a draft where nobody at the position (aside from the obvious ones at the very top) have differentiated themselves, he could easily go in the back half of the first if the right team falls in love.

[y2zipper]

Everybody has to get under the cap by tomorrow, so all of the cuts haven't rolled in yet. Cornerback and wide receiver look deep even before the cuts, so I think Buffalo is going to look there for The replacements of John Brown and Levi Wallace.

 

 

 

 

 

[Mark92]

14 minutes ago, Weatherman said:

Trust the process? 

ALWAYS

[NewEra]

41 minutes ago, glazeduck said:

I'd say 0% chance he's even there @62... maybe not even at 30, Eskridge's stock is climbing quickly and in a draft where nobody at the position (aside from the obvious ones at the very top) have differentiated themselves, he could easily go in the back half of the first if the right team falls in love.

For sure.  He’s electric.  Love his tenacity run blocking too 

[Locomark]

Everyone said the stars would get paid and the middle tier would suffer due to the COVID cap....  there will be some guys coming that are bargains. 

[glazeduck]

2 minutes ago, Locomark said:

Everyone said the stars would get paid and the middle tier would suffer due to the COVID cap....  there will be some guys coming that are bargains. 

Always are -- will be exacerbated in this cap environment. Teams holding now should really get some great deals down the line...

[offsides#76FredSmerlas]

6 hours ago, NewEra said:

If we go into the season with Diggs, Davis, Beasley and Hodgins as our top 4, I’ll be ready for heaven.  WR is a need.  That’s not to say we need a #2 wr or pay one big bucks....but we need another good wr on this team. I have no doubt that we will make that happen.  We’re a pass heavy offense and that isn’t likely to change very much.  One WR gets hurt and we’re in trouble.  We had Diggs, Cole, Brown and Davis vs the chiefs.....and no one could get open.  

I agree with the fact that we need a guy for numbers sake and I guess they just signed E. Sanders.  He will be a solid vet.

[NewEra]

Just now, Offside#76FredSmerlas said:

I agree with the fact that we need a guy for numbers sake and I guess they just signed E. Sanders.  He will be a solid vet.

Yeah, it had to happen.  Just hope we didn’t pay too much.  I’m assuming it’s a one year deal.  I hope we sign several one year deals

[Weatherman]

4 hours ago, NewEra said:

Yeah, it had to happen.  Just hope we didn’t pay too much.  I’m assuming it’s a one year deal.  I hope we sign several one year deals

Looks like we did if it’s 6 mil.  Way too much for a 33 year old #2/3 WR IMO.  

[Solomon Grundy]

5 minutes ago, Weatherman said:

Looks like we did if it’s 6 mil.  Way too much for a 33 year old #2/3 WR IMO.  

What if he, Diggs and Beas each has 1000 yard season? 

[BuffaloBillsGospel]

15 hours ago, NewEra said:

Could be right.  If that’s the case, I just hope we don’t spend 8-10M on the next Mario Addison, Star or Trent murphy.   It’s ok to get the 2nd tier guys.....as long as they don’t suck.  We have to get production from them.  It worked great with Hyde and Poyer a few years ago (although they didn’t wait to sign them, they just didn’t pay a lot).

 

if we don’t add a Houston, Dunlap, Reddick, Clowney or Kerrigan, I’ll be worried that we didn’t do enough to address the pass rush.
 

if we go spend some money or rd 1-2 draft pick on a corner, I’ll be happy though.  Levi should go and be replaced with an athlete that can hit, run and be physical.  I truly feel that he was a big part of our problem on d.  Not because  he can’t play zone.....but because he can’t play man.  We need to have the ability to be versatile on both sides of the ball.  Last year we were completely one dimensional in both sides of the ball.....and that’s why we got blown out in the AFCCG imo.

 

I agree totally with you. 

 

I don't think it's panic mode just yet but we need not just a situational pass rusher but a guy who can take this defense over the top. Clowney to me is the only guy left with that ability, whether he uses it or not is beyond anyone but worth taking a 1 year flier imo. We also need a legit corner across from White, these are some pretty tough areas of need to fill. I believe in Beane but players are definitely dwindiling down especially at CB 2. I like Brashaud Breeland, Xavier Rhodes and Malcolm Butler.

[NewEra]

1 hour ago, BuffaloBillsGospel said:

 

I agree totally with you. 

 

I don't think it's panic mode just yet but we need not just a situational pass rusher but a guy who can take this defense over the top. Clowney to me is the only guy left with that ability, whether he uses it or not is beyond anyone but worth taking a 1 year flier imo. We also need a legit corner across from White, these are some pretty tough areas of need to fill. I believe in Beane but players are definitely dwindiling down especially at CB 2. I like Brashaud Breeland, Xavier Rhodes and Malcolm Butler.

I think Justin Houston and Carlos Dunlap can make a difference.  Both older, but but are better pass rushers than Clowney imo. I’ll take Hassan Reddick too.  Not sure where to play him.....but id leave that up to McD and Frazier.  Let him get after the qb.

 

if we snag a pass rusher, I don’t think we’d add one of those corners you mentioned unless they signed for cheap.  There are solid options in the draft and expect one to be taken in rd 1-3

[Niagara Dude]

18 hours ago, Green Lightning said:

Overpaid or not, NE has added considerable talent in all the areas needed to exploit our soft run D and TE coverage, to go along with our weak push rush. Let's hope our bargain signings can keep pace . 

Excellent points,  they added play makers and talent to both sides of the ball.  I would not be surprised at all to see them on top of the division again,  while a may hate them I give them full credit for the moves they made. Even one of those two TE'S is better than anyone we have

[Mr. WEO]

19 hours ago, nucci said:

Why do you say this? Teams seem to be able to sign who they want? Most likely this years cap number is small then increasing next season. I guess it's ok when Bills sign players to big contracts but not other teams?

 

That's always been the catechism here...

[TBBills]

They don't seem to be bargain hunting from what we have seen.

[Ya Digg?]

7 hours ago, Solomon Grundy said:

What if he, Diggs and Beas each has 1000 yard season? 

Then people complain that he took away targets from Davis and Knox and why did they only sign him fir one year and blah blah blah

[Weatherman]

22 hours ago, nucci said:

Yet teams seem to find ways around the cap every year

I can only think of 4 teams that’s been good for a long time (Pats, Packers, Saints, Hawks) and that’s because of the QB. Cap destroyed the Hawks and Saints eventually.  Stand by for the Chiefs and Tampa to implode in 2 years.  

[nucci]

2 minutes ago, Weatherman said:

I can only think of 4 teams that’s been good for a long time (Pats, Packers, Saints, Hawks) and that’s because of the QB. Cap destroyed the Hawks and Saints eventually.  Stand by for the Chiefs and Tampa to implode in 2 years.  

Haven't all 4 teams won a SuperBowl?  Isn't that the goal? I wouldn't care at all if the Bills had cap issues after a SuperBowl win

[Weatherman]

1 minute ago, nucci said:

Haven't all 4 teams won a SuperBowl?  Isn't that the goal? I wouldn't care at all if the Bills had cap issues after a SuperBowl win

Beane said the goal is sustained success. You wouldn’t care, but management would. You are inpatient and short sided, Beane is not! 

[nucci]

6 minutes ago, Weatherman said:

Beane said the goal is sustained success. You wouldn’t care, but management would. You are inpatient and short sided, Beane is not! 

So, we're just going to be good but not win a Superbowl? What do you mean I wouldn't care? The goal should be to win a Championship

Edited March 17, 2021 by nucci

[Weatherman]

1 hour ago, nucci said:

So, we're just going to be good but not win a Superbowl? What do you mean I wouldn't care? The goal should be to win a Championship

Oh brother....I’ll bow out of this convo.