Buffalo Bills The offseason begins

Last year, defense was decimated by injuries when we met the Chiefs. This year, 2 significant injuries with Benford out early. Hope he's alright. Still, defense is what needs help for next season. Somehow, need to find a way to replace what Von Miller was supposed to do, get to the QB.
 
Bills set up this offseason to allow for a big splash if they want to do it. After we do our cuts, restructures and extending Allen we'll have a tidy pile of cap to work with and extra draft picks. Signing Higgins, trading for Myles Garrett, trading for Metcalf, something like that is on the table.

We could also just re-sign our existing FA, maybe make a couple depth additions and draft BPA (more in line with what I expect).
 

Cooper was such a refreshing change from Diggs. Dude was smiling after a game where he didn’t get a single target but we won. I think an offseason with Allen will help with the chemistry, but I also think we can target a guy that has a similar effect for a fraction of the price. He’s the least important in that group.

I don’t think Shakir will cost over 15m. I also think Cooks projection is lower when you factor in how many TD’s he had.

Rousseau and Benfords both seem high as well. But wtf do I know. I’m in the automotive industry 😂

Bills set up this offseason to allow for a big splash if they want to do it.
I’m not seeing it when you factor in the guys Beane will be re-signing. + Draft picks. Even with a growing cap + potential restructures.

Beane will have some space but I don’t think it’ll be for someone significant. I’d love to be wrong though.
 
Cooper was such a refreshing change from Diggs. Dude was smiling after a game where he didn’t get a single target but we won. I think an offseason with Allen will help with the chemistry, but I also think we can target a guy that has a similar effect for a fraction of the price. He’s the least important in that group.

I don’t think Shakir will cost over 15m. I also think Cooks projection is lower when you factor in how many TD’s he had.

Rousseau and Benfords both seem high as well. But wtf do I know. I’m in the automotive industry 😂


I’m not seeing it when you factor in the guys Beane will be re-signing. + Draft picks. Even with a growing cap + potential restructures.

Beane will have some space but I don’t think it’ll be for someone significant. I’d love to be wrong though.

They don't have any big pending free agents this offseason, so they could kick the extensions for Bernard, Benford, Cook, Rousseau, and Shakir down the road. It might even be wise to further evaluate instead of committing too early (IMO Bills got burned on the Knox and Oliver extensions). I think the Bills can get up to ~$35m in cap space pretty easily. If there are surprise cuts like Knox, Trubisky or Milano it could be even more.

Other possible trade targets could be Dexter Lawrence or Jeffery Simmons. Giants and Titans stink, and might think converting stud DTs into draft capital might be worth it.
 


For the “rebuild the DL” crowd, we could conceivably use all three of our top picks on DL without a single reach.

@Der Jaeger you mentioned a short yardage RB. I don’t think we’ll be signing one, just because they’re going to bring back Ty as the passing down back and Davis and Cook arent going anywhere. Davis is your short yardage back, for better or worse. That said, I hope they use a day 3 pick on a RB, even if he doesn’t play a snap all year. It’s the deepest RB draft in a decade. Not dipping into that value on day 3 would be a huge mistake.


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I don't think Cook at 4-years is a horrible idea. And at ten million, it's not a cap killer.

Rousseau at that figure... you don't get enough splash plays to justify that kind of dime. It's like paying a game-managing quarterback franchise QB money. Don't do it. Just walk away and take the comp.

Amari is a great guy, but he's probably looking for more than I'd want to spend someone on the back-9.

Shakir and Benford are absolute musts.
 
I don't think Cook at 4-years is a horrible idea. And at ten million, it's not a cap killer.

Rousseau at that figure... you don't get enough splash plays to justify that kind of dime. It's like paying a game-managing quarterback franchise QB money. Don't do it. Just walk away and take the comp.

Amari is a great guy, but he's probably looking for more than I'd want to spend someone on the back-9.

Shakir and Benford are absolute musts.
I'd be concerned when it comes to Benford based on the double brain scramble.

The Shakir deal seems a bit over the top as well, can't our RBs and TEs fill his role?
 
Kellen Moore the favorite now for the Saints after McCarthy and Kingsbury pull there name from contention per Rapoport.

Cook and McGovern headed to Pro Bowl. Josh withdraws. How about McGovern moving to center for Morse and being a top Center in the league!, not talked about much.

The OL is something they do not really have to worry about in the offseason other than signing Andersson and being sure Kromer does not retire. Edwards would seem to be the weak spot at guard. Their depth looks good (Grable, Van Denmark, VPG, Clapp, Anderson rfa) maybe they draft a G late ?

I don't think Cook at 4-years is a horrible idea. And at ten million, it's not a cap killer.

Rousseau at that figure... you don't get enough splash plays to justify that kind of dime. It's like paying a game-managing quarterback franchise QB money. Don't do it. Just walk away and take the comp.

Amari is a great guy, but he's probably looking for more than I'd want to spend someone on the back-9.

Shakir and Benford are absolute musts.
Cook became a difference maker this season. Does it translate to being a all down back ? They do use Davis in power situations, and Johnson (RFA) on 3rd downs for his pass catching and blocking.
 
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Cooper was such a refreshing change from Diggs. Dude was smiling after a game where he didn’t get a single target but we won. I think an offseason with Allen will help with the chemistry, but I also think we can target a guy that has a similar effect for a fraction of the price. He’s the least important in that group.

I don’t think Shakir will cost over 15m. I also think Cooks projection is lower when you factor in how many TD’s he had.

Rousseau and Benfords both seem high as well. But wtf do I know. I’m in the automotive industry 😂
Benford is in line for a top 5 CB contract coming off his cheap rookie deal. And that AAV would slot him 3rd in the NFL today behind Jalen Ramsey and Patrick Surtain II and ahead of Jaire Alexander and AJ Terrell.

That Rousseau contract would be in the Montez Sweat, Danielle Hunter, and Rashan Gary neighborhood.

The Cook projection is more than Joe Mixon and less than Josh Jacobs. I wonder if the Bills want to go there versus trying to re-sign Ty Johnson for next season, seeing what Ray Davis does in year 2, and then going from there. It will be really interesting to see what happens if James Cook holds out of camp.

That Shakir deal is way down the list of NFL WRs and in Diontae Johnson, Christian Kirk, and Jerry Jeudy territory. As their #1 WR target, I can see Shakir getting over $15M per.

Cooper is going to be really interesting to see what happens there. His attitude was 100% what they need from a talented WR if they want to keep up the "Everybody Eats" approach to offense.

The veteran WR market is going to be interesting with guys like Cooper, DHop, and Marquise Brown out there.

I'd be concerned when it comes to Benford based on the double brain scramble.

The Shakir deal seems a bit over the top as well, can't our RBs and TEs fill his role?
Shakir is an absolute must keep for me. He has developed into the target that Josh trusts the most. And his attitude is great.

If you aren't going to pay a guy like that, who are you going to keep around?
 


For the “rebuild the DL” crowd, we could conceivably use all three of our top picks on DL without a single reach.

@Der Jaeger you mentioned a short yardage RB. I don’t think we’ll be signing one, just because they’re going to bring back Ty as the passing down back and Davis and Cook arent going anywhere. Davis is your short yardage back, for better or worse. That said, I hope they use a day 3 pick on a RB, even if he doesn’t play a snap all year. It’s the deepest RB draft in a decade. Not dipping into that value on day 3 would be a huge mistake.

The challenge is that they don't keep 4 RBs on the 53 man roster.

I have been hearing chatter over the past few days with people suggesting that the Bills should or have to keep more guys at WR and RB than they have the past few years.

If they don't re-sign Ty Johnson, then they absolutely need to take one and perhaps sooner than day 3.

But, they have Frank Gore, Jr. signed to a futures deal as a developmental guy. So, I don't know that they have to use a pick on a guy that would have a rough road to a 53 man roster spot in 2025.

I'd rather they try and go the UDFA route to give Gore competition in camp and for a PS spot.
 
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The challenge is that they don't keep 4 RBs on the 53 man roster.

I have been hearing chatter over the past few days with people suggesting that the Bills should or have to keep more guys at WR and RB than they have the past few years.

If they don't re-sign Ty Johnson, then they absolutely need to take one and perhaps sooner than day 3.

But, they have Frank Gore, Jr. signed to a futures deal as a developmental guy. So, I don't know that they have to use a pick on a guy that would have a rough road to a 53 man roster spot in 2025.

I'd rather they try and go the UDFA route to give Gore competition in camp and for a PS spot.
For me it’s just about the strength of the class. Is RB a need? No. But when you can get a top 100 talent in the fifth round, it’s foolish not to snag one. If he’s a healthy scratch all season, so be it.

Re Benford vs Rousseau at 20+ million per year. For me, I put aside comps, because those only matter in determining the price tag. Once we know the price tag, which lets say is 20-25 for either of them, it’s an easy question for me:

Would you rather give that contract to a top 5 corner (which all the metrics say Benford is) or a top 20-30ish DE?

I like Roussea. I really do. But if we’re handing out a 20-25 million per year deal, I want it on an elite player at his position, not just very good.
 
For me it’s just about the strength of the class. Is RB a need? No. But when you can get a top 100 talent in the fifth round, it’s foolish not to snag one. If he’s a healthy scratch all season, so be it.
I just do not see the Bills keeping a 4th RB on the roster all season and making him a healthy scratch every game. That has not how they have operated recently. So, I am not expecting that to happen in 2025.

They can change things up. But, I will expect them to keep 5 WRs, 3 RBs, and 1 FB on the 53 until they do otherwise.
Re Benford vs Rousseau at 20+ million per year. For me, I put aside comps, because those only matter in determining the price tag. Once we know the price tag, which lets say is 20-25 for either of them, it’s an easy question for me:

Would you rather give that contract to a top 5 corner (which all the metrics say Benford is) or a top 20-30ish DE?

I like Roussea. I really do. But if we’re handing out a 20-25 million per year deal, I want it on an elite player at his position, not just very good.
Yeah, there are two conversations to have.

One is what is fair market value for these guys. And then it's whether it makes sense to sign them to market deals or let them go.

I have a similar feeling with CB vs Groot. The challenge is that they have huge needs at both boundary CB and DE.

One interesting potential move could be Groot being traded in a deal for Maxx Crosby.

That doesn't surprise me. He is their Kyle Williams. Great player who is also great in the community.

The question will be how hard will Garrett push for a trade if he's not happy with the direction of the team?
 
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30. Buffalo Bills: Jahdae Barron, CB, Texas​

Barron has positional flexibility in the secondary, because of his coverage skills and hitting prowess — he could play corner, nickel or safety. He earned the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back and tied for the SEC lead with five interceptions. Anywhere he plays, Barron would elevate the Buffalo secondary.

56. Buffalo Bills (from MIN): Xavier Watts, S, Notre Dame​


62. Buffalo Bills: Carson Schwesinger, LB, UCLA​

Obviously, early free agency will change team needs. But, as of today, I would be really disappointed if they go DB-DB-LB with their first three picks.

I could see the need to take a boundary CB early. A Swiss Army knife DB like Barron wouldn't be my first choice. This mock has Revel going 31 to Philly and I would like that fit better, as long as the knee isn't really bad.

I don't see safety being that big of a need as I expect them to have Rapp & Bishop as their starters. They could use depth there. But, I think that is a position to address on day 3.

And I don't even know that LB is a need in any way shape or form. They have Bernard and Milano coming back. They have Williams, Andreessen, Spector and Ulofoshio coming back, too. I really don't see the need to take an off ball LB anywhere unless it's a late day 3 guy.

Given how this mock plays out, I'd want the first to be either Revel, DT Kenneth Grant (39 to Chicago), or Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku (38 to NE).

Here is where the DTs go:

Mason Graham 7 NYJ
Derrick Harmon 16 Arizona
Kenneth Grant 39 Chicago
Tyleik Williams 43 SF
Walter Nolen 49 Cincy
 

18. Amari Cooper, WR​

2024 team: Buffalo Bills | Age entering 2025 season: 31

Cooper's tape is beginning to show signs of decline, but he is still a detailed route runner who can uncover at multiple levels of the field. In 14 games with both the Browns and Bills this season, Cooper caught 44 passes for 547 yards and four touchdowns. In nine full seasons, Cooper has topped the 1,000-yard receiving mark seven times and has 64 career touchdown catches.

Fowler's latest: The Bills have been happy with Cooper, despite low production compared with past seasons. He has been a good team player in Buffalo, and the Bills are intrigued by getting him into a full offseason program with quarterback Josh Allen. Though his free agency future is uncertain, a return to Buffalo does not appear off the table.
 


Obviously, early free agency will change team needs. But, as of today, I would be really disappointed if they go DB-DB-LB with their first three picks.

I could see the need to take a boundary CB early. A Swiss Army knife DB like Barron wouldn't be my first choice. This mock has Revel going 31 to Philly and I would like that fit better, as long as the knee isn't really bad.

I don't see safety being that big of a need as I expect them to have Rapp & Bishop as their starters. They could use depth there. But, I think that is a position to address on day 3.

And I don't even know that LB is a need in any way shape or form. They have Bernard and Milano coming back. They have Williams, Andreessen, Spector and Ulofoshio coming back, too. I really don't see the need to take an off ball LB anywhere unless it's a late day 3 guy.

Given how this mock plays out, I'd want the first to be either Revel, DT Kenneth Grant (39 to Chicago), or Edge Donovan Ezeiruaku (38 to NE).

Here is where the DTs go:

Mason Graham 7 NYJ
Derrick Harmon 16 Arizona
Kenneth Grant 39 Chicago
Tyleik Williams 43 SF
Walter Nolen 49 Cincy
If they do take a "swiss army knife" type DB, it's most certainly to play safety (or at least start there), in which case taking a S in round definitely isn't happening.

I feel like Tyleik Williams is probably a first round pick and he's the one I keep coming back to for the Bills pick
 
If they do take a "swiss army knife" type DB, it's most certainly to play safety (or at least start there), in which case taking a S in round definitely isn't happening.

I feel like Tyleik Williams is probably a first round pick and he's the one I keep coming back to for the Bills pick
Williams and Grant are both big DTs that I like that I wonder if they are Bills guys based on past DT picks.

The Bills have diversified some DL additions lately with Miller and Solomon being smaller, bendy EDGE rushers as opposed to the bigger, compression style guys like Groot, AJ, Boogie, Smoot, etc.

So, maybe they do look to get a bigger 1Tech DT this year.

:dunno:
 
Williams and Grant are both big DTs that I like that I wonder if they are Bills guys based on past DT picks.

The Bills have diversified some DL additions lately with Miller and Solomon being smaller, bendy EDGE rushers as opposed to the bigger, compression style guys like Groot, AJ, Boogie, Smoot, etc.

So, maybe they do look to get a bigger 1Tech DT this year.

:dunno:
Deone Walker is another very large man projected to go high. Of the 3, Williams seems the most like McDermott's typical preference for penetration ability for his 1-tech. Taking either of the other do would definitely make me think he's rethinking the position.
 


For the “rebuild the DL” crowd, we could conceivably use all three of our top picks on DL without a single reach.

@Der Jaeger you mentioned a short yardage RB. I don’t think we’ll be signing one, just because they’re going to bring back Ty as the passing down back and Davis and Cook arent going anywhere. Davis is your short yardage back, for better or worse. That said, I hope they use a day 3 pick on a RB, even if he doesn’t play a snap all year. It’s the deepest RB draft in a decade. Not dipping into that value on day 3 would be a huge mistake.


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I think they can go with 4 plus a FB. Doesn’t need to be a big investment. Just a bigger RB (over 6 foot would be nice) and at least 220 lbs. His role would be play special teams, then come in on short yardage.
 
Deone Walker is another very large man projected to go high. Of the 3, Williams seems the most like McDermott's typical preference for penetration ability for his 1-tech. Taking either of the other do would definitely make me think he's rethinking the position.
Walker is interesting. He’s huge but he doesn’t have as huge a lower body as you’d think. He’s actually got 5 DE potential, as a 3DT who could shift around.

With Corleone not declaring, there are very few true 1DT or NTs in the draft. Nazir Stackhouse is a likely day 3 pick who can play that position.

Last year, I wanted McKinnley Jackson where the Bills took Carter. Same reason.
 
Deone Walker is another very large man projected to go high. Of the 3, Williams seems the most like McDermott's typical preference for penetration ability for his 1-tech. Taking either of the other do would definitely make me think he's rethinking the position.
Walker is a penetration style DT, too.

I think they can go with 4 plus a FB. Doesn’t need to be a big investment. Just a bigger RB (over 6 foot would be nice) and at least 220 lbs. His role would be play special teams, then come in on short yardage.
They can do a lot of things. They have not gone with 4 RBs + 1 FB on the 53 man roster recently.

Just like they could keep 6 WRs. But, they have kept 5 WRs recently.
 

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