2022 Free Agency - Around the NFL Thread

[finn]

39 minutes ago, Motor26 said:

And to think about how angry us as fans were, I think this team (specifically the defense and new special teams coach) must have a massive chip on their shoulders after letting Josh down last year. They know they need to make up for not letting the Bills advance. 

Especially after he offered not a word of complaint, that we know of. He took the loss as graciously as a person could. Not sure if that made them feel better or worse, but I bet it made them even more motivated to make it up to him. He played his guts out and teed it up for them. 

[Fan in Chicago]

2 hours ago, RalphWilson'sNewWar said:

 

 

All part of selling the product.  Push the stars.  Mahomes and Allen are stars.  But many other QBs could have executed those TD throws they both made.

I don't agree with this at all. In those key moments, in a pressure packed environment what those two did was nothing short of phenomenal. We have of course seen a lot of other great QB play but to trade such heavy weight punches is not common. They raised the level of quarterbacking and there must bea lot of teams around the league who are very worried

[billsfan1959]

Just now, ScottLaw said:

You’d think that chip would’ve been there last season after the Championship game the season before…

 

I'm sure it was. Doesn't necessarily translate to achieving what they want.

[Motor26]

7 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

You’d think that chip would’ve been there last season after the Championship game the season before…

That game wasn’t close. This past year they were 13 seconds from hosting the Bengals in the AFC Championship game. 

[HappyDays]

 

[NewEra]

3 hours ago, Sierra Foothills said:

 

I'm super curious to see what Bobby Wagner eventually signs for.

My money is on a team in the afc west.  

2 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

Dam

[Warcodered]

23 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

Must have reasoned they're going to have to run even more now.

[HappyDays]

 

Another example of why the Bengals were smart to take Chase over Sewell in the 1st round last year. Good starting OL can be found in free agency every year. Top tier WRs like Chase are hard to come by.

[mikemac2001]

2 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

Another example of why the Bengals were smart to take Chase over Sewell in the 1st round last year. Good starting OL can be found in free agency every year. Top tier WRs like Chase are hard to come by.

And it’s your QBs guy - was the right move 

[BillsFanForever19]

2 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

Another example of why the Bengals were smart to take Chase over Sewell in the 1st round last year. Good starting OL can be found in free agency every year. Top tier WRs like Chase are hard to come by.

 

Collins has talent. But he was released from Dallas for being injured and unavailable far too often. It would be a real shame if that trend continued in Cincinnati when they're counting on him 😛

[DCOrange]

18 minutes ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

Collins has talent. But he was released from Dallas for being injured and unavailable far too often. It would be a real shame if that trend continued in Cincinnati when they're counting on him 😛

He was released because they screwed their cap and were desperate. He’s missed 6 games in 4 years. Cinci had done a very good job addressing their biggest weakness this off-season. 

[billsfan1959]

3 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Hope the Bills can find some good interior linemen in the draft… offensive line is still a bit of a question mark. 

 

I would spend 3 picks on interior linemen, starting in the 1st round. When you have a generational talent at QB, you better do everything you can to (1) build the best line possible in front of him, and (2) keep as many good skill players around him as possible.

[Ethan in Cleveland]

32 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

Another example of why the Bengals were smart to take Chase over Sewell in the 1st round last year. Good starting OL can be found in free agency every year. Top tier WRs like Chase are hard to come by.

 

Except...

 

Best WR in football, Adams was just acquired by the Raiders in free agency.  Amari Cooper acquired by trade. JuJu signed in FA.  Diggs acquired via trade.  Hopkins changed teams two years ago.    

 

Added the bust rate for WR is 11 percentage points higher than an OT (30.3% vs 19.0%)  Conversely the All-Pro and Pro-Bowl rate for first round OT's is 4-7 percentage points higher than WR. Further the success/bust rates for interior linemen in the first round is even better than OT.

 

So basically, you are better off drafting OL in the first round and finding your star WR via FA or trade.  

 

 

13 minutes ago, billsfan1959 said:

 

I would spend 3 picks on interior linemen, starting in the 1st round. When you have a generational talent at QB, you better do everything you can to (1) build the best line possible in front of him, and (2) keep as many good skill players around him as possible.

While that sounds good, what do you do at CB?  I agree they should address OL in top 3 rounds but they need CB and WR too.

[BillsFanForever19]

48 minutes ago, DCOrange said:

He was released because they screwed their cap and were desperate. He’s missed 6 games in 4 years. Cinci had done a very good job addressing their biggest weakness this off-season. 

 

... he missed the entire 2020 season having to get corrective hip surgery.

 

Not to mention a 5 game suspension for missing drug tests. 

Edited March 20, 2022 by BillsFanForever19

[julian]

37 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

Hope the Bills can find some good interior linemen in the draft… offensive line is still a bit of a question mark. 

Right guard needs to be solidified 

[BillsFanForever19]

Just now, julian said:

Right guard needs to be solidified 

 

I think if we can retain Ryan Bates, then our starting line is set and we can wait until the 3rd or later for developmental depth. If we lose Bates, we'll have to take a guy by the 3rd round at the latest.

[The Jokeman]

On 3/19/2022 at 12:02 PM, appoo said:

2 hours ago, ScottLaw said:

Rather WR in the first…. Especially if Williams is still there but I would bet they go defense in the first yet again and draft a CB…. They are a defense oriented regime at the expense of the offense.  McD already hinted at them being able to find a WR later in the draft so I wouldn’t be surprised if their first two picks are CB and IOL…. 

 

I'd love a WR like Rahan Dotson in Round 1. As could be a slot guy early on and possible successor to Diggs long term.

Edited March 21, 2022 by The Jokeman

[julian]

38 minutes ago, DCOrange said:

He was released because they screwed their cap and were desperate. He’s missed 6 games in 4 years. Cinci had done a very good job addressing their biggest weakness this off-season. 

Yea they’ve done a good job, it’s been painfully obvious even though Burrow possesses many excellent traits, ability to work behind a subpar line isn’t one of them.

[RalphWilson'sNewWar]

Sounds like Joey B is taking his destiny into his own hands with all this personal recruiting.  If you can’t even sniff Burrow…really no secondary has a shot of stopping their passing attack.

Edited March 21, 2022 by RalphWilson'sNewWar

[finn]

19 minutes ago, julian said:

Right guard needs to be solidified 

That's an understatement. If we lose Ricky Bates, we're down to Cody Ford and the assistant coaches, with an aging Stafford on the other side ready to pull up lame at any point. 

[julian]

3 minutes ago, finn said:

That's an understatement. If we lose Ricky Bates, we're down to Cody Ford and the assistant coaches, with an aging Stafford on the other side ready to pull up lame at any point. 

If we’re relying on Stafford to pass block, our front office has problems beyond fixing lol.

 

joking aside, I totally agree.

[Warcodered]

 

[John from Riverside]

1 hour ago, finn said:

That's an understatement. If we lose Ricky Bates, we're down to Cody Ford and the assistant coaches, with an aging Stafford on the other side ready to pull up lame at any point. 

Saffold has been pretty durable

[Big Blitz]

Watson will not play in ONE playoff game for Cleveland.  Not one.

 

 

 

 

Good luck Browns.  

[newcam2012]

2 hours ago, The Jokeman said:

I'd love a WR like Rahan Dotson in Round 1. As could be a slot guy early on and possible successor to Diggs long term.

I think he's gone way before we get to pick.

10 minutes ago, Big Blitz said:

Watson will not play in ONE playoff game for Cleveland.  Not one.

 

 

 

 

Good luck Browns.  

Good luck AFC. Building a powerhouse and a dynasty. 

[The Jokeman]

6 minutes ago, newcam2012 said:

I think he's gone way before we get to pick.

If not Jahan Dotson than I really like CB Kyler Gordon.

[RalphWilson'sNewWar]

29 minutes ago, newcam2012 said:

I think he's gone way before we get to pick.

Good luck AFC. Building a powerhouse and a dynasty. 

Perhaps the idea of a “dynasty” will need to be recalibrated or just dropped all together if each of the QBs in the AFC all get a little piece of the pie.

 

Right now…KC having 4 straight Championship Games at Home is closest thing to a Conference Dynasty.  But their only going 2-2 in those games and 1-1 in Super Bowls dampers the overall dynasty if not out right nullifies it.

[Tanoros]

3 hours ago, BillsFanForever19 said:

 

I think if we can retain Ryan Bates, then our starting line is set and we can wait until the 3rd or later for developmental depth. If we lose Bates, we'll have to take a guy by the 3rd round at the latest.

This is the best way to look at our IOL in relation to the draft and FA. 

32 minutes ago, The Jokeman said:

If not Jahan Dotson than I really like CB Kyler Gordon.

Who do you prefer head to head? Dotson or Gordon?

[newcam2012]

23 minutes ago, Tanoros said:

This is the best way to look at our IOL in relation to the draft and FA. 

Who do you prefer head to head? Dotson or Gordon?

I like Andrew Booth Jr from Clemson too. 

[The Jokeman]

1 hour ago, Tanoros said:

This is the best way to look at our IOL in relation to the draft and FA. 

Who do you prefer head to head? Dotson or Gordon?

I give Dotson a bigger nod as he can be a game breaking WR. I think he can be a slot guy/punt returner early on and develop into a starting outside WR as he plays longer. Toss in we've done well with later CBs.

[GolfandBills]

7 hours ago, RalphWilson'sNewWar said:

Sounds like Joey B is taking his destiny into his own hands with all this personal recruiting.  If you can’t even sniff Burrow…really no secondary has shot of stopping their passing attack.

They surely will be tough for the next couple years but then Joe will get 50 million a year and things will even out.  I still think we are better than them right now.  

[Nelius]

WR cupboard getting pretty bare, even for prove-it veterans that may want a ring. Jamison Crowder still sitting out there, would be a great Beasley replacement. I also can't believe that sites are ranking Antonio Brown.

 

Will Fuller to Cleveland is got to be all but guaranteed at this point with Watson. Doesn't worry me too much, but he was still pretty dang good when healthy/not being dumb. 

 

Could a Sammy reunion happen? Good lord. Never even crossed my mind until now but if you want a potentially cheap, vet receiver with playoff experience...there aren't many better options.

[GolfandBills]

5 hours ago, Big Blitz said:

Watson will not play in ONE playoff game for Cleveland.  Not one.

 

 

 

 

Good luck Browns.  

Steelers and Ravens too haha

[John from Riverside]

9 hours ago, ScottLaw said:

Yea… even counting on Bates is concerning… was hoping they’d really prioritize the line this off-season. 

Counting on Rick Bates is not concerning at all

[CSBill]

I am mildly concerned about the o-line, more than CB. It we retain Bates and Ike, with Ford, we have three experienced players (and some have suggested Doyle?). Bates is the best of them, but right now none are considered full-time NFL starters and Bates may not be here. "IF" we go into the season with the three of them battling it out for the RG spot, I'm okay with that but not thrilled. They are serviceable. ..... It does not appear there are any FA starters available at price the Bills can pay right now. Thus, drafting someone in round 1 or 2 becomes a priority. Unfortunately, our last 2nd round interior lineman draftee has not worked out, so even that is no guarantee. So yeah, I'm concerned.

[mjt328]

1 hour ago, CSBill said:

I am mildly concerned about the o-line, more than CB. It we retain Bates and Ike, with Ford, we have three experienced players (and some have suggested Doyle?). Bates is the best of them, but right now none are considered full-time NFL starters and Bates may not be here. "IF" we go into the season with the three of them battling it out for the RG spot, I'm okay with that but not thrilled. They are serviceable. ..... It does not appear there are any FA starters available at price the Bills can pay right now. Thus, drafting someone in round 1 or 2 becomes a priority. Unfortunately, our last 2nd round interior lineman draftee has not worked out, so even that is no guarantee. So yeah, I'm concerned.

 

The Bills have made some great Free Agency moves so far.  But they still have some BIG holes that need addressing.

Brandon Beane is not usually the type to go into the draft with huge needs leftover.  But then again, he's not usually the type to sign someone like Von Miller.

 

If the season was to start today:

- Dane Jackson and Cam Lewis would be our #1-2 cornerbacks.  Yikes.  Most aren't expecting Tre White to return until at least October, maybe even November.  So even if we add a 1st Round rookie, this would be a pretty ugly way to start the season.

- Cody Ford would be our unquestioned starter at right guard, without even facing real competition in training camp.  It's very possible we end up losing Ryan Bates (he has interest from three different teams).  

- Isaiah McKenzie would be our full-time starter at slot receiver.  Although he's looked great in limited time, I'm not sure how I feel about that.  Our offense relied heavily on Cole Beasley to draw coverage in the middle of the field and pickup key first downs.  

 

 

[ExWNYer]

 

[finn]

3 hours ago, CSBill said:

I am mildly concerned about the o-line, more than CB. It we retain Bates and Ike, with Ford, we have three experienced players (and some have suggested Doyle?). Bates is the best of them, but right now none are considered full-time NFL starters and Bates may not be here. "IF" we go into the season with the three of them battling it out for the RG spot, I'm okay with that but not thrilled. They are serviceable. ..... It does not appear there are any FA starters available at price the Bills can pay right now. Thus, drafting someone in round 1 or 2 becomes a priority. Unfortunately, our last 2nd round interior lineman draftee has not worked out, so even that is no guarantee. So yeah, I'm concerned.

Tea leaves point to an OG at 25. Beane said his priority is to "protect Josh," Saffold appears to be no more than stopgap, and he didn't put a 2nd round tender on Bates. That seems to add up to drafting a guard early. I'm looking for Haden or another vet on a one-year deal at CB, sign a few backup types at guard (one signed today), go OG in the first round, CB in the second, and WR in the third. 

[MAJBobby]

 

[ExWNYer]

14 minutes ago, finn said:

Tea leaves point to an OG at 25. Beane said his priority is to "protect Josh," Saffold appears to be no more than stopgap, and he didn't put a 2nd round tender on Bates. That seems to add up to drafting a guard early. I'm looking for Haden or another vet on a one-year deal at CB, sign a few backup types at guard (one signed today), go OG in the first round, CB in the second, and WR in the third. 

 

No, they dont.