Best free agent signing ever?

[K-9]

7 minutes ago, Big Blitz said:

Does Matt Milano count?  He was a UFA.  

 

I'm saying yes.  Yes he does.

 

I's Hyde/Poyer/Milano 

 

Honorable mention Bryce Paup

Milano was a 5th round pick in ‘17.

[Big Blitz]

3 minutes ago, K-9 said:

Milano was a 5th round pick in ‘17.

 

 

I know this.  

 

But he then became a UFA.  They usually almost always leave when that happens.  

 

He stayed.  At what had to be a hometown discount. 

 

 

I'm counting it!   It's in the top 5

[K-9]

13 minutes ago, Big Blitz said:

 

 

I know this.  

 

But he then became a UFA.  They usually almost always leave when that happens.  

 

He stayed.  At what had to be a hometown discount. 

 

 

I'm counting it!   It's in the top 5

More than a fair point that I should have considered. 
 

Although, technically, they signed him before free agency began.

Edited October 14, 2021 by K-9

[Ethan in Cleveland]

8 hours ago, Rico said:

Hyde was McD:

https://www.newyorkupstate.com/buffalo-bills/2017/12/how_did_buffalo_bills_land_micah_hyde_in_free_agency_ask_the_green_bay_packers.html

Poyer was Bobby Babich.

https://www.buffalobills.com/news/familiarity-with-poyer-landed-bills-a-free-agent-steal-19408157

 

Dimwit Doug had nothing to do with either one.

You don't know that for sure. But let's say you are correct then you have to also saddle McD alone with passing on Mahommes

[Ethan in Cleveland]

7 hours ago, Straight Hucklebuck said:

Hyde signed March 9th 2017.

Poyer signed March 9th 2017.

 

Doug Whaley relieved of duty on April 30th 2017.

 

Beane hired as GM on May 9th 2017.

April 27th Bills trade away pick to KC that winds up being Mahommes.  Whoever was making those moves has to own the good and the bad.  

It would be quite interesting to know the true details.  Bills not only fired Whaley they fired almost the entire scouting staff as well.  

[Freddie's Dead]

Steve Tasker.

[Just in Atlanta]

3 hours ago, FarrellsFinest said:

Mario Williams 

When he felt like playing. 

To echo the sentiment here, Poyer and Hyde have been terrific. I'd also pick Takeo Spikes and Bryce Paup. 

[Rico]

4 hours ago, Ethan in Portland said:

You don't know that for sure. But let's say you are correct then you have to also saddle McD alone with passing on Mahommes

I have no problem with that, I would say that’s also true. No problem here though, I’ve never wanted the Rat.

[eball]

4 hours ago, Ethan in Portland said:

You don't know that for sure. But let's say you are correct then you have to also saddle McD alone with passing on Mahommes

 

I think that’s 100% accurate.  Pretty sure it’s been suggested/implied that McD didn’t feel he had enough time to properly evaluate the QBs so he traded out of the pick.  And although Mahomes’ play speaks for itself, it’s also helpful to remind folks that prior to that draft he was anything but a “sure thing.”

 

[nucci]

8 hours ago, Beast said:

The Bills defense had already turned the corner in 1987. They shut Marino out and beat the tar out of John Elway the year prior.

 

Still was decent. Nowhere near the level of Hyde and Poyer.

 

And….Still was acquired in a trade.

ooops...sorry. I'm getting old. I misunremember a lot of things

[Rico]

35 minutes ago, eball said:

 

I think that’s 100% accurate.  Pretty sure it’s been suggested/implied that McD didn’t feel he had enough time to properly evaluate the QBs so he traded out of the pick.  And although Mahomes’ play speaks for itself, it’s also helpful to remind folks that prior to that draft he was anything but a “sure thing.”

 

One thing’s for sure: once McD entered the scene, Whaley was out of the picture. Only thing uncertain Is exactly when… wouldn’t surprise me if it was a condition McD had to have before accepting the job.

[unbillievable]

15 hours ago, Florida Bills Fanatic said:

James Lofton, Ted Washington, Kenny Davis, Paup, or London Fletcher were all good additions at the time.  I have to say that Steve Tasker was the best one of all.

 

Tasker was claimed off waivers. Would be #1 on the list, without question.

In my head, its like defaulting to the second choice team in the draft, so I never think of him as a "free agent" since he technically wasn't "free."

Edited October 14, 2021 by unbillievable

[GunnerBill]

I think you can argue that McDermott was a great GM in his one go at it. 

 

Signed: Hyde and Poyer

Drafted: White, Dawkins, Milano

 

All 5 are among our best 7 or 8 players. Hell of a job. 

[Orlando Tim]

9 hours ago, KzooMike said:

Has to be Bryce Paup, Ted Washington, or TKO. As far as buzz to impact ratio, I'm actually going with Teddy. He was here a long time, was not a splash signing and basically was the blueprint at his position for a decade. Paup had a massive first year. TKO was an excellent player, we paid for such and he delivered. Steve Christie belongs in the conversation as well. 

Those are the 4- we have had other good signings but none who changed the teams ability to win like those 4.

[without a drought]

On 10/13/2021 at 11:49 AM, mattynh said:

Percy Harvin, the second time.  Reggie Bush

Bush came here with 5493 career rushing yards. He dressed for 13 game and did the seemingly impossible by leaving with less.

[Old Coot]

15 hours ago, Big Turk said:

Umm...Merriman played in 15 games with the Bills over 2 seasons

I should clarify.  His first season with the Bills he was injured at the start of his first practice and played not a down for the Bills that season.  I believe that he subsequently signed another contract and played the 15 games under the new contract.

[GunnerBill]

20 hours ago, Mango said:

 

Cool, so not Beane. Huge credit to McD. Which was the entire point. McD is the secret sauce here. 

 

The franchise changed the day Sean walked through the door. This is his show, done his way and Brandon Beane is his General Manager. I don't believe there is a single decision taken in the organisation by anyone other than Terry or Kim that Sean doesn't have the power to veto.

[BADOLBILZ]

6 hours ago, GunnerBill said:

I think you can argue that McDermott was a great GM in his one go at it. 

 

Signed: Hyde and Poyer

Drafted: White, Dawkins, Milano

 

All 5 are among our best 7 or 8 players. Hell of a job. 

 

 

And yet on it's own,  trading the opportunity to select Patrick Mahomes to an AFC rival and having them dominate the conference.....to some extent at the Bills expense.........still looks like probably one of the very worst trades in the history of the NFL.

 

The amount of QB luck the QB needy McDermott(and later Beane) had in those 2017-2018 drafts is crazy.   Had cracks at 4 guys in round 1 who may eventually all rank as top 20 all-time QB's(maybe even higher).

 

 

 

[corta765]

On 10/13/2021 at 11:24 AM, uninja said:

The Poyer/Hyde combination FA signings will probably go down as one of the single best decisions of the McBeane era. Those two have been just absolutely rock solid since they’ve come here.  

 

Additionally their leadership in the first 2-3 years was paramount to establishing what exists now. Sure Josh is the dude now and the team seams to follow him, but they were big pillars in even allowing that possability.

[GunnerBill]

12 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

And yet on it's own,  trading the opportunity to select Patrick Mahomes to an AFC rival and having them dominate the conference.....to some extent at the Bills expense.........still looks like probably one of the very worst trades in the history of the NFL.

 

The amount of QB luck the QB needy McDermott(and later Beane) had in those 2017-2018 drafts is crazy.   Had cracks at 4 guys in round 1 who may eventually all rank as top 20 all-time QB's(maybe even higher).

 

 

For sure they got a slice of luck. You need that sometimes. But the fact Josh has ended up elite definitely covers that mistake to a large extent.

[BigDingus]

Thurman Thomas. The second time for 1 day. It would've been a tragedy had he retired a Miami Dolphin 😉

 

Also, I know he didn't have the longevity, but Lorenzo Alexander was a fantastic signing that helped anchor the defense.

 

 

 

 

[Mr. WEO]

Hyde's definitely up there.  He would be solid if he wasn't tandemed with Poyer.  Not so  for Poyer.

 

 

[Jauronimo]

Mario Williams.  

 

The Bills made Mario the highest paid defensive player in league history at the time and shattered the notion that free agents won't sign in Buffalo and the Bills won't pay top dollar.  I think that signing went a long way into Buffalo repairing their reputation after the lean years and the Jason Peters/Wade Philips fiascos.  

[Rico]

14 hours ago, Ethan in Portland said:

April 27th Bills trade away pick to KC that winds up being Mahommes.  Whoever was making those moves has to own the good and the bad.  

It would be quite interesting to know the true details.  Bills not only fired Whaley they fired almost the entire scouting staff as well.  

One day I will take the time to write a book called “The Drought Years” that will set the record straight once and for all. The above will be in one of the final chapters.

[BADOLBILZ]

32 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

For sure they got a slice of luck. You need that sometimes. But the fact Josh has ended up elite definitely covers that mistake to a large extent.

 

With QB's........it really comes down to team wins in the court of public opinion..........and Tom Brady is doing his part to make sure that narrative can't be changed anytime soon.

 

Allen and McD are one SB win and 2 AFC championships(one at their expense) behind Mahomes.

 

As a Bills fan who endured the rich Shula's getting richer after the Bills passed on Dan Marino and lost their own selection to the USFL.........I know the tables can turn and gotta' like my teams chances.   Reid's getting old.   The Chiefs have done some stupid things like drafting a RB in round 1.   There is an opportunity for the Bills to take the crown this year and maybe have a superior roster in 2022, 2023.....

 

But the deficit exists and until it doesn't,  that Mahomes trade looks like a Lombardi+ at McD's expense. 

[Marvlevydraftdaygenius]

Ted Washington, was the best because it got no media attention, and the many Bills fans still say what if Ted was here during the Super Bowls?  No way does Otis Anderson run against us and 260-pound Jeff Bostick, of the Red Skins trying to block Ted one on one Right!!!

[dhg]

James Lofton 

[GunnerBill]

42 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

With QB's........it really comes down to team wins in the court of public opinion..........and Tom Brady is doing his part to make sure that narrative can't be changed anytime soon.

 

Allen and McD are one SB win and 2 AFC championships(one at their expense) behind Mahomes.

 

As a Bills fan who endured the rich Shula's getting richer after the Bills passed on Dan Marino and lost their own selection to the USFL.........I know the tables can turn and gotta' like my teams chances.   Reid's getting old.   The Chiefs have done some stupid things like drafting a RB in round 1.   There is an opportunity for the Bills to take the crown this year and maybe have a superior roster in 2022, 2023.....

 

But the deficit exists and until it doesn't,  that Mahomes trade looks like a Lombardi+ at McD's expense. 

 

I get that. We don't know until we know. But I feel very good about where the Bills are. And to bring in 5 of your top 7 or 8 guys in one offseason when you are a coach not a personnel guy is still a fair old feat.

[The Dean]

15 hours ago, Ethan in Portland said:

You don't know that for sure. But let's say you are correct then you have to also saddle McD alone with passing on Mahommes

 

I think Rico's narrative is, any bad moves are 100% on Whaley. Any good moves were, clearly, made by someone else. In reality, IMO of course, his legacy is far more complex than that.

 

[Sugar High JA17]

Frad Jackson - Baller

[The Dean]

14 minutes ago, Sugar High JA17 said:

Frad Jackson - Baller

 

His brother Fred is, as well.

[Rico]

37 minutes ago, The Dean said:

 

I think Rico's narrative is, any bad moves are 100% on Whaley. Any good moves were, clearly, made by someone else. In reality, IMO of course, his legacy is far more complex than that.

 

No, I give him 100% credit for Lorax & Shady, and no blame for drafting EJ (keeping him on the team is another story).

The true way of looking at is that he owns everything from when Buddy Nix left to when McD got hired.

[I'm Spartacus]

18 hours ago, Freddie's Dead said:

Steve Tasker.

You nailed it, but does he count as a free agent? Got on waiver wire no?

[skibum]

On 10/13/2021 at 11:39 AM, unbillievable said:

B. Paup

J. Lofton

T. Spikes

J. Poyer *

C. Spielman

L. Fletcher

M. Hyde*

D. Flutie

M. Williams

M. Morse*

C. Beasley*

T. Owens

T. Washington

C. Clay

L. Centers

E. Sanders*

 

*Active. Impact may change.

It's a very good list, but I think Steve Christie should be on it! I would rank him higher than Owens, Clay, Centers, Morse, and Sanders for sure. 

[buffaloboyinATL]

I will say Mario Williams and repeatedly hit F5 to see who responds.  

[Freddie's Dead]

32 minutes ago, I'm Spartacus said:

You nailed it, but does he count as a free agent? Got on waiver wire no?

 

What's the diff?

[Bill from NYC]

On 10/13/2021 at 12:12 PM, BADOLBILZ said:

 

2. Bryce Paup..........gotta' give it to Paup because of his NFLDPOY year...........one of the greatest seasons in Bills history.

     

As i recall, we played Green Bay on Thanksgiving the year before we signed Bryce and he destroyed us. When we signed him I was jumping for joy.

 

I remember Bruce saying that he told Bryce that if he kept it up, he would be the DPOY. Quite the compliment coming from an all time great. Bryce hit like a truck. He was as strong as an ox and would extend his long arms and make play after play before he got hurt. His sacks were particularly violent.

You and I were at the game against the Colts where I couldn't believe Harbaugh survived. He took hits from Bryce, Bruce, and Hansen that could have killed him. As I recall he was sacked 6 times and took even more hits. 

 

I always respected Harbaugh as a badass after that game. He is one tough SOB. 

[Bill from NYC]

22 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

He was really good........I think they got what they could have reasonably expected from Mario.........but cost is a big factor, IMO.

 

Imo Schobel and Mario were both virtually our entire pass rush when they were here. Jauron and Rex really screwed them up too imo. 

Maybe I'm just partial but I think that both of them were VERY good players. 

[Mango]

6 minutes ago, Bill from NYC said:

Imo Schobel and Mario were both virtually our entire pass rush when they were here. Jauron and Rex really screwed them up too imo. 

Maybe I'm just partial but I think that both of them were VERY good players. 

Edwards and Wannstandt were the ones who I thought really botched it. 
 

Pettine and Schwartz got a ton out of the group though.
 

Remember when our defense stared Kyle Williams at nose tackle….

 

(I think Gailey and Cam would have broken the draught had he fallen to 3 or us having the first pick)

Edited October 15, 2021 by Mango

[Bill from NYC]

3 minutes ago, Mango said:

Edwards and Wannstandt were the ones who I thought really botched it. 
 

Pettine and Schwartz got a ton out of the group though.
 

Remember when our defense stared Kyle Williams at nose tackle….

 

(I think Gailey and Cam would have broken the draught had he fallen to 3 or us having the first pick)

Our coaches had Schobel lining up so wide that he was near the sideline on some plays. It was sickening. They had Mario, a GREAT DE,  dropping into coverage, and sometimes Dareus would be standing there doing jumping jacks at the LOS. He looked like a trained seal.

 

I am glad that it appears as if the young fans will not have to suffer through the idiocy that we did. But we hung in there as fans, no?