Mister Defense

Yes, all makes sense so far, to let our 2nd best offensive player, the only true game breaker, leave this year or next, as he enters his prime. And create another significant need when they do so. A 'bold' move... Instead, I say the Bills are actually smart and sign Cook to a good extension in the next two weeks. And Benford too, but the Bills do not break the bank to do so in my opinion. I believe that the Bills will not offer, and Cook would not accept, the 12 million a year contract proposed here, not after Barkley is making 20+ a year now. Not how it works in the NFL or life. And both Cook and the Bills know it.

He has to be coming, or makes no sense. Justin Fields is not the guy, but is a back up likely now and forever. Could change with some great coaching, but getting late in the game. Darnold is likely the one, maybe the only decent possibility right now. So he may sign soon.

They will not bring him back, I hope that they don't. If the Bills need the most help on the D-Line, and many think they do, they should bring in a younger player who can play well and not just a few snaps a game. Miller offered very little last year, likely in the way of some player who could have helped more. Great career, one of the most disruptive defensive players I have ever seen play. But even if the cost is very low, the Bills need to get better at that position.

Will go down as Beane's worst move ever, one that undermined the team's potential. One of the highest payed players at his position and for the Bills, contributing as much as mid/low round draft pick. Overall a fan of Beane's, but broke his own rules for a shot in the dark at a huge cost. Could have had AJ Brown previously for roughly the same amount of money, a true game changer on this offense. Not looking at these things in hindsight, but how I saw things at the time of the trade.

After Crosby signed I was thinking I don't want Garrett anymore, not at 35+ million a year, which now appears to be 40. In free agency the Bills could maybe get 3/4 of the following for that kind of money: a high quality CB, end, D tackle, and wide receiver. Way too much money for a player who will be 30 years old next season. Seattle is clearing out its offense, and Metcalf may be the only game changer out there. Beane should get that done now, and forget what about I say in my second line. Or do that and get the top of the line free agents for those positions wherever possible.

Hah, what a shocker that the chiefs pick the bum and the Bills pass on him.. And it is likely that whatever happens going forward worthy's (worthless?) life will never be the same--you don't ever overcome the stigma of strangling someone.

Well, for Cook the 15 million was likely as you say, an opening shot in negotiations. But the Barkley signing changes things, as now a running back is finally making 20 million plus, and into the high 20s with incentives. I now think it is likely that Cook does receive 15 million a year, at least on the later years in his contract. Hard for the Bills to offer him, a superb runner and catcher, half than of what Barkley just signed for. 75% seems likely though. I was very happy it was you Thurman, who responded, one of my favorite players. Great to see you are on here and then can filter your ideas to One Bills Drive. Something to think about, Thurm: What if in the early 90s the Bills decided they were not going to pay you market rate for your 2nd contract and you left the Bills? Do you think that would have changed that team much, diminished it? I do.

Why would it be Benford next up and not Cook? Two of the top five players on the Bills. I don't think the Bills want to make Cook the one player not getting an early extension. That is not how they operate. If the Bills know what's good for them, they would sign both in the next few days, as the price will continue to go up.

This was the best offensive line Josh Allen's Bills have had. They protected Josh very well and consistently opened holes for the running backs. It is a rare thing to have an excellent offensive line that can run and pass block at such a high level. How many NFL teams have an O line like that? You don't roll the dice and hope the next in line is capable, you re-sign McGovern, a revelation last season at center.

When one door closes, another one opens. https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/dk-metcalf-requests-trade-seahawks-to-explore-dealing-two-time-pro-bowl-wideout-per-report/ Still my #1 choice. Now the Hawks officially 'exploring' it. Go Beane. If Miami was smart they would try to swap Hill for him, but they would need to add more. Hill is a 31 and his super power is speed.

Was thinking you can very likely be wrong, above. Oh well, one down..

Darn. One less option now And it likely means even more $ for Garrett Barkley signs for big bucks, now Crosby breaks the bank too. Teams need to stop this shi* until the Bills make their moves. No more.

Thanks a lot, I appreciate it. Have wanted to do some over the years, but too lazy to find out how. It seems pretty easy from your directions so now I can do one! But sometimes when there are polls people are less likely to explain their views. I kept thinking of different reasons, pro and con, for the high end free agent options. I wanted info and analysis that helped me make a more informed decision. Obviously Beane and the Bills' leaders get most of their ideas from this forum, so there's no room for error.

The highest salary often does set the bar, and in this case, resetting it to some degree, as that is a big leap, and big news. In the next two seasons. Barkley can earn $56 million with incentives, with about 40 guaranteed. I do not think players are going to leapfrog over that contract, or that there will be a stampede of running backs signing $20+ million soon. But likely to have a pretty big impact on the running back market in the next few years. Good for Barkley, but this could have waited at least a few more weeks.

A good explanation of an important aspect of complimentary football. Here, the offense feeds off the success of the defense. On the other side of the coin, the defense feeds off the offense.. So as Buffalo's offense gets better, and it will if Brady is the real deal, the defense will naturally get better. For example, they will be playing with a lead even more, which is very positive for a defense. So in the end if the Bills get one high impact player in the off season, I will be satisfied that the team itself is better overall. You make the point that a great player on one side of the ball makes the other side better, which is usually true. This should ease all of our minds if our guy is not the one. Any of the top three choices so far would do that for a team, in my estimation.

Was thinking of that, but did not want to narrow it down to the players only I thought would be suggested. For example, I definitely would not have put Jevon Holland on here. I wanted to see what the broad range of ideas, possibilities were. (Plus, I don't know how to do a poll!)

yes to all, and it is about time that Allen has the O-Line, running game and wide receivers, all at the same time, that a great quarterback and offense needs to rise to their ultimate potential. A great thing about Metcalf is that he would keep this young offense young, meaning they would get better and better as they progress. Right now I believe all of their offensive starters are 28 or younger, with the most 27 or younger. Dawkins is the only starter 30 years old. Now is the time to take the next step with this offense, and then focus like a laser on D-tackle, lineman, and defensive backs.

And both Coleman and Kincaid are big guys, like Metcalf. Not only would he open things up for them on the field, and for the other pass catchers, but would be able to mentor them as well, teach them how to be pro receivers, which is something both need in order to take the next steps in this league. Just go back and listen to what McDermott said about each player after the season. A coach can teach them, but a player like Metcalf can also show them. And the age thing is huge to me. Hated the Miller move because he was an old dude, especially for his position, and in obvious decline. Garrett likely has several good years left, but we don't know that is the case.

I agree the offense is very good. But Allen deserves better weapons than he has. If the Bills had a great wideout last year, they win that playoff game against the Chiefs. Yes they had Diggs, but he looked and acted like he could care less. This year if the Bills had a go to receiver who could open things up more in the intermediate and long range, the Bills would have been much harder to beat. The Chiefs could do so much more on defense without having to be overly concerned with those routes, though Hollins burned them a few times. I agree that the defense needs much more work, but now think finishing the offense first with Metcalf makes more sense. And then using all that they have this year, and probably some of next year's capital, to nail the defense, including some very good free agents/trades. Then, they may have an historically good offense and a much improved defense, a good combo, enough to put them over the top.

At 25, and on this team, I like Holland a lot. Could be a cornerstone for years. And we know McDermott's first big moves were bringing in two safeties, Poyer and Hyde, and then Tre White with a first round pick. But it was reported today that Holland is 'projected' to sign a 4 year $60 million contract with the Raiders. I don't think the Bills are considering that kind of payday for a safety right now, with other more pressing needs on the D line and defensive backfield.

I am surprised more here, and overall, seem much less interested in Crosby, who would likely be my 2nd choice after Metcalf. Two fewer years in the league than Garrett, two years younger, and similar sack #s, though he missed games last season, QB hits, and TFLs. Seems like he would be a lot cheaper ($ and trade wise) possibly as well-? Either way, Garrett or Crosby would likely have a significant effect on the rest of the defense, enabling players like Oliver, Rousseau, and the linebackers to have career years. I think in a less direct manner, Metcalf would do the same for Coleman and the receivers.

I think the Bills may go after one high level free agent or trade. They need defensive backs, tackles, and ends. The offense needs a #1 wide receiver. Which of the possible big name players that may be available would you be most excited about if you hear the Bills have signed him? For me it would be D.K. Metcalf, when previously it was Crosby or Garrett. This offense needs someone who can consistently catch balls down the field and outrun a defense. Being a human bulldozer is a bonus, one that fits in well with the team’s philosophy. He is 27, six foot four, 225 pounds, and with 4.33 speed at his 2019 combine. I know it is the defense that most needs the potential first round pick that it would likely take, but Metcalf ‘s the perfect player for this offense and team right now. He will enable their young crop of receivers-- Coleman, Shakir, Kincaid, and the running backs-- to rise to their potential in 2025. If I hear Metcalf was signed I will be very happy, knowing the Bills’ offense took the next step, and will be one of the top offenses in the league next year and beyond. Even better than this past year. Almost unstoppable. Signing Metcalf would then mean all hands on deck can focus almost exclusively on the defense, as their main need on offense was eliminated. All draft capital, potential trades, focused solely on revamping the defense. The Raiders likely want him, but Metcalf would probably prefer Josh Allen throwing to him than…?

If this happens Daboll and Schoen may both gone before Thanksgiving. Maybe before Halloween. But if they think this is a good idea, they should both be fired tomorrow. Shortcut to the inevitable. Can you say desperation?

Yup. He sounds like one of the really ignorant talking heads, like Shannon Sharpe, who said that the Bills are not good in the playoffs because 'for every TD Allen throws, he throws an interception that leads to an opponent's touchdown'. No shi#, he actually said that on First Take this season. Literally zero basis in reality, just like the post you rightfully rip apart. But Shannon Sharpe is an ignoramus of the worst caliber. Why a Bills fan would spout such ignorant nonsense is beyond me... about one of the most clutch quarterbacks I have ever seen play in the NFL. The Bills are almost never out of a game with Allen. And I don't think I am being a homer saying that.

You better watch it DJB, if you know what;s good for you...and the Bills. Do not share stats like that, please, especially of our young up and coming players, like Williams, Bernard, Cook.. Because as soon as a small group of posters see that, realize what we may have now, and in the future, they start salivating, then foaming at the mouth.. And then they think of all kinds of scenarios in which we can get rid of them. Preferably for draft picks, though not higher than what we drafted them at. So, thanks for the info, but please stop now..