Who would be your free agency targets?

[No_Matter_What]

On 3/4/2023 at 7:54 PM, GunnerBill said:

 

So I'd be willing to go to $13m AAV. That is about what Laken Tomlinson got last yesr from the Jets. His profile and age was similar (I like Semuelo better as a player tho). On that number Tomlinson's cap hit last year was $5.5m. I think a similar deal is doable. 

 

I don't love the rest of the class. I like Nate Davis a bit but don't love him and he might get more than Semuelo so that's no deal for me.

 

My second option is a trade with Tampa for Shaq Mason. They paid a 5th for him last year. They are now entering a likely rebuild. I reckon they might take a 5th back. He'd bring $8.5m with him but is a FA after the year, so you might be able to do a short extension and lower than number with some up front Pegula cash. 

 

Option 3 might be Risner from the Broncos but again I think you would have to overpay for his talent level.

Thanks for detailed response. It will be interesting to see how much he actually gets.

 

Problem I see is very similar to last year. We all want Beane to do something, but the options in FA are very limited, unless you want to overpay a lot. I think it was the same last year, when there were almost no realistic options how to uprage OL in FA (and very few in draft). As for overpaying, Beane did it with Morse, I thought it was a great idea but many claimed he gets too much. But that is the only way how to get top FA imo.

 

But again, I would always make my OL a priority, so hopefully somthing happens.

[LABILLBACKER]

On 3/4/2023 at 8:55 AM, Alphadawg7 said:

I feel like Perine is more of what we already have in Cook and Hines.  I’d rather have a guy who is a tough runner in the elements.

Perine is a power back. He's 5-11/ 235.  Cook and Hines both are speed backs around 195.  And besides you're the one who suggested Perine a month ago in your threads and I agreed?  Now if Bijan miraculously falls to us that's a whole different story. 

On 3/4/2023 at 9:30 AM, Solomon Grundy said:

Can Vander Esch stay healthy?? 

His neck history is an issue. I'm also warming up to the idea of Al-Shaair. 

Edited March 5, 2023 by LABILLBACKER

[MrEpsYtown]

Main targets:
LB Germaine Pratt

-Former safety turned linebacker with an edge. Played for McDermott guy Dave Doeren. Backup plan: Bobby Owereke, Cole Holcomb or Drue Tranquill. 

 

WR OBJ

-talked about a lot. The only guy truly available and attainable who provides what this team needs. 
 

G Issac Semualo or Connor McGovern

-talked about these guys a lot. Instant starter at guard. 
 

CB Byron Murphy (safety convert)

-up and down career so far. A slow corner with a high football IQ and great ball skills. I think he would excel at safety

Cheap adds:

G David Edwards

-Kromer guy who was looking elite and got hurt. Still just 25 and could be a cheap upside add. 

 

C/G Michael Deiter

-Solid depth linemen who can play multiple positions

 

WR Mack Hollins

-huge receiver who has good speed and is an excellent gunner. Also a really fun dude and McBrane would have seen him a lot at UNC. Think Kumerow with receiver ability and personality. 

[aristocrat]

Dalvin Tomlinson, Sheldon rankins and shore up the d line 

[GunnerBill]

8 minutes ago, MrEpsYtown said:

Main targets:
LB Germaine Pratt

-Former safety turned linebacker with an edge. Played for McDermott guy Dave Doeren. Backup plan: Bobby Owereke, Cole Holcomb or Drue Tranquill. 

 

WR OBJ

-talked about a lot. The only guy truly available and attainable who provides what this team needs. 
 

G Issac Semualo or Connor McGovern

-talked about these guys a lot. Instant starter at guard. 
 

CB Byron Murphy (safety convert)

-up and down career so far. A slow corner with a high football IQ and great ball skills. I think he would excel at safety

Cheap adds:

G David Edwards

-Kromer guy who was looking elite and got hurt. Still just 25 and could be a cheap upside add. 

 

C/G Michael Deiter

-Solid depth linemen who can play multiple positions

 

WR Mack Hollins

-huge receiver who has good speed and is an excellent gunner. Also a really fun dude and McBrane would have seen him a lot at UNC. Think Kumerow with receiver ability and personality. 

 

Actually Edwards over Risner as my option 3. Wanted us to draft him. Definitely still potential growth there and as you say, scheme familiarity with Kromer. Forget he was a FA.

[Maine-iac]

Can we afford Marcus Peters?  

[RichRiderBills]

On 3/4/2023 at 8:15 AM, Orlando Tim said:

I don't have a single person but I have a position- OG and then OT. I think Tremaine is coming back and the defense is less of a worry than the ability to keep Josh upright. If we do TE, I pray it is a blocking TE to help Brown. 

 

I agree here. Just so wary of our ability to fix OL w draft. Beane has missed on so many high OL picks. 

 

I think a lot of people are hung up on Spencer Brown...but I take it a step further....what is our long term thoughts on Dawkins ? For the cost, guy was lousy and may be eating himself out of the league. 

[LyndonvilleBill]

6 minutes ago, RichRiderBills said:

 

I agree here. Just so wary of our ability to fix OL w draft. Beane has missed on so many high OL picks. 

 

I think a lot of people are hung up on Spencer Brown...but I take it a step further....what is our long term thoughts on Dawkins ? For the cost, guy was lousy and may be eating himself out of the league. 

I think if we put a competent LG (Bates) next to him, Dawkins will be fine.

[Doc Brown]

3 minutes ago, RichRiderBills said:

 

I agree here. Just so wary of our ability to fix OL w draft. Beane has missed on so many high OL picks. 

 

I think a lot of people are hung up on Spencer Brown...but I take it a step further....what is our long term thoughts on Dawkins ? For the cost, guy was lousy and may be eating himself out of the league. 

I think he's a consistently above average left tackle who was his old reliable self this season playing all 19 games.  I'm guessing the Bills are more than satisfied with contract wise as his cap hit and annual average value is 14th among left tackles.

[nosejob]

On 3/4/2023 at 4:11 AM, TheBeaneBandit said:

Mine as well. Shift Bates back to LG and even draft another IOL, probably with the second round pick.

Sign Ben Powers and Dalton Risner. Bates will need to be stashed because I don't see Morse making it through a season and Bates can play anywhere. Risner can also move to RT if needed. I miss R. I.

 

Draft  1. Kancey DT from Pitt. Next John Randle. Settle gone.    2 C/G take your pick here.   3 Safety from Illinois. I highly doubt Hamlin will continue.  I don't think doctors will give him the green light and he probably has a lucrative career with foundation. If going through that again doesn't stick in your head, you got a big set. We will need a safety.

 

Maybe we can find help at LB once Edmunds leaves or roll with Klein, Bernard/Spector, Milano in a more 4-3 thing. Either way, it shouldn't take much to fill that hole.

 

I think there will be 3 FA signings. The Oline being the most important with maybe a vet LB.

Edited March 5, 2023 by nosejob

[Alphadawg7]

12 hours ago, LABILLBACKER said:

Perine is a power back. He's 5-11/ 235.  Cook and Hines both are speed backs around 195.  And besides you're the one who suggested Perine a month ago in your threads and I agreed?  Now if Bijan miraculously falls to us that's a whole different story. 

His neck history is an issue. I'm also warming up to the idea of Al-Shaair. 

I think you’re mistaken, the guy I’ve been suggesting has been Foreman.  I don’t hate Perine, just prefer Foreman.  
 

I do think Bijan would be someone we could not pass on if he is there at 27, but I very much doubt he lasts that long.

[HappyDays]

Joe Marino brought up a good name - Jamaal Williams from Detroit. He immediately solves our short yardage/goal line running problem. He's projected to get something like 2 years $8.5 million.

[BananaB]

Parris Campbell and Damian Harris. 

[RichRiderBills]

15 hours ago, Doc Brown said:

I think he's a consistently above average left tackle who was his old reliable self this season playing all 19 games.  I'm guessing the Bills are more than satisfied with contract wise as his cap hit and annual average value is 14th among left tackles.

 

https://billswire.usatoday.com/2023/02/02/pro-football-focus-buffalo-bills-offensive-line-rankings-dion-dawkins-mitch-morse/

 

I don't agree. Dawkins had mediocre grades. My thoughts on the eye test was he allowed a lot more pressure this year, likely compounded by other issues on the OL. I'd think saying he was steady Eddy this year is a bit rose colored view. Additionally, I thought he looked slower and not in great shape this season. The whole line was problematic and strong data supports that. 

 

I'm not saying dump him. I think that's too much to take on for next year . But does his future factor into what Bills do at RT? I think it could, especially for a project LT that could replace Dawkins in 2 years or so. 

 

 

[Doc Brown]

15 hours ago, RichRiderBills said:

 

https://billswire.usatoday.com/2023/02/02/pro-football-focus-buffalo-bills-offensive-line-rankings-dion-dawkins-mitch-morse/

 

I don't agree. Dawkins had mediocre grades. My thoughts on the eye test was he allowed a lot more pressure this year, likely compounded by other issues on the OL. I'd think saying he was steady Eddy this year is a bit rose colored view. Additionally, I thought he looked slower and not in great shape this season. The whole line was problematic and strong data supports that. 

 

I'm not saying dump him. I think that's too much to take on for next year . But does his future factor into what Bills do at RT? I think it could, especially for a project LT that could replace Dawkins in 2 years or so. 

If you're going by PFF like the article references 2022 was his pass blocking grade was the 2nd best of his career (80.4) while his run blocking grade was the lowest of his career (60.1).  If you want to make the argument that his run blocking was worse that's fair but saying he allowed a lot more pressures is just not accurate.  We absolutely should address the tackle position though because one injury to Dawkins and you're likely looking at Quessenberry/Doyle and Brown.  Yikes.

[Warriorspikes51]

All good available starting OL via UFA or any that become available for trade.

 

[John from Riverside]

On 3/3/2023 at 9:22 PM, Alphadawg7 said:

Al-Shaair - LB from SF.  Cheaper Edmunds replacement.  He can do a lot of the things Edmunds can do and has been overshadowed by two studs in SF.  A guy poised for a breakout in his next stop.  

 

D’onte Foreman - Be a nice compliment as a RB to Cook.  He can catch, runs with purpose and can pick up tough yards.  

Good list
I will add to that

 

Sheldon Rankins a cheaper player at three Tech whenever we trade it all over

 

I really like the running back from the lions and he seems like a culture fit guy

 

Another veteran pass rusher to tide us over until Von Miller gets back and make us better whenever he’s here the guy that played for the ravens last year or even Hughes if we can get him back

On 3/6/2023 at 6:20 AM, RichRiderBills said:

 

https://billswire.usatoday.com/2023/02/02/pro-football-focus-buffalo-bills-offensive-line-rankings-dion-dawkins-mitch-morse/

 

I don't agree. Dawkins had mediocre grades. My thoughts on the eye test was he allowed a lot more pressure this year, likely compounded by other issues on the OL. I'd think saying he was steady Eddy this year is a bit rose colored view. Additionally, I thought he looked slower and not in great shape this season. The whole line was problematic and strong data supports that. 

 

I'm not saying dump him. I think that's too much to take on for next year . But does his future factor into what Bills do at RT? I think it could, especially for a project LT that could replace Dawkins in 2 years or so. 

 

 

I’d tell Dockins that if he’d show up in shape would give him a bonus or extend him

 

Dion Dawkins keeps on coming in the wrong shape. It looks like an 0

[John from Riverside]

On 3/4/2023 at 8:55 AM, Alphadawg7 said:

I feel like Perine is more of what we already have in Cook and Hines.  I’d rather have a guy who is a tough runner in the elements.

Wouldn’t that be Perrine? The guy is a boulder in cleats

On 3/5/2023 at 2:24 PM, LyndonvilleBill said:

I think if we put a competent LG (Bates) next to him, Dawkins will be fine.

I also agree that this would help Dockins
 

Really just don’t know what happened to Roger Saffold man he used to be a stud

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Go all in. 

 

Sign Orlando Brown and move Dawkins to LG.  Massive upgrade to the OL that fixes two positions with one signing.  

 

 

[Mark Vader]

OG Issac Seumalo--Eagles

 

OG Dalton Risner--Broncos

 

LB Germaine Pratt--Bengals

 

WR DJ Chark--Lions

 

RB Samaje Perine--Bengals

 

Can we sign all of them? Maybe. I don't think these players will break the bank for us. 

[TheBeaneBandit]

3 hours ago, John from Riverside said:

Wouldn’t that be Perrine? The guy is a boulder in cleats

I also agree that this would help Dockins
 

Really just don’t know what happened to Roger Saffold man he used to be a stud

His body broke down. I feel him lol.

[LyndonvilleBill]

5 hours ago, TheBeaneBandit said:

His body broke down. I feel him lol.

I'm right there with you.😉

 

Probably a part of it. Also, new scheme, 1st year, more mobile qb and less run blocking.

[GunnerBill]

11 hours ago, John from Riverside said:

 

Really just don’t know what happened to Roger Saffold man he used to be a stud

 

Meh. I have never, and I mean never, been that impressed with him. Think his reputation always outshone his play. 

[TheyCallMeAndy]

Mecole Hardman might be the guy I throw money at. 
 

Blazing speed, good hands, elite big play ability.

 

Can play inside and outside.

Edited March 8, 2023 by TheyCallMeAndy

[khlax3]

Andre Dillard- former 1st rd pick, still young, didn’t play much since eagles have good line. Would be solid swing tackle and completion for brown. Won’t cost much 

 

D’ontae Foreman- big back that can be a good duo with cook. 2-3 year deal around 3-3.5 per year

 

Nate Davis- young, rated higher than both powers and risner, projected around 7 million per year

 

Jarvis Landry- good slot receiver and physical blocker. Had down year due to injury and poor qb situation. WR coach from college is now Bills WR coach. Played for 1 year 3 million last year so something in the 2-3 million range.

Odell Beckham JR- give gabe competition, know the players on the team want him, reunite with prior coach and potentially Landry. I think something like 2 year 15 million plus incentives would get it done

 

Shaq Lawson- I bring him back on a cheap deal

 

Bobby Okeroke- young, productive can likely be had for reasonable price 

 

 

 

[GoBills!]

1 hour ago, khlax3 said:

Andre Dillard- former 1st rd pick, still young, didn’t play much since eagles have good line. Would be solid swing tackle and completion for brown. Won’t cost much 

 

D’ontae Foreman- big back that can be a good duo with cook. 2-3 year deal around 3-3.5 per year

 

Nate Davis- young, rated higher than both powers and risner, projected around 7 million per year

 

Jarvis Landry- good slot receiver and physical blocker. Had down year due to injury and poor qb situation. WR coach from college is now Bills WR coach. Played for 1 year 3 million last year so something in the 2-3 million range.

Odell Beckham JR- give gabe competition, know the players on the team want him, reunite with prior coach and potentially Landry. I think something like 2 year 15 million plus incentives would get it done

 

Shaq Lawson- I bring him back on a cheap deal

 

Bobby Okeroke- young, productive can likely be had for reasonable price 

 

 

 

I like foreman unless he is looking for a big deal, 
Shaq - Yes
Jarvis - can replace Cowder and Jake plus rookie

[B-Man]

 

 

More targets  ?

 

 

 

 

[Buffalo_Stampede]

Positions I would target in free agency are S, ILB, OG, and a veteran pass rusher.

 

 

[Norcalbillsfan]

On 3/8/2023 at 6:26 AM, khlax3 said:

Andre Dillard- former 1st rd pick, still young, didn’t play much since eagles have good line. Would be solid swing tackle and completion for brown. Won’t cost much 

 

D’ontae Foreman- big back that can be a good duo with cook. 2-3 year deal around 3-3.5 per year

 

Nate Davis- young, rated higher than both powers and risner, projected around 7 million per year

 

Jarvis Landry- good slot receiver and physical blocker. Had down year due to injury and poor qb situation. WR coach from college is now Bills WR coach. Played for 1 year 3 million last year so something in the 2-3 million range.

Odell Beckham JR- give gabe competition, know the players on the team want him, reunite with prior coach and potentially Landry. I think something like 2 year 15 million plus incentives would get it done

 

Shaq Lawson- I bring him back on a cheap deal

 

Bobby Okeroke- young, productive can likely be had for reasonable price 

 

 

 

I agree with all except obj. I don't like the injury concern with the amount of money he will probably want. I would like to replace Jarvis and obj with Robert woods. Woods knows josh and the offense.

[billsfan89]

At RB I would like to have the trio that ended last season back. But only if Hines takes a modest paycut and Singletary can be had at a reasonable 3.5-4 million rate. If neither happens go with a vet RB to replace Singletary at that cost and then draft a late-round back to replace Hines as a returner and depth. 

 

At backup QB I would like to go after a Mitch Trubisky reclamation project. Sam Darnold is a great candidate for this or just bring back Keenum if he is cheap.

 

At WR I would trade pick 91 and a pick in 2024 for Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy has two years left on his rookie deal and is coming off of a pretty good season considering Denver's terrible offensive situation last year. Having Josh to throw to him and Diggs to take away coverage attention would make Jeudy a great slot WR. I would then draft a WR in round 4 as depth and development. I like Shakir's chances to make an impact but this team needs depth and adding Jeudy and getting a WR in round 4 would assure Josh has all the weapons he needs and help if Davis is gone after 2023 and Jeudy after 2024. 

 

At TE I love Knox and Morris is a capable backup, not much needed there.

 

O-line is where the cap dollars need to go. I would sign one of the top guards in free agency in Dalton Risner or Ben Powers. Although I would love a top-flight RT like Mike McGlinchey too I don't know if that is realistic. After signing Risner or Powers I would then like to see some more depth added to the O-line a swing tackle or a vet guard would be a nice piece to add. 

In round 1 I would draft a tackle to compete with Brown and in round 2 I would draft a center to take over for Mitch after a season. No more half-measures on the O-line.

 

Defensively I am not investing too much but I would resign J. Philips and Shaq to one-year deals if their rates are reasonable. Edumonds and Poyer are gone which I am fine with (although I would have liked to resign Edumonds but you have to live with it). Resign AJ Klein and Dane Jackson as well. I would also invest small cap dollars to replace Poyer and Edumonds but only with lower mid-tier players in the 4-7 million dollar aav range. 

 

Draft picks 

 

Round 1- O-line

Round 2- O-line

Round 3- Traded for Jerry Jeudy

Round 4- WR

Round 5- D-line 

Round 6- BPA

 

 

[The Jokeman]

Positions OG, Slot WR, MLB, DT are top needs. I'd also like a veteran S. They all don't have to be all pros just better than what we had last year. 

On 3/8/2023 at 8:54 AM, TheyCallMeAndy said:

Mecole Hardman might be the guy I throw money at. 
 

Blazing speed, good hands, elite big play ability.

 

Can play inside and outside.

He's started 27 of a possible 56 games in KC and just over 2000 yards in 4 seasons. He looks good on paper but average on the field.

[billsfan89]

18 minutes ago, ScottLaw said:

I’d welcome a trade for Jeudy… not sure a 3rd would get it done.

A third alone wouldn’t likely get it done which is why I think you would have to include a 2024 pick. Ideally a 4th that could escalate to a 3rd. I would consider pick 59 for Jeudy and pick 194.

 

 

[BADOLBILZ]

2 hours ago, billsfan89 said:

A third alone wouldn’t likely get it done which is why I think you would have to include a 2024 pick. Ideally a 4th that could escalate to a 3rd. I would consider pick 59 for Jeudy and pick 194.

 

 

 

 

Why would they trade Jerry Jeudy for anything less than a 1st rounder?   He had something of a breakout season and has a cap hit of next to nothing next year.    He is  a valuable commodity.   

[billsfan89]

6 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

 

Why would they trade Jerry Jeudy for anything less than a 1st rounder?   He had something of a breakout season and has a cap hit of next to nothing next year.    He is  a valuable commodity.   

 

It was rumored he was available at the trade deadline this past season for a second-round pick. He now has one less year on his rookie deal (only one remaining) and a not super cheap 5th-year option. Perhaps a 3rd and a 4th in 2024 that could escalate to a 3rd is maybe more than other teams are willing to offer? If no team was willing to pony up a 2nd at the trade deadline then why would a team now give up a 1st? It may take more than a 3rd and a future 4th/3rd but it shouldn't take a 1st rounder to get it done either. 

[BADOLBILZ]

18 minutes ago, billsfan89 said:

 

It was rumored he was available at the trade deadline this past season for a second-round pick. He now has one less year on his rookie deal (only one remaining) and a not super cheap 5th-year option. Perhaps a 3rd and a 4th in 2024 that could escalate to a 3rd is maybe more than other teams are willing to offer? If no team was willing to pony up a 2nd at the trade deadline then why would a team now give up a 1st? It may take more than a 3rd and a future 4th/3rd but it shouldn't take a 1st rounder to get it done either. 

 

I don't know who said no team was willing to pony up a 2nd rounder for Jeudy.    That is likely FALSE.........as Chicago ponied up what was obviously going to be an early 2nd for Chase Claypool.

 

And after the trade deadline Jeudy missed a couple games with an injury and finished the season on a tear averaging 87 yards per game and catching 82% of his targets in the final 6 games.   That projects to nearly a 1500 yard pace over 17.   He literally "broke out" at the end of the season.    Stock UP.

 

I would doubt he would be available for ONLY the Bills first rounder........Diggs wasn't and he came with a fat $15M aaa contract already...........Jeudy has like a $2.7M cap hit.........that factor alone adds draft pick value..........but I agree that Jeudy is a target Beane should and probably has called Denver about.  

[billsfan89]

12 minutes ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

I don't know who said no team was willing to pony up a 2nd rounder for Jeudy.    That is likely FALSE.........as Chicago ponied up what was obviously going to be an early 2nd for Chase Claypool.

 

And after the trade deadline Jeudy missed a couple games with an injury and finished the season on a tear averaging 87 yards per game and catching 82% of his targets in the final 6 games.   That projects to nearly a 1500 yard pace over 17.   He literally "broke out" at the end of the season.    Stock UP.

 

I would doubt he would be available for ONLY the Bills first rounder........Diggs wasn't and he came with a fat $15M aaa contract already...........Jeudy has like a $2.7M cap hit.........that factor alone adds draft pick value..........but I agree that Jeudy is a target Beane should and probably has called Denver about.  

 

Fair points and good analysis, I figured that rumor about him being available for a 2nd at the deadline was a good indicator of his value. If it would cost pick 27 and other draft considerations I am not sure if I do it. Diggs while having a fairly large contract was coming off back-to-back 1000-yard seasons and established a level of production higher than Jeudy who was very up and down in his pro career. 

[Bill from NYC]

10 hours ago, billsfan89 said:

 

Fair points and good analysis, I figured that rumor about him being available for a 2nd at the deadline was a good indicator of his value. If it would cost pick 27 and other draft considerations I am not sure if I do it. Diggs while having a fairly large contract was coming off back-to-back 1000-yard seasons and established a level of production higher than Jeudy who was very up and down in his pro career. 

One thing Jeudy is great at is getting open. He runs nice routes and is really good at every phase of his position. I am sure that Josh would find him open all over the field and toss him touchdown passes.

[Warriorspikes51]

On 3/7/2023 at 9:07 PM, Mark Vader said:

OG Issac Seumalo--Eagles

 

OG Dalton Risner--Broncos

 

LB Germaine Pratt--Bengals

 

WR DJ Chark--Lions

 

RB Samaje Perine--Bengals

 

Can we sign all of them? Maybe. I don't think these players will break the bank for us. 

It would be really helpful to land one of those Guards 

[Fan in Chicago]

Soooooo.... Understanding that the league year start is still a few days away (and acknowledging the tampering issues), every year we hear about things ahead of the official FA start date.  When are we going to start hearing about some action? This Sunday? 

[GunnerBill]

15 hours ago, BADOLBILZ said:

 

I don't know who said no team was willing to pony up a 2nd rounder for Jeudy.    That is likely FALSE.........as Chicago ponied up what was obviously going to be an early 2nd for Chase Claypool.

 

And after the trade deadline Jeudy missed a couple games with an injury and finished the season on a tear averaging 87 yards per game and catching 82% of his targets in the final 6 games.   That projects to nearly a 1500 yard pace over 17.   He literally "broke out" at the end of the season.    Stock UP.

 

I would doubt he would be available for ONLY the Bills first rounder........Diggs wasn't and he came with a fat $15M aaa contract already...........Jeudy has like a $2.7M cap hit.........that factor alone adds draft pick value..........but I agree that Jeudy is a target Beane should and probably has called Denver about.  

 

Maybe take advantage of the fact Denver clearly don't know what the ***** they are doing and offer a 3rd?