State of the Bills Roster on the Day of the New League Year

[Hapless Bills Fan]

Found this recent article by Sal Maiorana  that seems up-to-date as of last evening's moves:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2021/03/15/buffalo-bills-free-agent-tracker/4700265001/

 

However, Sal Capaccio's Roster Tracker has wiped the FA and RFA off the roster including

unrestricted FA (naming a few in which I think the Bills have interest):

Matt Barkley

Isaiah McKenzie

Dean Marlowe

Taiwan Jones

restricted FA:

Ike Boettger

Levi Wallace (report that Bills have made an offer but won't tender him)

 

Has anyone heard any updates on any of these guys?

 

In addition to extending an offer to Wallace, I would have thought the Bills would try to re-sign Marlow, Boettger, and McKenzie.

Darron Lee said in an interview just after the season that he had an offer in hand from the Bills (but had obviously, not signed it) - no word on when that offer expires, any idea what would be usual?
 

 

 

 

 

 

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

Just now, Hapless Bills Fan said:

Found this recent article by Sal Maiorana  that seems up-to-date as of last evening's moves:

https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2021/03/15/buffalo-bills-free-agent-tracker/4700265001/

 

However, Sal Capaccio's Roster Tracker has wiped the FA and RFA off the roster including

unrestricted FA (naming a few in which I think the Bills have interest):

Matt Barkley

Isaiah McKenzie

Dean Marlowe

Taiwan Jones

restricted FA:

Ike Boettger

Levi Wallace (report that Bills have made an offer but won't tender him)

 

Has anyone heard any updates on any of these guys?

 

In addition to extending an offer to Wallace, I would have thought the Bills would try to re-sign Marlow, Boettger, and McKenzie.

Darron Lee said in an interview just after the season that he had an offer in hand from the Bills (but had obviously, not signed it) - no word on when that offer expires, any idea what would be usual?
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I think the glaring hole is at TE.  Other than that, sprinkling in some rookie talent wouldn't hurt.  I think in the 1st you can look at Oline, RB, CB2, Big Nickel - or even a BPA situation.  I don't like TEs in the first tbh. 

[RyanC883]

Wallace and McKenzie are my top guys to bring back I’m that list.   

[ProcessYaDigg]

7 minutes ago, RyanC883 said:

Wallace and McKenzie are my top guys to bring back I’m that list.   

With letting Roberts walk, i think it's a no brainer to re-sign McKenzie.

[Rk_Bills86]

Wanted to just lay out our team and what I see us doing moving forward. I won't be able to get this all down in one go (I actually tried to do this prior to FA but ran out of time and decided you guys didn't need a the read all my thoughts). So I'll update this post twice - Once with FA notes and suggestions, and a second time with Draft notes, hopes, and all that jazz. So without wasting more of your time lets get into our Roster as it stands.

 

Warning: Long Read Ahead

 

QB: Josh Allen, Jake Fromm, Davis Webb  (2/1)

Simple take here - would personally like to see a more proven backup and/or vet presence but I guess this all depends on how the Bills feel about Fromm and how tight we are with roster spots. If we stick with this it's 2 Roster Spots and a PS Spot

 

RB: Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, Christian Wade, Antonio Williams. (3/0/1)

I think our RBs are ok. Maybe even slightly above average - they just aren't homerun hitters or Pro-Bowlers. Some of it is their physical limitations, some of this is our O-Line played like poo often when run blocking. Would I like to see us add a vet or homerun hitter.... yes.... but cost is going to be a factor. I think Williams should actually get a bigger look in camp - his showing against the phins last season with our backups in was really impressive. Wade is a cool story but still learning - unless he can somehow impress, he will just continue to be a nice story and help push the international agenda. Assuming no addition we have 3 Roster spots and 1 international player exception.

 

WR: Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, Gabriel Davis, Emmanuel Sanders, Jake Kumerow, Duke Williams, Isaiah Hodgins, Tanner Gentry. (6/2)

So our top 4 are set here as Diggs, Beasley, Davis, and Sanders and frankly that's a really nice group. That leaves us with 2-3 spots for 4-5 players. Correct me if I'm wrong but most teams carry 6 WRs on their roster or maybe (as we have done previously) 7 WRs with 1 taking return duties. My take here is Jake Kumerow is a bigger, faster, version of Duke Williams and can run a fuller tree. Isaiah Hodgins was supposedly having an amazing camp - similar to Davis - before his injury and is possibly the heir apparent to Beasley. Tanner Gentry was PS guy who happened to play with Allen. If we only keep 2 for the roster, for me it would be Kumerow and Hodgins. I still would really like to have McKenzie back no only for the gadget plays, but for backup to Beasley and as our ST returner. Current roster based on this list I assume is 6 roster spots and 2 PS with a need to get someone (at least 1 viable contributor) via FA or Draft.

 

TE: Dawson Knox, Tommy Sweeney, Nate Becker (2/1)

Before we start - Big Baller Beane being able to Trade Lee Smith is absolutely incredible. Love Smith as as blocker and a sneaky pass option but really that's what he's limited to and towards the true twilight of his career. Knox is the Bills version of Engram from the Giants only slightly less athletic. Makes some great plays here and there, makes some costly drops that make you groan. Tommy Sweeney - really an unknown at this point - also I have concerns about the heart condition that came about as a result of COVID.... I know virtually nothing about Nate Becker who is a PS member. This as it stands right now is a 2 roster spots and a PS spot with a desperate need to upgrade via FA (draft intel this year says it's basically Pitts and then nothing so I'm not holding my breath there). There are some really nice options in FA and I really hope we bring in two vets to hash out what is by far our weakest part of the team.

 

C: Mitch Morse (1)

I mean let's just call him what his is - Solid. Nothing superb, but above average pass blocking, about average for run blocking. Some people here seem to have forgotten how bad it was not having a starting caliber center for that 1 year. That being said, he is injury prone and I would really like to draft his heir apparent either this year or next. I would lean on a draft replacement just looking at salary hit and the desire to spend elsewhere. This is 1 Roster Spot 

 

OG: Jon Feliciano, Cody Ford, Jordan Devey (3)

So we have our starters here plus a guy that we apparently lived enough to offer a contract to prior to FA starting. It's a bit interesting since both Feliciano and Ford can be moved a bit on the line Ford to Tackle, and Feliciano to C. I would be far more comfortable if we had another Guard ahead of Ford. I'd also be more comfortable if we had an upgrade over Feliciano - but I will give credit where it's due, they are probably both either average or slightly above average and we could certainly do a lot worse. I know little to nothing about Devey and would really prefer it if he was on the PS. That being said - as of right now this is 3 roster spots. I would love a return and continued coaching up of Ike Boetegger or another Vet or a draft pick spent here in the next two years (Feliciano isn't getting younger and of the Line positions G is our weakest now and looking forward)

 

OT: Dion Dawkins, Daryl Williams, Ryan Bates, Trey Adams (4)

Our starters are solid - no complaints on their performance or cost. Ryan Bates literally plays every position on the line and well enough for a backup that I hope we never let him walk. Trey Adams is the tackle prospect that has been slowly working back from injury. I assume he is still working his way back and hope he continues - if memory serves me right prior to the injury he was an elite prospect and thought to be a potential first rounder. That being said - I would prefer a vet and moving Adams to PS while he is developed and/or draft pick (Daryl Williams isn't getting younger). Currently this is 4 roster spots

 

DT: Star Loutelelei, Vernon Butler, Ed Oliver, Harrison Phillips, Justin Zimmer (5)

So for a unit on the team that has 5 members, they are all so far average with occasional flashes and/or aging and the need to look ahead to replacements is a major focus. I'll work in reverse order here. Justin Zimmer was a really nice surprise and I hope he continues to be developed. Harrison Phillips probably will have his best year this year being a second year back from injury - I really like him in a backup role, I think he's extremely capable. Ed Oliver - work in progress, I think the change in scheme and move to NFL level talent and concepts has been tough on him mentally. I expect him to continue to grow - however at this point I think he is essentially average. Butler is here just to be a Vet and be in on big packages. Speaking of big packages - Star - who's sole job is to eat blocks was missed last year - however, it should be noted that his numbers do not really warrant his contract. I fully expect this to be his last year with the team and I have a bit of a draft crush on his possible replacement. I understand the need to eat up space/blockers/and lanes - but I do not think he does so at a level that justifies his current contract - getting younger here would be my preference. There are some FA names i'd be interested in - but i'm concerned on cap space. Putting this as 5 roster spots

 

DE: Jerry Hughs, Mario Addison, A.J. Epenesa, Byran Cox Jr. Darryl Johnson, Brandin Bryant, Mike Love. (4/3)

Lord have mercy - so many names - Lets get the PS guys who are fan favorites out of the way. Mike Love, Bryan Cox Jr, and Brandin Bryant (who also plays DT) are our PS guys and have all been favorites during off-season's of the past) Jerry Hughs has been one of the greatest player-for-player trades we've ever made, it's sad to see time catching up to him - although still extremely effective even if the sacks aren't there. A.J Epenesa is obviously or work in progress and the Cover-1 video certainly makes me feel better about his development. Darryl Johnson I think is a pretty decent backup. which leaves Mario Addison. While I would love to see Epenesa take his place - I feel like he needs another year or two of development. Addison is essentially just a veteran placeholder until we can get someone worth a dam(above average) in his spot. Frankly we need to be looking for Hugh's replacement as well (last year under contract with us). Would have loved a FA signing here - but it's a hard market. I expect it to be something we highly consider in the draft. This is 4 roster spots and 3 PS spots.

 

ILB: Tremaine Edmunds, Tyler Matakevich, Andre Smith (3)

I don't understand the hate Edmunds gets on this board. He is above average an on his rookie contract. He's also improving each year. You would be hard pressed to find a cheaper replacement that would yield the same level of play or better without having to make a trade that didn't really swing in our favor. I feel much better about Tyler Matakevich with the fact that he has restructured - his contract hit was simply too high for a year like this to justify his money. I know little to nothing about Andre Smith but considering we signed him to a two yr deal before FA started I assume the coaches like him. This is 3 roster spots. I would love to see an upgrade here in terms of capable back up (when Edmunds is out.... ouch), but cost is a limiting factor. I expect a possible FA signing and/or Draft (draft and stash) before the season starts. This is 3 roster spots.

 

OLB: Matt Milano, A.J. Klein, Tyrel Dodson (3)

Milano is pretty good, not phenomenal, but 100% above average. A.J. Klein might have found a home (although I don't really like his cap hit) - it's hard to hate a guy that truly gives it his all but is the textbook definition of a half-step too slow. Tyrel Dodson is our last back up here and probably about average for a 3rd stringer. Now I know we don't run a true 4-3, instead we run 4/2/5 with either extra corners or safetys in. I don't know if this is our scheme or due to the fact that we don't have a beast SAM OLB. Milano is great in his ability to play both WILL and SAM and be above average in both - but he is no menace - he is no boom-stick - he is not a "throw or run it here at your own peril". The question is, "IF" we had an imposing SAM OLB the wrecked absolute devastation on his side of the field both in passing (was not a hinderance when covering TEs) and rushing - would we run more traditional 4-3 sets. Only coaching knows, and that makes FA and Draft difficult to predict for us. As with our other LB spot, would love a FA and/or Draft pick spent here but this is entirely dependent on coaching philosophy and feel. 3 roster spots

 

CB: Tre'Davious White, Taron Johnson, Dane Jackson, Cam Lewis (4)

So we have our main man Tre and he's a national treasure. Taron Johnson who is our slot guy and is average to above average. Which leads us to our question/problem/conundrum, who is our #2 CB. IS Dane Jackson that guy? Wouldn't that be something is he was, but I'm not sold on him just yet. Cam Lewis is strictly a backup and I'm good with his roster spot. There are a TON like, an absolutely insane amount of CBs on the FA market currently and I think we need to highly consider bringing in 1 or 2 along with drafting one.  If we could solidify the #2 CB position it could help our DL. There are two common trains of thought - The DL is so good, the DBs don't have to cover for as long or the inverse, The DBs are so good, the DL has extra time to get home. We are stuck in average limbo that leans slight on the DBs giving our line extra time. This is 4 roster spots.

 

Safety: Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Siran Neal, Jaquan Johnson, Josh Thomas (4/1)

So we're pretty set on Hyde and Poyer, I don't think I really need to discuss them. Siran Neal is a capable backup. Jaquan Johnson I think was someone we drafted with hopes to develop and has become a ST contributor. Josh Thomas is a PS guy currently. I feel like we need to get a FA in (bring back Dean) but really I would feel more comfortable having another vet on the team. Would also like to look into drafting an heir apparent to Hyde/Poyer because they aren't exactly spring chicks. This is 4 roster spots and 1 PS spot.

 

*Last 4 guys before wrapping up this first post

 

FB: Reggie Gilliam (1)

Scored a TD in his rookie year and won out over Dimarco. Not much to say here unless we're talking the value of his roster spot

 

LS: Reid Ferguson (1)

Because you need 1 and the less you hear about them the better they are. No complaints (outside of his brother being a Phin)

 

K: Tyler Bass (1)

What a find. Nice to know we should have this position locked up for a long time to come.

 

P: Matt Haack (1)

Because you need 1 and I guess so long as he's as good as BoJo I won't complain. If he's better - that makes it even better.

 

So where does this leave us as FA continues and the Draft gets closer:

 

Special Teams (And FB): 4 Roster Spots

Offense: 21 Roster Spots [4 PS Spots + 1 International Exception Spot]

Defense: 23 Roster Spots [4 PS Spots]

 

So we have 5 Open Roster Spots and 2 Open PS Spots

We have ~$9.7 Million in Cap Space (NOT counting Matakevich Restructure, Matt Haack Signing, Lee Smith Trade, Emmanuel Sanders Signing)

Estimated cost of Rookie Class ~$6million

 

Most noted ways of making additional cap space:

$7.5 Million Tre White Option Bonus (Cap Relief this year - minimal hit when revenue returns)

$7.5 million Dion Dawkins Option Bonus (Cap Relief this year - minimal hit when revenue returns)

Extend Stefon Diggs with favorable Cap Hit for this year. 

 

Needs (* denotes highest level of need):

QB - Vet backup?

*RB -Starter/Depth Improvement via FA/Draft

**WR - Depth Improvement via FA/Draft

*****TE - Please, anything to improve this situation on our roster (Preferably entirely through FA due to supposed lack of Draft Prospects)

C - Heir Apparent via draft and/or additional backup if roster space allows

OT - Heir Apparent via draft and/or additional backup if roster space allows

*G - Starter/Depth Improvement or competition over Cody Ford via FA or Draft and/or additional backup if roster space allows

*DT - Starter/Depth Improvement via FA/Draft - Big Man Heir to Star in draft

**DE - Starter/Depth Improvement or competition over Mario Addison via FA or Draft - Heir Apparent via draft and/or additional backup if roster space allows

ILB - Depth Improvement via FA/Draft -

OLB - Depth Improvement via FA/Draft - (Pending Scheme and Coaching Philosophy add ** if we intend to get a beast SAM OLB and run more traditional 4-3 sets)

**CB - #2 opposite Tre and Starter/Depth Improvement via FA/Draft

S - Starter/Depth Improvement via FA/Draft - Heir Apparent via draft

 

End of Part 1

 

[Hapless Bills Fan]

I don't know if this is generally readable but Q&A with Joe Buscaglia has a bunch of interesting thoughts.

https://theathletic.com/2457335/2021/03/17/live-bills-free-agency-qa-with-joe-buscaglia/

 

A couple of them, in case that's not generally visible (but the Athletic is running a special trial for $1/month, might check it out)

 

Which needs will Beane still try to address in FA?

Quote

Nick F.

With so many of the needs being checked off, it's clear CB 2, edge and TE are the most pressing right now. Which could you see being filled via free agency and which via the draft?

Joe Buscaglia

@Nick F. My guess is that finding a veteran TE to pair with the younger Knox is the lean here. They have not totally given up on Knox yet, but recognize the need to improve the position.

As for CB and EDGE, both are firmly on the draft radar. I'd throw 1TDT, G/C and WR in that mix as well.

On the Running Game Paradox (standing pat with the same OL and RB while saying we need to improve:

Quote

Matthew D.

Beane admitted the running game needed to improve but yet decided to run it back with the same O-line and backs. What's the logic here? Hoping for better health upfront?

Joe Buscaglia

@Matthew D. I think he looks at Cody Ford as part of the solution, and I also wouldn't rule out an early round pickup of a C/G prospect to push either Morse or Feliciano this season. But yes, I was curious about that logic as well. That's another reason why adding an upgrade at TE makes a lot of sense, because Beane also pointed out the blocking from the TEs wasn't good enough either.

 

On Taiwan Jones:

Quote

Pete O.

With Roberts leaving, what do you think Buffalo does to replace him? Any draft candidates come to mind? I assume they probably want to get someone who is more than just KR. Do you think Antonio Williams has a good chance to replace Taiwan Jones with his special teams abilities and tight cap situation?

Joe Buscaglia

@Pete O. I would target the draft for a return specialist because that's where you're going to find the most value for available cap dollars. I'm going to dig deep into draft prep after FA slows down, so no names for you as of now unfortunately. I'd say check out our draft expert Dane Brugler in the meantime for prospect info.

For Taiwan Jones, I think Jake Kumerow will step into that role. When Jones was out with a hamstring injury Kumerow was a core special teams player that did so well they signed him to the active roster. They released him to bring a starter back and he was claimed on waivers, but they acted quickly to bring him back to the practice squad when they could. Now he's under contract with the Bills for 2021.

 

He thinks we're moving on from McKenzie, which makes me 😥

[BringMetheHeadofLeonLett]

Looks like a basically ready-to-go roster, but could definitely use some upgrades.   I see a ranked importance on CB2A, TE1, DE1A, RB1, S3... A's being an upgrade over what our current, still good, players are- bumping those players down half a notch.  I'd personally love a crew of Linebacking monsters, but I think we're in wait and see mode with the current guys.  

[Ethan in Cleveland]

My take is at this point in Free agency the team is really no better nor any worse than they were before.  Beane has done a good job of clearing cap space and keeping Williams on a reasonable deal.  A bit of an overpay for Milano but marginal edge rushers are getting overpaid.  The OL is stabilized and should be better with a healthy Ford and Feliciano for the entire year.  The WR group is not much different.  A little older which is not good but maybe a little less injury prone.  Punter has less leg but a bit more consistency.  Still no improvement in pass rush and no good options at TE #2 and TE #3.  

My playbook still stands. Bring back Levi and Dane to compete for CB #2. and Draft four front 7 defenders( 2 edge, 1 NT, 1 MLB), a TE, and a CB that has some return ability.  

[NewEra]

2 hours ago, dneveu said:

 

I think the glaring hole is at TE.  Other than that, sprinkling in some rookie talent wouldn't hurt.  I think in the 1st you can look at Oline, RB, CB2, Big Nickel - or even a BPA situation.  I don't like TEs in the first tbh. 

I think the most glaring hole is cb2.  I’m as big a Dane fan as there is, but to expect him to start opposite Tre for 16+ the playoffs is bit much.  He played extensive snaps in 3 games....and got hurt and missed time.  He should be boundary cb #3 behind Tre and either a high draft pick or a vet FA on a 1 year deal.  Cornerbacks are often dinged up.  We need depth.  We have none.  In a passing league that favors the WRs, CB is too important to put our trust in Dane to be our guy at this point 

[billsfan89]

The state of the roster is good. All three key starters were retained but Ty, Bojo and Roberts were lost. Bojo was replaced by a solid punter on a longer term deal at an affordable rate. Ty and Roberts have yet to be replaced. The team in free agency also found John Brown's replacement in Sanders so a lateral move on the only player lost in cuts, a solid rental to buy them a year to see just how good Davis and Hodgins are. They just tendered Ike so the O-line is likely to be further retained hopefully and Wallace while not retained was offered a contract. Finding a pass rusher and 1-2 other starting needs are critical but for the most part depth is going to be a big concern. Finding a new returner, finding a swing tackle, and possibly more depth in the secondary are all key areas of depth needed. 

[mjt328]

At this point, the roster is about the same as last year's 13-3 team.

-  We've basically swapped John Brown for Emmanuel Sanders, and gotten a new punter.

-  We lost our return guy in Andre Roberts, but Star Lotulelei is coming back after opting out in 2020.

-  The only starter we may lose is Levi Wallace, and he has been the weakest link on the defense for the last 2-3 seasons.  The rest of our free agents are backups who can be replaced with draft picks or on the cheap.

 

It's possible we bring back Wallace.  Even if we do that, I think Cornerback is the biggest need on the roster.

After that, I would really like to see an upgrade at Tight End, Defensive End, and then possibly Guard and Running Back.  It would be nice to get some depth at Defensive Tackle and Linebacker.

 

Bottom line, we are in really good shape.

 

[Simon Says]

4 hours ago, ProcessYaDigg said:

With letting Roberts walk, i think it's a no brainer to re-sign McKenzie.

With the Sanders signing: could McKenzie be thinking there won't many reps for him ?

[stinky finger]

1 hour ago, Ethan in Portland said:

My take is at this point in Free agency the team is really no better nor any worse than they were before.  Beane has done a good job of clearing cap space and keeping Williams on a reasonable deal.  A bit of an overpay for Milano but marginal edge rushers are getting overpaid.  The OL is stabilized and should be better with a healthy Ford and Feliciano for the entire year.  The WR group is not much different.  A little older which is not good but maybe a little less injury prone.  Punter has less leg but a bit more consistency.  Still no improvement in pass rush and no good options at TE #2 and TE #3.  

My playbook still stands. Bring back Levi and Dane to compete for CB #2. and Draft four front 7 defenders( 2 edge, 1 NT, 1 MLB), a TE, and a CB that has some return ability.  

 

I hear you on the DL.

 

But this sounds like a recipe for reaching in the draft. 

 

 

[freddyjj]

3 hours ago, Georgie said:

With the Sanders signing: could McKenzie be thinking there won't many reps for him ?

That's a good question Georgie!  Brown was not the reason McKenzie didn't play.  On STs Roberts kept him off the field and at WR, where he ended the 2019 season as the 3rd WR, McKenzie saw John Brown and Gabe Davis take those snaps in 2020.  

 

McKenzie's role, if he is brought back in 2021,  will be gadget guy and ST return specialist.  His biggest opposition in camp will likely be a rookie with speed drafted for same duties with a number that is 1/2 or 1/3 what Bills would need to pay McKenzie.

Edited March 17, 2021 by freddyjj

[Hapless Bills Fan]

 

 

And to recap, we have a "right of first refusal" $2.1M tender on Ike Boettger

[Hapless Bills Fan]

1 hour ago, freddyjj said:

That's a good question Georgie!  Brown was not the McKenzie didn't play.  On STs Roberts kept him off the field and at WR, where he ended the 2019 season as the 3rd WR, McKenzie saw John Brown and Gabe Davis take those snaps in 2020.  

 

McKenzie's role, if he is brought back in 2021,  will be gadget guy and ST return specialist.  His biggest opposition in camp will likely be a rookie with speed drafted for same duties with a number that is 1/2 or 1/3 what Bills would need to pay McKenzie.

 

So McKenzie at this point has 4 years of experience (2017, think he qualified all 4 years).  This makes him eligible for VSB.

 

His minimum salary if I've got the right table, is $990,000.

 

As I understand it, if he doesn't get other takers the Bills could sign him to a cap hit of $1.127M of ($990k salary + $137.5k of bonuses) but have it count as $850k (this is called veteran salary benefit). 

 

Depending upon the round, a late round player (5th-7th round) has a cap hit of $680-728k.

 

Bottom line is the rookie would not cost 1/2 to 1/3 what the Bills would have to pay McKenzie (assuming he has no offers above vet minimum) but rather McKenzie would cost 17-24% more (under VSB).  An extra 17-24% would IMO be easily countered by experience in the system.

 

When the dust settles, I wouldn't rule against the Bills bringing McKenzie back if they can do it on VSB, but if he gets an offer of $1.5-$2M, I'm afraid they will wish him the best (I like McKenzie).

 

 

[freddyjj]

18 hours ago, Hapless Bills Fan said:

Bottom line is the rookie would not cost 1/2 to 1/3 what the Bills would have to pay McKenzie (assuming he has no offers above vet minimum) but rather McKenzie would cost 17-24% more (under VSB).  An extra 17-24% would IMO be easily countered by experience in the system.

 

When the dust settles, I wouldn't rule against the Bills bringing McKenzie back if they can do it on VSB, but if he gets an offer of $1.5-$2M, I'm afraid they will wish him the best (I like McKenzie).

 

good catch - guess I should have said 1/2 or 1/3 LESS!!

[Hapless Bills Fan]

12 minutes ago, freddyjj said:

good catch - guess I should have said 1/2 or 1/3 LESS!!

 

My point is that if the VSB is used, it's not even 1/3 to 1/2 less against the cap.  1/3 off of $850k would be $561k, while the cheapest draft pick would be a cap hit of $680. 

 

It's just not a very big difference at this point.