Well, that is a pessimistic spin. However, the flip side is... things may be better than you think.
Yes, the Bills need a starting QB. But, perhaps Brohm has matured and learned something sitting on the sidelines. Perhaps he becomes a decent starter. Perhaps there's one or more FA pickups this offseason that give us a decent starter while a yong draft pick matures.
Maybe we only need 1 offensive tackle. In the very limited time that Butler played at RT, he seemed good. Maybe with w decent training staff he finally stays healthey for a full season. And with Bell or Merideth as backups, perhaps we havea little depth there. So, draft the top LT in the draft and a big hole is filled.
OK. so we need an upgrade at 1 LB position. Seems like one draft pick could solve that.
Maybin is no more of a potential bust than any other rookie that recieves limited playing time. He could just as easily be a potential super star. So, maybe we give him some time to develop? Even with Schobel's possible retirement, a decent FA or draft pick and it could be lessened.
Hardy, again, is just as much a potential Super star as he is a bust. He's gotten almost zero playing time; so who knows how he'll perform when actually given a chance. So, Owens leaves. Who cares? Reed may be a FA, but why can't he be re-signed?
All the severe injuries (Wood, Butler, Mitchell, and McGee) should heal perfectly fine and the players be ready to excel next year. Wood is the only one I miht be concerned about, but all indications are that it was a clean break and he should recover fine.
The team certainly needs upgrades at several positions (DE, LB, DT, OL). But, with a new GM/C won't that be their job to find those replacements? Is that any different than abotu 28 other teams in the league every offseason? Who's not looking to upgrade 3 or 4 positions on their team?
Ralph has given every indication that he intends to hire a real GM and HC this offseason and completely revamp the FO, if needed. Let's see how that plays out. We could see the hirings of several individuals that overhaul our scouting department ans set this franchise up for years of continued success.
Are my views overly optimisitic? No more than yours are overly pessimistic, IMO.