A year ago Brandon Beane used free agency to completely revamp the Bills offense, signing 15 players when the market opened in March (with Duke Williams added earlier coming from the CFL).
That group turning into seven new starters in 2019: Cole Beasley, John Brown, Quinton Spain, Mitch Morse, Jon Feliciano, Ty Nsekhe, and Frank Gore. Then there's other contributors Andre Roberts, Spencer Long, Tyler Kroft, and Lee Smith.
The approach will be different beginning next week, as wholesale changes are not needed because of those moves 12 months ago. Instead, Beane is in a position to be selective in his pursuits and purchases.
Based on what Beane has said since the end of the season and echoed to me at the NFL Combine weeks ago, do not expect him to break the bank on the top-end talent available. That means drop your dreams of Amari Cooper, A.J. Green, Melvin Gordon, and Derrick Henry.
So who could be in play?
Here's some names I've targeted as potential good fits and values for the Bills to upgrade offensively.
RB Jordan Howard
Howard is a north-south runner with good size at 6'0, 224 pounds who would be a nice compliment to Devin Singletary. He burst onto the scene as a rookie with the Bears in 2016, finishing second in the NFL in rushing with 1,313 yards. Howard following that up with 1,122 yards (6th in NFL) and then 935 yards (14th in NFL). Last season the 25-year-old moved on from Chicago to Philadelphia, gaining 525 yards in 10 games, playing as part of a committee. He made just over $2 million a year ago and in this depressed RB market, I think Howard's price will hover around the same. That number on a shorter-term deal (2 years) would fit quite well.
RB Carlos Hyde
Hyde is another power back that would pair well with Singletary's style. He is coming off a career-year, eclipsing 1,000 yards for the first time as a pro. Some cause for concern may be his age (turning 30 in September), but Hyde's career-high for carries in a single-season is 245, so there's still tread on the tires. He made under $2 million last season and Spotrac estimates his market value this off-season as $3 million, well within a reasonable range to bring in on a short-term deal.
Other RB to Consider: Lamar Miller
WR Taylor Gabriel
The Bills completely lacked big plays last season, led by the inability to strike deep in the passing game. I know one component to that was Josh Allen's accuracy, but one of the better targets in the league down the field to help is Gabriel. He came into the NFL in 2014 clocked with a 4.27 40-yard dash time. He turned that speed into finishing top 10 in yards per reception twice in his six year career. Gabriel is a complimentary piece to a receiving core, with the role of the deep threat. That role earned him a 2-year, $14 million deal with the Bears and I would guess he may be available this off-season at a little under that per year rate.
T Bryan Bulaga
Bulaga was linked to the Bills the last time he hit free agency in 2015, reportedly turning down more money in Buffalo to return to the Packers. Fast forward to now, Green Bay appears ready to move on from the soon-to-be 31-year-old. He played 16 games last season for the first time since 2016, third time of his 9 year career. Bulaga has the type of playoff experience and success that the Bills cherish. This will obviously come down to price, with Spotrac placing his market value at just under $11 million a year.
T Daryl Williams
This is another name previously thrown around the Bills rumor mill, with Williams having Carolina ties. He re-signed with the Panthers last off-season on a one-year, $6 million dollar deal. Williams was a 2nd team All-Pro in 2017, but a knee injury kept him out nearly the entire 2018 season. The 6'6, 330 pounder is still young, turning 28 by the start of next season. I think the age with upside may be ideal on a short-term deal around the price he signed for a year ago.
The legal tampering period ahead of free agency begins next Monday before signings can become official at the start of the new league year next Wednesday.
