WGR

‘”I always wanted to be back, no matter who came, no matter how many recivers they drafted,” McKenzie told a contingent of local media via a video conference call on Tuesday from his home in Miami, Florida. “I felt like I had a role there, and I just want to build off what I did there and stay there and not be hopping around and things like that. I feel comfortable about it. Even though we got Stefon Diggs, that’s even better. I like the competition in the room.”‘

‘Despite both defensive end Shaq Lawson and defensive tackle Jordan Phillips skipping town, the defensive line is primed to be vastly improved in 2020. It is truly a testament to how well general manager Brandon Beane has done with this roster over the course of the free agency period. It isn’t easy to replace two players entering their primes coming off the best seasons of their careers. That is 16 combined sacks from last season walking out the door, heading to the Miami Dolphins and the Arizona Cardinals respectively.’

‘Counting Norman, so far through this free agency period, the Bills have acquired ten new players. Nine were signed, albeit some not officially yet, and one – wide receiver Stefon Diggs – was acquired via a trade. On the other side the ledger, eleven players have either already shuffled out of Buffalo or remained unsigned by the Bills or any other team. That includes linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, who retired.’

‘For the first time in my adult life, uttering those words aren’t for the retweets or for the sake of scorching hot takes. Which means we’re going to have a serious conversation about the Bills entering the 2020 season with similar or better Super Bowls odds than the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers, Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles.’

‘When healthy, Gaines is a terrific fit for Sean McDermott’s and Leslie Frazier’s defense. He’s very good in zone coverage, something the Bills play a lot of, understanding angles and help. He’s also an excellent tackler, which McDermott values immensely in his cornerbacks. They were a much better defense and overall team when he was actually on the field in 2017, McDermott and Frazier’s first year in Buffalo as coaches.’

‘Williams tore his right MCL and dislocated his kneecap during training camp in 2018, but came back to start in the regular season opener. He injured his right knee again late in that game and was placed on injured reserve the following week, missing the rest of the season.’

‘Here are the details of what each team gave up and where the Bills stand now, as far as 2020 draft picks…’.

‘There’s a growing sense of worry – and even pessimism – among fans, reporters, and others that the 2020 season could be in jeopardy. Even in a best-case scenario, with “stay-at-home” orders in place in some states (including New York), the entire country (supposed to be) using social distancing, and really no timeline as to when we’ll all be able to see friends, family, and co-workers as we’re used to, it’s looking more and more like OTAs and minicamps won’t be held this May and June, as usual.’

‘McKenzie was scheduled to become a restricted free agent last week, but to retain his rights in that scenario, the Bills would have had to pay him at least $2.133 million, the lowest tender possible. That would have also allowed them the right to match any offers from another club or receieve a fifth round pick in return. By not tendering him a qualifying offer, McKenzie became an unrestricted free agent, able to sign with any club with no compensation for the Bills. It also allowed the team to re-sign him at a lower, negotiated price. Terms of the new deal were not disclosed.’

‘The Bills held the No. 22 overall pick in the draft, which will now go to the Vikings. The Bills’ first pick is currently scheduled at the 54th overall selection in Round 2. They now have a second, third, fourth, fifth, two sixth round picks, and a seventh round pick in this year’s draft.’

‘Marlowe has spent the last two seasons with the Bills after two years with the Carolina Panthers. He was an Unrestricted Free Agent.’

‘The biggest thing Allen struggled with in 2019 was his deep ball. Stefon Diggs was one of the best vertical threats in the game last season, compiling 1,130 yards on just 63 receptions. His average distance per target was 12 yards. Easily the highest of his career. If Allen can’t complete passes deep to the likes of Diggs and John Brown, he never will.’

‘In 2018, Jones was involved in a scary collision in the end zone during the Bills’ home game against the Los Angeles Chargers. His helmet came off and he was hit by another player. Jones was down on the turf bleeding for several minutes being tended to by doctors and trainers. Thankfully, he was able to walk off on his own power and even played the following week.’

‘Poyer was scheduled to become a free agent after the upcoming season. He will be 29 years old before the 2020 season and this deal will keep him through his age 31 season. The $10 million per year is a big pay raise from the roughly $3 million he was scheduled to make this year.’

‘Jefferson will turn 27-years-old at the end of this month. He entered the league as fifth round pick out of Maryland in 2016. After two years of playing only nine games for the Seahawks, he started 24 games over the last two seasons, collecting 59 total tackles and 7.5 sacks in his four-year career. In Seattle, the 6-foot-4, 291-pound Jefferson played both defensive tackle and defensive end in their hybrid 4-3/3-4 defense. In Buffalo, he’ll most likely fit in on the interior defensive line.’