GASabresIUFan

I want them to pay Benford as well. However, I want Elam gone. He desperately needs to be playing in a different defense.

No Elam or other FA option

Do you really think a rookie CB will be better than what we got from Douglas last year? Remember how Elam worked out? We need to draft a CB early, but we need a vet to carry the load next year while the draftee learns the system and the speed of the NFL. Earlier I suggested Gilmore or Slay for that starter/mentor role.

I'm very happy with the extensions, but without Cook and Benford being re-signed the process remains incomplete. As to the FAs, I like the Palmer signing and am Ok with Hoecht, but we haven't really filled our most critical needs. A starter at CB is a necessity through free agency or trade and we need a Groot level or better pass rusher to play opposite of Groot. While I expect both areas to be addressed in the draft for the future, we lost in the playoffs because of the poor pass rush and mediocre coverage.

Sign Gilmore or Slay and then draft a CB early for the vet to mentor? I would also love for the Bills to sign Ojulari. He's only 24 and has had some injury issues, but with Groot on the other side, Ojulari would finally be on a team where he could reach his potential. Playing for the Giants (or Jets), is like playing for the Sabres. It can suck the life out of you. Get him here on a reasonable 2-3 year deal and watch him put up 10 sacks for a bargain price.

But drafting a RB in a deep class odds increased

Still need a 3rd back. This is a deep RB class with guys that can contribute immediately in the 4-6 rounds. Beane would be wise to grab one, if Ty Johnson leaves.

There is definitely some value in waiting.

if we don't re-sign Johnson and/or extend Cook, RB vaults up the draft needs. I also think a blocking TE maybe a need as well with Morris non-tendered. Come to think of it a developmental QB could be in the cards.

Allegedly the depth in this draft is at DT and Edge. Allegedly. There are some interesting CBs as well.

Until we know all the cap savings in the extensions, we won't have a clear idea of how much we have or don't have. Obviously Beane knows the exact figure. They have to be cap compliant by 1 pm today, but after that I think teams can do what they want as long as they don't need to be cap compliant again for months.

I amended the title to reflect that the signings the Bills have made and their lack of signing (so far) in other areas may also illustrate how they might approach the draft. For example: They signed Palmer which indicates to me that WR is no longer a priority early in the draft. There are some burners mid draft that remain interesting like Tai Felton, Arian Smith or Kyle Williams. Hoecht is a hybrid player who can LB, DE or DT. I like the signing but don't think it changes our continued need for DT help and a pass rusher both in free agency and/or in the draft.

Both agreed to contracts yesterday. I started a thread to discuss who is still available. People have some interesting other options.

https://www.nfl.com/news/top-101-nfl-free-agents-of-2025-who-are-the-best-players-available I was looking at this list and a few names stuck out. CB - Asante Samuel and maybe Kristian Fulton S - Justin Reid - He just seems like a Bill. Justin Simmons for depth? Edge - Azeez Ojulari - I admit he's a Bulldawg, but he would be an excellent compliment to Groot.

Have we heard any updates on Asante Samuel?

We still need pass rush help, a starting CB, and maybe a starting Safety. I'm honestly surprised Beane has signed or acquired a good pass rusher. I hope he isn't relying on Solomon, Hoecht and AJE to pick up the slack.

Good luck

PFF has him at 310. The Rams website says 267. Another site said the Rams website is very inaccurate. I guess we’ll see when he gets to camp. He did drop back into coverage often according to a Rams fan site. Hard to see a 310 lbs lineman being used as a coverage linebacker.

If anyone has the cap savings on the extensions for Josh, Shakir and Bernard please post them here. Thanks Apparently he has beefed up since joining the NFL. He is really a Smoot replacement. According to the Roch Dem & C, he is up to 310 LBs and plays both DE and DT. He also plays either left or right. Sounds like a nice depth utility D lineman. PS. Your welcome! I posted this because I'm very visual and I agree it's much easier to see what's going on with the team this way. https://www.democratandchronicle.com/story/sports/football/nfl/bills/2025/03/10/buffalo-bills-michael-hoecht-agree-contract-defensive-lineman-free-agency/82238265007/

I do as well. Tai Felton, Arian Smith and Kyle Williams fit that description.

So many people hated the signing last offseason. I had watched him in the Atl and thought he mostly would be a special teams help. He outperformed everyone’s expectations. I’m sorry he is not returning, but it’s not the end of the world. There are plenty of ST specialists and hopefully the addition of Palmer, removes the need for Hollins in the offense. I also think they really like Shavers.

Beane does like his developmental guys like Ingram and Lewis. If Shavers can take on Hollins’ role, that’s about a 3 mill cap savings.

I guess Shavers better learn to play special teams.

Traitor.

Don’t let facts get in the way of a good argument. Don’t forget Torrence.