Article - Six free agents Buffalo should target

[Rigotz]

9 hours ago, 947 said:

No to Marlon Mack. If he goes on to have NFL success post-achilles tear, he'll be first RB to do it in NFL history. Let somebody else gamble on that...

 

I like the rest of those possibilities though, particularly Ogbah & Corbett.

 

Cam Akers came back from a torn achilles this season and was great.

D'Onta Foreman came back from a torn achilles this season and was great.

 

Medical technology has come a long way the past several years. Mack has had plenty of time to recover... it could be a steal.

 

[Greg S]

(17) NBC Sports EDGE Football on Twitter: "Report: Davante Adams asking for $30M annually https://t.co/wHNXGbymQF" / Twitter

 

[LABILLBACKER]

2 minutes ago, Greg S said:

(17) NBC Sports EDGE Football on Twitter: "Report: Davante Adams asking for $30M annually https://t.co/wHNXGbymQF" / Twitter

 

Yikes....maybe Aaron can pay for part of that.

[ndirish1978]

I take issue with the belief that Braxton Berrios can replace Beasley. He is not a great route runner and is not a shifty, always open option. 

[Rico]

When I think of ex-Jets on the Bills, I think of:

Vlad Ducasse

Brian Winters

Jeremy Kerley

The Great IK whatever

[GunnerBill]

1 hour ago, Back2Buff said:

 

Am I living in a bizarro world?!  You really think Fitz runs a comparable offense to Allen?!  What!!!

 

Yes, Mariota and Taylor are very well versed in RPO offense and Taylor is very strong on play action, much like Josh.

 

Fitz is all about anticipation, Allen is far from that.

 

The RPO is only a part of the Bills offense. And if you don't think Allen throws with anticipation I don't know what to say to you. 

 

The Bills offense is an E-P spread varient essentially. It runs 11 personnel as base and more 4 and 5 wide than most teams in the NFL. The receivers run many more option route concepts than timing route concepts. 

 

Mariota and Taylor both had their success running primarily option offenses that run 12 personnel as their base and require extremely disciplined timing route running from their receivers. 

 

If you want to use your Quarterback in the run game then sure, Mariota and Taylor are more similar. But in terms of being able to run your same pass game concepts Fitpatrick is infinitely more familiar with the type of stuff the Bills run.

Edited February 23, 2022 by GunnerBill

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

31 minutes ago, Greg S said:

(17) NBC Sports EDGE Football on Twitter: "Report: Davante Adams asking for $30M annually https://t.co/wHNXGbymQF" / Twitter

 

Bah!

Counteroffer:

 

[Mark Vader]

23 minutes ago, Rico said:

When I think of ex-Jets on the Bills, I think of:

Vlad Ducasse

Brian Winters

Jeremy Kerley

The Great IK whatever

That is disturbing

[4BillsintheBurgh]

1 minute ago, Mark Vader said:

That is disturbing

You can think of brad smith too. Either way it's history.

[Back2Buff]

2 hours ago, JayBaller10 said:

I would’ve said this was true in Allen’s first two years. He often waited to see the receiver come open before letting the ball go. These last two years he has absolutely been an anticipatory thrower. He throws well before receivers are out of their break and some of his INTs have come because he and the receiver weren’t on the same page (meaning Allen didn’t wait for the receiver to come open, he threw it to where he thought he would be). Not coincidentally, his production jumped when the anticipatory throws became more routine. I’m sure much of that had to do with his trust in Diggs.

 

We are bottom half of the league in YAC and Allen has the most time between snap and throwing the ball.

 

He is not an anticipation thrower on a consistent basis, in comparison to other QBs.

 

https://www.fantasypros.com/nfl/advanced-stats-qb.php

 

https://scores.nbcsports.com/fb/tmleaders.asp?type=Receiving&range=NFL&rank=231

1 hour ago, GunnerBill said:

 

The RPO is only a part of the Bills offense. And if you don't think Allen throws with anticipation I don't know what to say to you. 

 

The Bills offense is an E-P spread varient essentially. It runs 11 personnel as base and more 4 and 5 wide than most teams in the NFL. The receivers run many more option route concepts than timing route concepts. 

 

Mariota and Taylor both had their success running primarily option offenses that run 12 personnel as their base and require extremely disciplined timing route running from their receivers. 

 

If you want to use your Quarterback in the run game then sure, Mariota and Taylor are more similar. But in terms of being able to run your same pass game concepts Fitpatrick is infinitely more familiar with the type of stuff the Bills run.

 

Fitzpatrick near top of league with speed of snap to ball out, Allen last in league last year.

 

They play completely different games.  And yes, the QB running is a huge part of what makes our offense roll.  RPO is not just a little part of our team.  It's a constant threat.

 

https://www.fantasypros.com/nfl/advanced-stats-qb.php?year=2020

Edited February 23, 2022 by Back2Buff

[Brand J]

17 minutes ago, Back2Buff said:

 

We are bottom half of the league in YAC and Allen has the most time between snap and throwing the ball.

 

He is not an anticipation thrower on a consistent basis, in comparison to other QBs.

 

https://www.fantasypros.com/nfl/advanced-stats-qb.php

 

https://scores.nbcsports.com/fb/tmleaders.asp?type=Receiving&range=NFL&rank=231

 

Fitzpatrick near top of league with speed of snap to ball out, Allen last in league last year.

 

They play completely different games.  And yes, the QB running is a huge part of what makes our offense roll.  RPO is not just a little part of our team.  It's a constant threat.

 

https://www.fantasypros.com/nfl/advanced-stats-qb.php?year=2020

The poor YAC not only reflects the ability of our offensive personnel, but also Allen’s ball placement, which could still use improvement. I don’t know if you heard Beane say “we need a player who can turn a 5 yard pass into a 60 yard TD” because he knows that player isn’t on our roster at the moment.

Who are the QBs you’re comparing Allen to in terms of anticipatory throws? I’ll give you Brady and Rodgers, but comparing their game - 2 of the best at it - to Allen doesn’t take away from the fact he does regularly throw with anticipation. Bad take.

[GunnerBill]

19 minutes ago, Back2Buff said:

Fitzpatrick near top of league with speed of snap to ball out, Allen last in league last year.

 

They play completely different games.  And yes, the QB running is a huge part of what makes our offense roll.  RPO is not just a little part of our team.  It's a constant threat.

 

https://www.fantasypros.com/nfl/advanced-stats-qb.php?year=2020

 

Again you are focusing on the players and not the scheme. Mariota could not run our offense. It requires the Quarterback to read the coverage pre and post snap and to know what the receiver is going to read off that coverage. Mariota would be confused and befuddled and throw the ball into the ground a LOT. Tyrod can't read a defense to save his life. Yes Fitz plays the position differently to Josh. But he could operate our offense - at least the passing concepts thereof. Mariota and Taylor couldn't. 

[BillsFan619]

2 hours ago, ndirish1978 said:

I take issue with the belief that Braxton Berrios can replace Beasley. He is not a great route runner and is not a shifty, always open option. 

I know others will disagree, but I agree with you as well.

 

I hope we keep Beasley. I think he still has some left in the tank.

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

Target 6?

OK, nobody gets them.

[LABILLBACKER]

2 hours ago, ndirish1978 said:

I take issue with the belief that Braxton Berrios can replace Beasley. He is not a great route runner and is not a shifty, always open option. 

https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2769275-braxton-berrios-nfl-draft-2018-scouting-report-for-new-england-patriots-pick.amp.html

 

He led the NFL in kickoff return avg. He was 2nd in punt return avg. Cole is almost 33 and will be slowing down.  We can't exactly trust McKenzie or Stevenson on returns. He is young,  quick (4.44) and could easily rotate with Isaiah in the slot. Remember nobody shines when they go to the Jets. His projected contract would be around 5.9/yr. That's not exactly breaking the bank.  Just sayin?

[BigAl2526]

Corbett would be a modest savings versus Daryl Williams.  Ogbah would be good, but on the pricey side.  The others would be good value picks.  I don't know that Beane would want to make the cap room to sign all of them. 

[LABILLBACKER]

4 minutes ago, BigAl2526 said:

Corbett would be a modest savings versus Daryl Williams.  Ogbah would be good, but on the pricey side.  The others would be good value picks.  I don't know that Beane would want to make the cap room to sign all of them. 

At first I thought Ogbah would project to 10M/yr. I was wrong,  he projects to 15.5 which is getting into Chandler Jones territory. I need more than 8-9 sacks for 15-17M.

[GunnerBill]

8 minutes ago, LABILLBACKER said:

At first I thought Ogbah would project to 10M/yr. I was wrong,  he projects to 15.5 which is getting into Chandler Jones territory. I need more than 8-9 sacks for 15-17M.

 

Yep. If you are getting him at the $7.5m the Fins have had him at the last two years he is great value. I doubt he gets $15.5m AAV but he will be higher than $10m and at that price he a pass for me. Especially because he is not an every down player. He can't play the run. He played 67% of the Fins defensive snaps in 2021. But 71% of the snaps he played were passing downs. And that is because he is a liability in run defense. Pass rush > run defense don't get me wrong but at those sorts of cap $$s you better be a well rounded player. 

[BuffaloBillyG]

Fitz is coming off a pretty serious injury. The curse is so strong it even got HIM as the starting QB.

 

Also, with the QB market being pretty dry and a lot of teams looking for upgrades he could be in line for a chance to start with some teams. 

 

Berrios is reportedly looking for $9M/season. That's a bit pricey.

 

https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/88872/new-york-jets-mull-tough-free-agent-decisions-including-braxton-berrios

 

I've been mentioning Corbett a bit and he even has some C flexibility. Would definitely like Mack.

 

Ogbah and Ward both strike me as the typical Free Agents that are really good, but will be paid like they are great.

[TampaBillsJunkie]

14 hours ago, TampaBillsJunkie said:

That's actually a good list. I'd take all 6 and not look back.  Or sub out Mack for Patterson.

 

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

3 hours ago, Mark Vader said:

That is disturbing

We got them back.  We let the Jets get old 'tender tootsies' himself.

 

[CaptnCoke11]

13 hours ago, 947 said:

No to Marlon Mack. If he goes on to have NFL success post-achilles tear, he'll be first RB to do it in NFL history. Let somebody else gamble on that...

 

I like the rest of those possibilities though, particularly Ogbah & Corbett.

D’onta Foreman just did it filling in for Henry 

[LABILLBACKER]

35 minutes ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

Fitz is coming off a pretty serious injury. The curse is so strong it even got HIM as the starting QB.

 

Also, with the QB market being pretty dry and a lot of teams looking for upgrades he could be in line for a chance to start with some teams. 

 

Berrios is reportedly looking for $9M/season. That's a bit pricey.

 

https://www.espn.com/blog/new-york-jets/post/_/id/88872/new-york-jets-mull-tough-free-agent-decisions-including-braxton-berrios

 

I've been mentioning Corbett a bit and he even has some C flexibility. Would definitely like Mack.

 

Ogbah and Ward both strike me as the typical Free Agents that are really good, but will be paid like they are great.

Wouldn't pay a dime over 6/yr for Berrios but I would love his return skills on this team. Wouldn't pay Ogbah over 10 because of his run stop deficiencies. Sign a younger Kyle Allen. It's interesting once you research what these guys want, all of a sudden they're not exactly value guys. Maybe a couple come here to win a SB on a friendly deal?

[MPT]

4 hours ago, Rigotz said:

 

Cam Akers came back from a torn achilles this season and was great.

D'Onta Foreman came back from a torn achilles this season and was great.

 

Medical technology has come a long way the past several years. Mack has had plenty of time to recover... it could be a steal.

 

 

Akers was terrible when he came back (2.4 YPC with 0 TDs). The insistence of the Rams to shoehorn him back into the lineup over Henderson and Michel almost lost them a couple playoff games including the Super Bowl.

 

Foreman looked pretty good although Hilliard was much better in the same offense.

[ndirish1978]

1 hour ago, LABILLBACKER said:

https://syndication.bleacherreport.com/amp/2769275-braxton-berrios-nfl-draft-2018-scouting-report-for-new-england-patriots-pick.amp.html

 

He led the NFL in kickoff return avg. He was 2nd in punt return avg. Cole is almost 33 and will be slowing down.  We can't exactly trust McKenzie or Stevenson on returns. He is young,  quick (4.44) and could easily rotate with Isaiah in the slot. Remember nobody shines when they go to the Jets. His projected contract would be around 5.9/yr. That's not exactly breaking the bank.  Just sayin?

 

So you agree with me. He isn't a replacement for Beasley, he is a replacement for Lil Dirty.

[FilthyBeast]

14 hours ago, Sierra Foothills said:

For those who can't get behind the paywall:

 

1) Ryan Fitzpatrick QB

2) Marlon Mack RB

3) Braxton Berrios WR

4) Austin Corbett G

5) Emmanuel Ogbah Edge

6) Charvarius Ward CB

 

I would be interested in Mack, Corbett and Odbah.

 

Berrios is intriguing if Beasely isn't back but still think that's a longshot and he'll probably restructure and stay.

[LABILLBACKER]

38 minutes ago, ndirish1978 said:

 

So you agree with me. He isn't a replacement for Beasley, he is a replacement for Lil Dirty.

Not exactly, the whole idea is to get younger. I would rotate Berrios & McKenzie at slot and give Berrios 100% of the return duties. Cut Beasley (33) and Sanders (34). Try to sign Berrios to 6/yr and Lil Dirty to 5/ yr.  If either or both want more, than keep Beasley on a more friendly short term restructure.  I just think Cole's tank is almost empty. Either way we'll need a return guy and Beasley, McKenzie & Stevenson are not the answer. Cordarrelle would be nice but more expensive than all 3 of these guys. 

[JohnNord]

15 hours ago, Sierra Foothills said:

For those who can't get behind the paywall:

 

1) Ryan Fitzpatrick QB

2) Marlon Mack RB

3) Braxton Berrios WR

4) Austin Corbett G

5) Emmanuel Ogbah Edge

6) Charvarius Ward CB

I would be thrilled if this was the FA class but it’s not really accurate.  The Bills will be lucky if they can get 2 or 3 of these players.

 

The players I would really like are Ogbah and Corbett.  I would be thrilled if those two were our signings.

[Augie]

14 hours ago, BuffBillsForLife said:

The Fitz curse is real, sadly.  Definitely give me Ogbah though.

 

The curse is concerning, as if the fact that his beard appears to be taking over his entire body. 

[Sierra Foothills]

3 hours ago, JohnNord said:

The players I would really like are Ogbah and Corbett.

 

Olga Korbut???

 

 

Edited February 24, 2022 by Sierra Foothills

[Einstein's Dog]

20 hours ago, Sierra Foothills said:

For those who can't get behind the paywall:

 

1.  Yes to Fitz - need QB backup.  If he comes at the reasonable price, definetely.

2.  No to Mack - Not enough increase over Singletary - and too expensive.  Draft one, and wait and get vet RB cheap dregs (like Fournette fell to Tampa)

3.  Maybe to Berrios - depends on Beas renegotiations and McK possibilities.  Plus draft pick.

4.  Yes to Corbett!  Absolutely, and has worked with Kromer

5.  No to Ogbah.  Get a higher profile better DLman - Von Miller/C Jones/Clowney

6.  No to Ward - draft pick instead

7.  Bonus-- Yes to Gronk.  Need a TE2

 

I like Sal's ideas, they just need a little tweaking.

[Dkollidas]

my picks
 

QB:

Dream- Ryan Fitzpatrick 

Bargain- Jacoby Brissett

 

RB: 

Dream- Cordarelle Patterson 

Bargain- JD McKissic

 

WR: 

Dream- Byron Pringle

Bargain- Albert Wilson

 

OL:

Dream- Austin Corbett

Bargain- Austin Blythe

 

 

DE:

Dream- Chandler Jones

Bargain- Jerry Hughes

 

DT:

Dream- BJ Hill

Bargain- Austin Johnson

 

LB:

Dream- Cut AJ Klein

Bargain- Really, Cut AJ Klein

 

CB: 

Dream- Donte Jackson

Bargain- Sidney Jones or Ahkello Witherspoon

[LABILLBACKER]

Corbett & Jones....ok that's it....cap spent.....goodnight. 

[Riverboat Ritchie]

17 hours ago, TBBills said:

How is Fitz even on the list? The Bills don't have enough money to pay for a vet QB let alone one that is horribly cursed.  I hate when they throw names out there just for the sake of filling g up an article.

They are going to have to bring in a Vet QB one way or the other. Why not Fitz. With injury, he would probably come pretty cheap and positive in Locker room 

[BubbaT]

No thanks on Berrios for me either. Not a sharp route runner. People see the splash plays but he’s not a great receiver and is not an adequate replacement for Beasley. 
 

Ogbah will be very expensive. Bills not likely to go big ticket. 

[Richard Noggin]

Berrios at the price referenced (sub-6M) would be a SMART signing. His fits in the slot and the return game would be ideal. 

 

Ogbah at the price referenced (plus-10M) would be LESS smart, IMO. Which is much more about the price than the player. Solid LDE in a base 4-3. Better version of Shaq Lawson, if you will. But that price doesn't mesh with current cap and draft resource allocations. Which is the issue with FA. 

 

That OG is super meh at the price referenced (~8M), when we could have Bates at less than half that and already have Williams at just over it (who seems like a similarly effective player just with tackle flex rather than center flex). Maybe moving to a more zone-heavy scheme recalibrates o-line assessments? Devalues Williams and elevates Bates? Therefore opening the door to replace Williams with someone like whoever this Rams guy is? Could be. I'm losing focus.

[Buffalo03]

On 2/23/2022 at 12:22 AM, TampaBillsJunkie said:

That's actually a good list. I'd take all 6 and not look back.

Disagree, give me Chandler Jones over Ogbah

[TBBills]

8 hours ago, Riverboat Ritchie said:

They are going to have to bring in a Vet QB one way or the other. Why not Fitz. With injury, he would probably come pretty cheap and positive in Locker room 

No they dont... they don't need a vet QB don't know where you thought that up.

 

Locker room doesn't matter since Josh is the QB.

Edited February 24, 2022 by TBBills

[GunnerBill]

24 minutes ago, TBBills said:

No they dont... they don't need a vet QB don't know where you thought that up.

 

Locker room doesn't matter since Josh is the QB.

 

They do need a vet. They don't currently have a single other QB on the roster. The choice for them is do they go for a higher end, credible, backup or do they go for a Matt Barkley / Logan Woodside / CJ Beathard type. 

 

If you want to argue that they should do the latter, and pay a guy close to vet minimum I can take that argument. But they can't stand pat with one Quarterback and then a guy they draft on day 3 in April (and it isn't actually a great class for day 3 developmental guys). 

[GunnerBill]

12 minutes ago, TBBills said:

You don't need a vet most teams with starting QBs draft rookies.  

 

Your second paragraph  is exactly what teams do.

 

It isn't. It really, really isn't. In 2021 there were zero teams whose #2 Quarterback was a rookie drafted on day 3. 

 

You are simply incorrect.