Elephant in the Room

[strive_for_five_guy]

In reviewing existing deals, I’m not really seeing many release opportunities, outside of a guy or two like McKenzie.  Even that only frees up a couple million.  Their best chances of freeing up more meaningful cap space is going to be restructures and/or trades.  Based on McD and Beane’s comments, I’m thinking Edmunds is the first FA they try to retain.  Probably don’t have enough money left to retain Poyer and Singletary, versus looking to the rest of the roster to step up in their place.  Beyond any marginal depth they sign in FA, the draft is their path to land any meaningful talent at a reasonable price.

[ChronicAndKnuckles]

On 1/23/2023 at 11:01 AM, IronyAbounds said:

Most folks here are pointing to areas where the Bills need improvement: the OL (absolutely), the WR crew (quite possibly), the secondary (quite possibly), the DL (seems likely after yesterday, but it may depend on whether Miller returns at a high level), RB (I'm not as concerned here). One little problem - exactly where do the Bills find the resources to bring in upgrades to those positions. Free Agency? Given the money to keep Allen and bring in Miller, there simply isn't the money to bring in quality FAs. Draft picks? The Bills have six. Fortunately they didn't get rid of any picks in the first 5 rounds (and actually have two in the 5th round). But as we have seen, Beane hasn't exactly been the most astute GM when it comes to drafting, and in any event, rookies always have a learning curve.

 

Injuries indisputably took a huge toll this year, but it isn't like all those injured guys will simply be plugged back into their positions for next year. The defense was hit the hardest, but who knows how well Miller or Hyde will bounce back, plus they'll be a year older (Miller will be 34 and Hyde 33, not exactly spring chickens in the NFL). White certainly didn't seem like his old self this year. Hamlin (bless his soul) almost certainly won't be back, Poyer is likely gone and the rest of the secondary is meh at best. 

 

The offense wasn't hurt all that much by injuries, certainly not any more than is typical to an NFL team, so it's not as though they will be getting a difference maker back on offense. Most people seem to think the WR position is in need of upgrade, but if you spend resources in that area, how do you address the other positions that seem far more in need (OL and secondary). Same thought with the running backs. The OL is in need of a major overhaul, but again, the Bills really won't be able to spend much on any OL free agent. Will there be a quality lineman early in the draft? I hope so, but then what about the DL, the secondary, the wide receivers and running backs? Is it reasonable to expect Beane to suddenly become a master draftsman and be able to plug all the gaps with 6 draft picks? Past history suggests otherwise.

 

The Bills have had a remarkable run the past four years becoming one of the top teams in the league. For that I'm grateful. It's just difficult to see how they get over the hump given the current situation with the existing talent and somewhat crimped resources. I'll admit, when it comes to the Bills, my pessimism springs eternal. Hopefully I'm overstating the problems and minimizing the avenues that exist to improve the team.

I’m hoping guys like Greg Rousseau and Shakir make the jump next season  + a plug and play guard and speedster WR in the 1st & 2nd rounds. I’m confident Beane will find a couple late round gems, but it is imperative that they hit on those first 2 picks. This is the only way IMO. Free agency is not going to save this team. 

[PrimeTime101]

On 1/23/2023 at 11:05 AM, KDIGGZ said:

Can the Elephant play OL?

He was at Try outs last season