Bills Mafia, welcome to The Winslow. From the heartwarming story that came after everyone wondered what happened to Damar Hamlin, to the heartbreaking defeat by the Cincinnati Bengals in the divisional round of the playoffs, we had a blast! Today we’re going to take a look at how the Buffalo Bills shine in free agency so far as well as what they might do in the draft so you will be in the know when next season gets rolling.
Buffalo Bills in Free Agency
GM Brandon Beane has told the fans and the media to not expect major moves, but that was the tone last year before Von Miller got signed. Likely, there won’t be a big signing like that this year, but, you have to know that Beane will step out there for a great deal if he sees one.
After last season when the Buffalo Bills bucked adversity, the truth is that the Bills don’t have a lot of cap space to work with, but they have helped their situation by restructuring some of the most important players, including Josh Allen, Von Miller, Stefon Diggs, and Matt Milano.
The team has also resigned several of their own free agents, which include: safety Jordan Poyer, running back Nyheim Hines, interior defensive lineman Tim Settle, linebacker Tyler Matakevich, punter Sam Martin, right guard Ike Boettger, linebacker Tyrel Dodson, and cornerbacks Cameron Lewis and Dane Jackson.
Bills Free Agency Departures
Players often remind us that football is after all a business. This unfortunately means that sometimes we see some of our favorite players leave in free agency. That said, with the cap situation being what it is, the team had to let some players walk away.
The players who have left Buffalo in free agency are quarterback Case Keenum, linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, wide receivers Isaiah McKenzie and Jamison Crowder, right tackle Justin Murray, running back Devin Singletary, and safety Jaquan Johnson.
Eleven players from last year’s squad are still out there and available, including edge rusher Shaq Lawson and wide receivers Cole Beasley and Jake Kumerow.
Bills Free Agency Pickups
The Bills signed Texans quarterback Kyle Allen and that is likely a good call as he will be a great backup for Josh Allen. They also picked up wide receiver Deonte Harty from the Saints. He hasn’t had a spectacular career so far, but still many call him underrated. This is likely because he was buried under a deep receiving core in New Orleans and never saw any real playing time.
They also picked up Dolphins wide receiver Trent Sherfield, who like Deonte Harty, was sitting behind too much-established talent to see the field.
Obviously, the team is interested in protecting Josh Allen and improving the run game. They have enlisted the help of Center Greg Mancz from the Vikings and a pair of right guards, Connor McGovern from the Cowboys, and David Edwards of the Rams.
The strongest evidence that the Buffalo Bills have shined in free agency is because they are looking to improve the run game is the pickup of running back Damien Harris from the Patriots. Harris was a standout at the University of Alabama and a two-time BCS National Champion. Even missing most of his rookie season, and never really being the featured back, he gave the Patriots 20 touchdowns in his time with them.
Draft Predictions
The Bill’s biggest needs at this point are on the offensive line and linebackers since the team has signed running back Damien Harris. However, if they really want a crazy ground game, they might pick up an additional back.
Some of the top analyst’s picks for Buffalo include offensive tackle Tyler Steen from Alabama, Safety Brian Branch from Alabama, running back Bijan Robinson from Texas, and offensive tackle Broderick Jones from Georgia.
Bored Without the Bills?
If months of no football leave you bored and feeling like you are missing the party, come see us at The Winslow where the fun never stops and the gin never stops flowing. Watch all of the Bills games at The Winslow, the best Buffalo Bills bar in NYC!
Things to Do in Union Square NYC in Spring 2023