Who is the best pass rusher we can get or available via trade

[Fred Slacks]

To me this is the biggest offseason question.  There are talented CB's in the draft.  I am sure we can move money and cap to get needed FA's.  But a DE difference maker is what we need.  A game wrecking dude.  Honestly I would trade 2 #1 picks to get one.  At this point I am tired of watching our D-line not get it done.

 

Side note Gronk s a FA.  Wouldn't hurt adding him as much of a tool as he is.  Great blocker and red zone threat.

[Peace Frog]

I like that Aaron Donald guy.  He looks like he'd be an improvement.  Is he available?

[Brandon]

It would be nice, but I can't see anyone being willing to part with an elite pass rusher.  They're almost as hard to find as QBs.  As far as FAs are concerned,  the Bills just don't have the cap room unless they're willing to seriously impact their ability to sign FAs in future years. 

 

Realistically,  I think they sign a late career veteran to a relatively inexpensive one year deal as a situational pass rusher and hope that one or more of Rousseau, Basham  and Epenesa turn the corner in their development.   If not,  then you go after a higher tier FA in 2023,  when the Bills are projected to have a lot more room to work with.  

 

 

Edited January 26, 2022 by Brandon

[Sestak4ever]

We need someone on defense, besides the secondary, that teams have to need to game plan for. We need either a lineman or linebacker that can change a game. We haven't had that since Mario Williams was here.

[Miyagi-Do Karate]

56 minutes ago, Fred Slacks said:

To me this is the biggest offseason question.  There are talented CB's in the draft.  I am sure we can move money and cap to get needed FA's.  But a DE difference maker is what we need.  A game wrecking dude.  Honestly I would trade 2 #1 picks to get one.  At this point I am tired of watching our D-line not get it done.

 

Side note Gronk s a FA.  Wouldn't hurt adding him as much of a tool as he is.  Great blocker and red zone threat.

We just invested a 1st round pick and two 2nd round picks in the DE position. I think the team should put faith in the development of the current players. They have all flashed. 

[BarleyNY]

17 minutes ago, Peace Frog said:

I like that Aaron Donald guy.  He looks like he'd be an improvement.  Is he available?

I don’t think he’s seeing anyone seriously right now. 

[PetermansRedemption]

Would have to look at an aging (not necessarily old) one from a rebuilding team who knows it. Khalil Mack is really all I can see fitting the bill. I’d love TJ Watt, but I don’t think Pitt thinks they are too far away from competing even without Ben. 

[Buffalo_Stampede]

1 hour ago, Fred Slacks said:

To me this is the biggest offseason question.  There are talented CB's in the draft.  I am sure we can move money and cap to get needed FA's.  But a DE difference maker is what we need.  A game wrecking dude.  Honestly I would trade 2 #1 picks to get one.  At this point I am tired of watching our D-line not get it done.

 

Side note Gronk s a FA.  Wouldn't hurt adding him as much of a tool as he is.  Great blocker and red zone threat.

Chandler Jones 

[Brandon]

2 minutes ago, PetermansRedemption said:

Would have to look at an aging (not necessarily old) one from a rebuilding team who knows it. Khalil Mack is really all I can see fitting the bill. I’d love TJ Watt, but I don’t think Pitt thinks they are too far away from competing even without Ben. 

 

I agree,  but I think the most likely outcome here is that they'll try to bring Hughes back on a one year deal. 

[Nextmanup]

11 minutes ago, Sestak4ever said:

We need someone on defense, besides the secondary, that teams have to need to game plan for. We need either a lineman or linebacker that can change a game. We haven't had that since Mario Williams was here.

Please point out when an edge rusher "changed a game."

 

They don't and it's why blowing two first round picks on one would be foolish.

 

 

[Buffalo_Stampede]

You know what sucks is so many of the top sack guys last year were new additions. We could've gotten 1. I mean the list is long.

[dave mcbride]

3 minutes ago, PetermansRedemption said:

Would have to look at an aging (not necessarily old) one from a rebuilding team who knows it. Khalil Mack is really all I can see fitting the bill. I’d love TJ Watt, but I don’t think Pitt thinks they are too far away from competing even without Ben. 

Mack's cap number ($17.8 million next year, which doesn't include the bonus: https://overthecap.com/player/khalil-mack/2944/) is a problem unless the Bills do a serious restructure of the contract. I suppose much of it could be converted to bonus given that the Bills aren't on the hook for the Bears' bonus. 

But why would the Bears trade him? He's an elite player and they want to win next season. 

[Brandon]

1 minute ago, Nextmanup said:

Please point out when an edge rusher "changed a game."

 

They don't and it's why blowing two first round picks on one would be foolish.

 

 

 

To be honest, I think a defensive focus is the wrong approach. They arguably have the best player in the league at QB.  If it were me,  I'd put the majority of my resources into supporting him with more speed and playmakers at the skill positions and improved line play,  and aim to have a top 10-15 defense rather than trying to be #1.  

[PetermansRedemption]

6 minutes ago, dave mcbride said:

Mack's cap number ($17.8 million next year, which doesn't include the bonus: https://overthecap.com/player/khalil-mack/2944/) is a problem unless the Bills do a serious restructure of the contract. I suppose much of it could be converted to bonus given that the Bills aren't on the hook for the Bears' bonus. 

But why would the Bears trade him? He's an elite player and they want to win next season. 

I’m sure they want to win next season, but I’m thinking any competent executive will view that roster as not yet ready to compete. And Mack is on the wrong side of 30. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him moved in the off season.  

[dave mcbride]

1 minute ago, PetermansRedemption said:

I’m sure they want to win next season, but I’m thinking any competent executive will view that roster as not yet ready to compete. And Mack is on the wrong side of 30. I wouldn’t be shocked to see him moved in the off season.  

If Rodgers isn't in GB, that division is open for the taking. It's bad, although I'd say the Vikings would be a moderate favorite. Let's see what happens with Rodgers first. 

[iccrewman112]

15 minutes ago, Nextmanup said:

Please point out when an edge rusher "changed a game."

 

They don't and it's why blowing two first round picks on one would be foolish.

 

 

Here’s 3 after 30 seconds of thinking…

 

Brandon Graham won the Eagles a super bowl with a strip sack of Brady.

 

Von Miller won the Broncos a Super Bowl with 5 yard lob Peyton Manning as a QB.

 

Justin Tuck wrecked the perfect season for the Patriots, by shift to inside and becoming unblockable .

[ProcessTruster]

24 minutes ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

We just invested a 1st round pick and two 2nd round picks in the DE position. I think the team should put faith in the development of the current players. They have all flashed. 

plus even if they sent 2 No.1s for some all world pass rusher, they don't have the cap space to pay the guy $25m per... is what it is.. I see most of this roster coming back , with expensive expendables replaced by low cost draft choices.   That's about all Beane can do.   Heck, I'd go into next year with this exact roster and be pretty darn happy.  

[Buffalo_Stampede]

They tried to trade for Von Miller. I'm guessing the way Beane continues to try and get players he missed out on earlier that Miller will be a target.

[Billzgobowlin]

I think you will see a huge jump from Groot next year similar to Ed Oliver.  I think he will be a monster

[TN Bills Fan]

Make Davante Adams happen and go win a Super Bowl.

3 minutes ago, Billzgobowlin said:

I think you will see a huge jump from Groot next year similar to Ed Oliver.  I think he will be a monster

Pass rushers typically blossom in their 3rd year.  

[NewEra]

58 minutes ago, Nextmanup said:

Please point out when an edge rusher "changed a game."

 

They don't and it's why blowing two first round picks on one would be foolish.

 

 

You haven’t watched Nick Bosa play apparently.

 

 

[Fred Slacks]

2 hours ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

We just invested a 1st round pick and two 2nd round picks in the DE position. I think the team should put faith in the development of the current players. They have all flashed. 

Yea but we are banking a super bowl window on guys developing. I sure hope the front office feels the same as me about the priority. I realize I’m not the pro here but it seems obvious that this is where we are coming up short. Not to mention Beane in his presser eluded to the guys needing to do more/hitting rookie walls. I think he sees the same thing. Time will tell. 

1 hour ago, Nextmanup said:

Please point out when an edge rusher "changed a game."

 

They don't and it's why blowing two first round picks on one would be foolish.

 

 

TJ Watt changes games wouldn’t you agree?  Teamed up with an Ed Oliver type maybe. 
 

I don’t think he’d be available. Maybe Chicago wants to move on from Mack for a rebuild?

[Fred Slacks]

1 hour ago, Brandon said:

 

To be honest, I think a defensive focus is the wrong approach. They arguably have the best player in the league at QB.  If it were me,  I'd put the majority of my resources into supporting him with more speed and playmakers at the skill positions and improved line play,  and aim to have a top 10-15 defense rather than trying to be #1.  

I don’t necessarily disagree. But wouldn’t you say if Josh is playing at the same level as he was in the playoffs that is enough offense?  We just need to make 2-3 more stops against powerful offenses like the Chiefs and some of the up and coming teams?

1 hour ago, ProcessTruster said:

plus even if they sent 2 No.1s for some all world pass rusher, they don't have the cap space to pay the guy $25m per... is what it is.. I see most of this roster coming back , with expensive expendables replaced by low cost draft choices.   That's about all Beane can do.   Heck, I'd go into next year with this exact roster and be pretty darn happy.  

I would be a bit bummed if we didn’t clean up CB. Especially with Tre White not necessarily being ready for the start of the season. Even if Hughes comes back I think they’re looking to add a veteran pass rusher. Remember they made a push for JJ Watt. 

[Reks Ryan]

2 hours ago, Nextmanup said:

Please point out when an edge rusher "changed a game."

 

They don't and it's why blowing two first round picks on one would be foolish.

 

 

how about Von Miller on Sunday for the Rams 2 forced fumbles.   That was a good trade. 

 

And of course Von Miller when Denver won SB 50.   He changed many games that year including 2.5 sacks and 2 forced fumbles.    Of course great edge rushers can be game changers.

[The Wiz]

If Brady retires in sure we could have Suh, Evans, AB and Gronk for pennies on the dollar. 

[DapperCam]

2 hours ago, Nextmanup said:

Please point out when an edge rusher "changed a game."

 

They don't and it's why blowing two first round picks on one would be foolish.

 

 

Von Miller literally just had a strip sack on Brady last weekend that helped the Rams win the game. We could have traded for him just the same as the Rams and maybe Mahomes doesnt slip away on all those third downs during the Chiefs first drive...

[thunderingsquid]

Nate Geary has been speculating on this on Twitter.  

 

Danielle Hunter MIN (not too bad of a cap hit in '23)

Marcus Davenport NO (fire sale going on there)

 

Both are young.  I'd prefer to go young so they aren't gassed in the 4th quarter like Hughes and Addison were.  

[Buffalo Boy]

Marcus Davenport.

High Risk/Reward 

Injury issues for a couple seasons but effective as all get out when playing.

Use him specifically on passing downs???

Next year is season number five and the Saints are going to have a fire sale due to cap issues. Might be a younger guy we can get at an affordable price.

[JDubya76]

2 hours ago, iccrewman112 said:

Here’s 3 after 30 seconds of thinking…

 

Brandon Graham won the Eagles a super bowl with a strip sack of Brady.

 

Von Miller won the Broncos a Super Bowl with 5 yard lob Peyton Manning as a QB.

 

Justin Tuck wrecked the perfect season for the Patriots, by shift to inside and becoming unblockable .

Well you lose cause he only asked you to name one

[Kelly's Heroes]

1 hour ago, NewEra said:

You haven’t watched Nick Bosa play apparently.

 

 

[Maine-iac]

Did Olivia Vernon retire?  Supposedly he was still coming back from injury this year but he might be ready for next season.  If the numbers were right he might be worth the gamble.

[Kelly's Heroes]

Nick Bosa, is a utter beast.....his motor and leverage is unequal in the nfl.  That said, discussion an edge rusher when we get limited pressure from the inside is not going to do much. We might have a chance is stone face Fraizer is offered a job elsewhere. MY concern is we have a great QB now and like the Kelly era, we may have  studs on Defense but the DC just is not good enough.I know people love to point out we were first in the league. I believe that is a product of a weak offensive schedule, bad weather games almost always in buffalo and the fact that Josh and the Offense usually puts the game away by mid 3rd quarter. During the Kelly super bowl era, Levy refused to replace Walt Cory, and it cost us dearly. 

 

Do we know what we have in Edmunds? I am not sure, but he has a propensity to overrun plays and often takes on blocks he cannot shed..... Is he an impact player in the middle? Poyer and White are top notch, but get little respect in the media.Hard to trust McClappy, Stone Face, and Doughboy Dabol..... My wish is 2 of the 3 are gone. Give Mcdermott one more year, but if he cannot reach the bowl time for a new direction at the helm. 

 

 

[buffalo2218]

I had a friend at work tell me today that Harold Landry was a FA this year, but not sure if the Titans run a 4-3 or 3-4

[Brandon]

52 minutes ago, Fred Slacks said:

I don’t necessarily disagree. But wouldn’t you say if Josh is playing at the same level as he was in the playoffs that is enough offense?  We just need to make 2-3 more stops against powerful offenses like the Chiefs and some of the up and coming teams?

I would be a bit bummed if we didn’t clean up CB. Especially with Tre White not necessarily being ready for the start of the season. Even if Hughes comes back I think they’re looking to add a veteran pass rusher. Remember they made a push for JJ Watt. 

 

Yes, but I think Allen masks some weaknesses on that side.  They're not particularly fast at WR and they don't have a run after the catch threat.  They could be losing all of Sanders,  Beasley and McKenzie.  The pass protection and running game improved late,  but they could certainly stand some help on the interior OL and an upgrade from Moss. 

 

Another factor here is that I think these problems are easier to address,  too,  especially in a tight cap year.  You can find some bargain value at WR and RB in FA.  Guards and centers can be found in the mid rounds of the draft.  Add a CB and a slot WR with some run after catch skills with the first two picks.  With that,  you've plugged the major holes without breaking the bank,  either in terms of cap space or draft picks.  The young guys at DE would have to step up,  but at some point,  you have to trust your player evaluations.  At worst,  they should have much more cap room in 2023 to make a major move at DE if they have to. 

Edited January 27, 2022 by Brandon

[Malazan]

3 hours ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

We just invested a 1st round pick and two 2nd round picks in the DE position. I think the team should put faith in the development of the current players. They have all flashed. 

 

While I think both of those players performed well for rookies and will become better players next season, I'm not sure I want to bank on them becoming consistently good or great players next season. Flashing is one of the silliest terms to use for NFL players. At this level, every player who gets here can 'flash' ability. The value is in players who an do it consistently and the 'edge' position is one of the most difficult to be consistent. 

[Alphadawg7]

4 hours ago, Fred Slacks said:

To me this is the biggest offseason question.  There are talented CB's in the draft.  I am sure we can move money and cap to get needed FA's.  But a DE difference maker is what we need.  A game wrecking dude.  Honestly I would trade 2 #1 picks to get one.  At this point I am tired of watching our D-line not get it done.

 

Side note Gronk s a FA.  Wouldn't hurt adding him as much of a tool as he is.  Great blocker and red zone threat.

 

What did the Chiefs multiple game wreckers do against Josh Allen?  Nothing.

 

This is being over exaggerated.  Everyone fan wants double digit sack numbers, but thats not even equal to one play a game.  Getting pressure is what matters the most consistently and we did plenty of that and have a stable of young guys who need to see the field.

 

I am not against some big time talent at DE, but those are also NOT readily available and also come with cap choking contracts we can't afford.  

 

Fix the OL, add some depth at CB, and bring in another beefy DT.  All of that is much higher priority and I will bet money the front office sees it that way too.

Edited January 27, 2022 by Alphadawg7

[Solomon Grundy]

52 minutes ago, thunderingsquid said:

Nate Geary has been speculating on this on Twitter.  

 

Danielle Hunter MIN (not too bad of a cap hit in '23)

Marcus Davenport NO (fire sale going on there)

 

Both are young.  I'd prefer to go young so they aren't gassed in the 4th quarter like Hughes and Addison were.  

Fire sale in NO? Get me Cam Jordan

[Fred Slacks]

Just now, Alphadawg7 said:

 

What did the Chiefs multiple game wreckers do against Josh Allen?

 

This is being over exaggerated.  Everyone wants double digit sack numbers, but thats not even equal to one play a game.  Getting pressure is what matters and we did plenty of that and have a stable of young guys who need to see the field.

 

I am not against some big time talent at DE, but those are also NOT readily available and also are cap killing contracts.  

 

Fix the OL, add some depth at CB, and bring in another beefy DT.  All of that is much higher priority and I will bet money the front office sees it that way too.

I don’t disagree with your observations of the Chiefs game wreckers but that doesn’t change my stance. A game wrecker for us would have swayed the outcome of that game. We contained rushed several times because our guys just can’t win one on ones. 

[Bing Bong]

2 hours ago, Billzgobowlin said:

I think you will see a huge jump from Groot next year similar to Ed Oliver.  I think he will be a monster

Ed's gonna be great.

 

I'm all for beefing up the DL though always. I see a lot of playoff runs based largely on the DL disrupting any good offense.

 

Anyways, how does a defense not possibly support JA. He beats the Chiefs by a landslide if we get the same pressure Bucs did

3 hours ago, Brandon said:

 

To be honest, I think a defensive focus is the wrong approach. They arguably have the best player in the league at QB.  If it were me,  I'd put the majority of my resources into supporting him with more speed and playmakers at the skill positions and improved line play,  and aim to have a top 10-15 defense rather than trying to be #1.  

 

[Alphadawg7]

3 minutes ago, Fred Slacks said:

I don’t disagree with your observations of the Chiefs game wreckers but that doesn’t change my stance. A game wrecker for us would have swayed the outcome of that game. We contained rushed several times because our guys just can’t win one on ones. 

 

In the game I watched, our guys were pressuring Mahomes a lot, but like Josh he is incredible at getting away.  And those game wreckers the Chiefs had arguably had an even worse day trying to get Allen.  And we got that pressure mostly rushing only 4 and not blitzing.  We beat them in the regular season blitzing zero times too.  

 

I just think people need to stop over reacting when elite players play elite.  We didn't lose that game because we didn't have a game wrecker at DE is my point.  

 

I just cant see what a "game wrecker" really changes the last game the way Mahomes and Allen were playing.  We got a lot of pressure on Mahomes throughout the game as it was, many of which would have been sacks of other QBs not named Mahomes, Allen, or Lamar.  

 

Mahomes and Allen were just on a different level Sunday.  Having Tre White there would have been something that would have had a bigger impact though, like Hill probably doesn't get that long TD if White is in the game.    

 

So I just don't see that being where we need to invest our limited cap space.  Boost the OL, depth at CB, beef on the DL are where I would focus.  Plus we have 2 second round picks and a first round pick at DE to get on the field this year.  Look at how Oliver finally broke out this year, we need to keep grooming and developing the talent we have here who were all showing good things this past year.