Free Agents we like for the 2025 Bills?

[Thrivefourfive]

2 minutes ago, LABILLBACKER said:

I tried to worship Milano...I really did.

He just wouldn’t let you. It’s definitely HIM,, not you

[The Jokeman]

Just now, Thrivefourfive said:

He just wouldn’t let you. It’s definitely HIM,, not you

That's the way the cookie crumbles...😏

[Thrivefourfive]

Just now, The Jokeman said:

That's the way the cookie crumbles...😏

folks. Please take care of yourself, and each other. 

[HOUSE]

Any big nasty Defensive linemen that can rush the QB.

Must be under 27 with no major injuries. 

Please apply

 

[MrEpsYtown]

So defense...

 

To answer the original question, I think your number 1 goal is to get a big-time safety either Holland or Andre Cisco. There is just something about Cisco I really like. He has great ball skills and makes plays all over the place. Also multiple connections to the staff. He should also be cheaper than Holland. I wouldn't hate going down the Justin Simmons route as a stopgap guy who gives Mahomes fits. All three guys can play FS next to Rapp or Bishop making one of those latter guys a dime player. 

 

In terms of corners, I am not sure it's a really affordable route to take a big swing there. Byron Murphy is my favorite guy there, I doubt that happens. Cheaper fits, buy low types Kristian Fulton, Eric Stokes (who allegedly the Bills wanted in the Groot draft) and some people have mentioned Pats Jonathan Jones and that makes sense as well. 

 

I don't think that LB is really a need, but maybe they finally bring Shaq Thompson north for depth as the final connection to the old pipeline. 

 

I don't think the Bills get an edge player in free agency. Khalil Mack makes some sense but I think this position gets upgraded via trade somehow. There is way too much smoke around a number of edge guys and it is a need. Marcus Davenport could be a Ryan Nielsen NO guy buy low. If all else fails, I would actually take a shot on a former Schnowman teammate at Temple, Haason Reddick who should be well-rested,  looking for redemption and probably wants to destroy the Jets. 

 

As other have mentioned, BJ HIll makes a ton of sense as a DT and he has those connections here as well. He has been a very solid piece wherever he has been. Spotrac has him at 2 years 18 million. Not sure they go there, but he fits a need. Hill would be a huge get. 

 

Depth guys like Kentavius Street and Jeremiah Ledbetter make sense, but they are more three techs.

 

For a 1 tech, Greg Gaines is a stocky, thick, run-stuffing nose tackle. Gaines also has some pass rush ability and he is still just 27. 

[NastyNateSoldiers]

On 2/17/2025 at 3:24 PM, GunnerBill said:

 

Buddy was GM in name only in 2013, the power had already passed to Whaley and Buddy was allowed to retire gracefully a few weeks later. But to be fair to Monos he didn't arrive until after Doug took over formally so he had no hand in Manuel. 

Ntm Monos was player personnel guy basically in charge of free agents and I think he did a great job at that. 

 

I'm one of few here that truly believe if Whaley front office was paired with Mcd we would've already won a couple Superbowls. 2017 off-season was the best we had in the Mcd era and Whaley and his staff was in charge of finding those talents that we ended up signing and drafting. Maybe Mcd made the decision like some will say here but there's no doubt who gave him the shopping list so to speak. 

 

Up until recently we were still living off that off-season with players like Tre, Dawkins, Milano , Poyer & Hyde all these guys have been to the pro bowl and some on all pro teams if not all of them if I'm not mistaken. These players were the difference makers on this team . 

 

 

[NastyNateSoldiers]

11 minutes ago, NastyNateSoldiers said:

Ntm Monos was player personnel guy basically in charge of free agents and I think he did a great job at that. 

 

I'm one of few here that truly believe if Whaley front office was paired with Mcd we would've already won a couple Superbowls. 2017 off-season was the best we had in the Mcd era and Whaley and his staff was in charge of finding those talents that we ended up signing and drafting. Maybe Mcd made the decision like some will say here but there's no doubt who gave him the shopping list so to speak. 

 

Up until recently we were still living off that off-season with players like Tre, Dawkins, Milano , Poyer & Hyde all these guys have been to the pro bowl and some on all pro teams if not all of them if I'm not mistaken. These players were the difference makers on this team . 

 

 

Mof since that off-season how many Pro bowl talents and All pro players did Beane draft other then Allen. I know Taron is one anyone else? 

[GunnerBill]

16 minutes ago, NastyNateSoldiers said:

Ntm Monos was player personnel guy basically in charge of free agents and I think he did a great job at that. 

 

I'm one of few here that truly believe if Whaley front office was paired with Mcd we would've already won a couple Superbowls. 2017 off-season was the best we had in the Mcd era and Whaley and his staff was in charge of finding those talents that we ended up signing and drafting. Maybe Mcd made the decision like some will say here but there's no doubt who gave him the shopping list so to speak. 

 

Up until recently we were still living off that off-season with players like Tre, Dawkins, Milano , Poyer & Hyde all these guys have been to the pro bowl and some on all pro teams if not all of them if I'm not mistaken. These players were the difference makers on this team . 

 

 

 

Monos was essentially assistant GM, in all but name. His title was Director of Player Personnel but he was over both sides. Rob Hanrahan has Director of Pro Personnel and Kelvin Fisher was Director of College Scouting. The Whaley era did definitely have some success with its pro side. Zach Brown, Lorenzo Alexander, Corey Graham, Mike Gillislee, the Jerry Hughes trade as well (obviously) was on their watch. 

 

On the 2017 offseason - the draft was pretty heavily McDermott controlled. I know that for a cold stone fact. I'm not sure Whaley and Monos were doing more than manning the phones to be honest he was in full control. I don't know about the free agency period. First it was 5/6 weeks earlier so not clear by that stage if McDermott had yet convinced Terry to move on from the front office and second you invariably need more front office involvement there because of the contract / salary cap element. And I agree it was a great off season. I don't think Dion has been an all pro but Tre, Milano and Poyer were all first team all pros as Bills and Hyde was a second team. 

 

3 minutes ago, NastyNateSoldiers said:

Mof since that off-season how many Pro bowl talents and All pro players did Beane draft other then Allen. I know Taron is one anyone else? 

 

All pros Beane's record is:

 

1 traded for first team: Stefon Diggs (2020) - n.b. was also a second team all pro (2022)

2 drafted second team: Josh Allen (2020 & 2024); Taron Johnson (2023).

1 free agent signed second team: Cole Beasley (2020)

 

Edited 12 hours ago by GunnerBill

[NastyNateSoldiers]

Just now, GunnerBill said:

 

Monos was essentially assistant GM, in all but name. His title was Director of Player Personnel but he was over both sides. Rob Hanrahan has Director of Pro Personnel and Kelvin Fisher was Director of College Scouting. The Whaley era did definitely have some success with its pro side. Zach Brown, Lorenzo Alexander, Corey Graham, Mike Gillislee, the Jerry Hughes trade as well (obviously) was on their watch. 

 

On the 2017 offseason - the draft was pretty heavily McDermott controlled. I know that for a cold stone fact. I'm not sure Whaley and Monos were doing more than manning the phones to be honest he was in full control. I don't know about the free agency period. First it was 5/6 weeks earlier so not clear by that stage if McDermott had yet convinced Terry to move on from the front office and second you invariably need more front office involvement there because of the contract / salary cap element. And I agree it was a great off season. I don't think Dion has been an all pro but Tre, Milano and Poyer were all first team all pros as Bills and Hyde was a second team. 

I agree Mcd maybe made the calls during the draft but he sure didn't scout these players. Whaley staff brought him the grocery list obviously Beane and his staff do the same thing but we haven't been able to replicate that success and I know why. The question is how many Pro bowl talents did Beane bring in from 2018 till today ? I'm willing bet it's not as much as that 2017 off-season combined. I know Taron is definitely one of them and Spencer Brown played like one this yr Cookie also but we're talking about at least 6 off-seasons combined from 2018 to 2023. 

[NastyNateSoldiers]

On 2/19/2025 at 2:54 AM, MrEpsYtown said:

So defense...

 

To answer the original question, I think your number 1 goal is to get a big-time safety either Holland or Andre Cisco. There is just something about Cisco I really like. He has great ball skills and makes plays all over the place. Also multiple connections to the staff. He should also be cheaper than Holland. I wouldn't hate going down the Justin Simmons route as a stopgap guy who gives Mahomes fits. All three guys can play FS next to Rapp or Bishop making one of those latter guys a dime player. 

 

In terms of corners, I am not sure it's a really affordable route to take a big swing there. Byron Murphy is my favorite guy there, I doubt that happens. Cheaper fits, buy low types Kristian Fulton, Eric Stokes (who allegedly the Bills wanted in the Groot draft) and some people have mentioned Pats Jonathan Jones and that makes sense as well. 

 

I don't think that LB is really a need, but maybe they finally bring Shaq Thompson north for depth as the final connection to the old pipeline. 

 

I don't think the Bills get an edge player in free agency. Khalil Mack makes some sense but I think this position gets upgraded via trade somehow. There is way too much smoke around a number of edge guys and it is a need. Marcus Davenport could be a Ryan Nielsen NO guy buy low. If all else fails, I would actually take a shot on a former Schnowman teammate at Temple, Haason Reddick who should be well-rested,  looking for redemption and probably wants to destroy the Jets. 

 

As other have mentioned, BJ HIll makes a ton of sense as a DT and he has those connections here as well. He has been a very solid piece wherever he has been. Spotrac has him at 2 years 18 million. Not sure they go there, but he fits a need. Hill would be a huge get. 

 

Depth guys like Kentavius Street and Jeremiah Ledbetter make sense, but they are more three techs.

 

For a 1 tech, Greg Gaines is a stocky, thick, run-stuffing nose tackle. Gaines also has some pass rush ability and he is still just 27. 

I like Stokes at corner and also his teammate Ballentine they both came on strong the 2nd half of last season. 

 

At Safety there's a bunch of guys how about taking a chance on Hufanaga for the right price or Chinn 

 

Wr- I love Dyami Brown I think he can be an absolute steal for the right price. 

 

 

This free agency period is loaded on defensive side of the ball with players going into there 2nd contract 24-28yrs old players. The Bills need to go get these types of players. 

[GunnerBill]

12 minutes ago, NastyNateSoldiers said:

I agree Mcd maybe made the calls during the draft but he sure didn't scout these players. Whaley staff brought him the grocery list obviously Beane and his staff do the same thing but we haven't been able to replicate that success and I know why. The question is how many Pro bowl talents did Beane bring in from 2018 till today ? I'm willing bet it's not as much as that 2017 off-season combined. I know Taron is definitely one of them and Spencer Brown played like one this yr Cookie also but we're talking about at least 6 off-seasons combined from 2018 to 2023. 

 

He didn't scout them in the sense of he wasn't on the road, sure (though really that isn't the GM and DPP role either) but they drafted all guys that he had links to. 

 

Tre White's defensive coordinator at LSU was Dave Aranda (a buddy of McDermott's who had interned with the Panthers) who gave a personal recommendation.

Zay Jones's wide receivers coach at ECU was Phil McGeoghan who had joined the Bills in the same role that January.

Dion Dawkins came from Temple where McDermott had deep connections going back to his Philly days because Temple played at the Linc. 

Matt Milano came from Boston College where Anthony Camponile (another former Panthers intern who has just been hired as the Jags new DC) was on staff.

 

I don't think he trusted Whaley's scouting reports at all. He relied almost entirely on recommendations of people he DID trust. 

 

[NastyNateSoldiers]

4 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

He didn't scout them in the sense of he wasn't on the road, sure (though really that isn't the GM and DPP role either) but they drafted all guys that he had links to. 

 

Tre White's defensive coordinator at LSU was Dave Aranda (a buddy of McDermott's who had interned with the Panthers) who gave a personal recommendation.

Zay Jones's wide receivers coach at ECU was Phil McGeoghan who had joined the Bills in the same role that January.

Dion Dawkins came from Temple where McDermott had deep connections going back to his Philly days because Temple played at the Linc. 

Matt Milano came from Boston College where Anthony Camponile (another former Panthers intern who has just been hired as the Jags new DC) was on staff.

 

I don't think he trusted Whaley's scouting reports at all. He relied almost entirely on recommendations of people he DID trust. 

 

I find that real hard to believe. Btw everyone has link to someone in every college this isn't anything new

[GunnerBill]

On 2/19/2025 at 12:54 AM, MrEpsYtown said:

So defense...

 

To answer the original question, I think your number 1 goal is to get a big-time safety either Holland or Andre Cisco. There is just something about Cisco I really like. He has great ball skills and makes plays all over the place. Also multiple connections to the staff. He should also be cheaper than Holland. I wouldn't hate going down the Justin Simmons route as a stopgap guy who gives Mahomes fits. All three guys can play FS next to Rapp or Bishop making one of those latter guys a dime player. 

 

In terms of corners, I am not sure it's a really affordable route to take a big swing there. Byron Murphy is my favorite guy there, I doubt that happens. Cheaper fits, buy low types Kristian Fulton, Eric Stokes (who allegedly the Bills wanted in the Groot draft) and some people have mentioned Pats Jonathan Jones and that makes sense as well. 

 

 

I'd take any of those combination of safeties and corners. 

 

Holland and Murphy is my preferred combination but that is probably the most expensive combination too. They brought Simmons in for a visit last year didn't they? He ended up signing a 1 year, $8million deal with the Falcons which given our cap position we would not have been in a position to match. He probably didn't play up to that contract in truth, but if he wanted to come for say $3-4m as a 1 year ring chase to end his career (I don't think he has ever even played a playoff game) then I'd be interested. 

[NastyNateSoldiers]

If that's the case Mcd should just fire Beane and draft based on his links. That's entirely outrageous to even think that. 

[GunnerBill]

3 minutes ago, NastyNateSoldiers said:

I find that real hard to believe. Btw everyone has link to someone in every college this isn't anything new

 

It's the truth. I have spoken to people who were in that building. McDermott was in the driving seat by the draft. And while yes, everyone has links to guys in college, and the Bills still use them - the same Dave Aranda was the reason we took Terell Bernard two rounds higher than the consensus had him - that draft was very clear and very obviously driven by McDermott's contacts book not Whaley's scouting staff. 

 

2 minutes ago, NastyNateSoldiers said:

If that's the case Mcd should just fire Beane and draft based on his links. That's entirely outrageous to even think that. 

 

The difference is he trusts Brandon Beane.

Edited 11 hours ago by GunnerBill

[NastyNateSoldiers]

23 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

It's the truth. I have spoken to people who were in that building. McDermott was in the driving seat by the draft. And while yes, everyone has links to guys in college, and the Bills still use them - the same Dave Aranda was the reason we took Terell Bernard two rounds higher than the consensus had him - that draft was very clear and very obviously driven by McDermott's contacts book not Whaley's scouting staff. 

 

 

The difference is he trusts Brandon Beane.

He's trusts Beane to know his role and STFU . 😂 

[NastyNateSoldiers]

27 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

It's the truth. I have spoken to people who were in that building. McDermott was in the driving seat by the draft. And while yes, everyone has links to guys in college, and the Bills still use them - the same Dave Aranda was the reason we took Terell Bernard two rounds higher than the consensus had him - that draft was very clear and very obviously driven by McDermott's contacts book not Whaley's scouting staff. 

 

 

The difference is he trusts Brandon Beane.

Obviously u wanna use connections to help you know who the person is your getting in the draft. 

 

The problem is it seems the Bills put heavy emphasis on this even when it comes to free agents. They like guys there familiar with and I believe this is part of the problem and to me it's borderline lazy work by our front office. Way to much emphasis on these nice guys and the culture in the locker room. Obviously u want to have a foundation of good character players but once u have that u can add in a couple of odd balls to the mix. This team needs an infusion of nasty on it especially on the defensive side of the ball. We're undersized overall on defense we need to get bigger and more nasty. The way this team is built especially on defensive side of the ball is flawed in my opinion. They don't have the formula that leads to winning championships and after 8yrs in control I don't believe Mcd well ever figure it out. I hope I'm wrong but I doubt it.

[GunnerBill]

8 minutes ago, NastyNateSoldiers said:

Obviously u wanna use connections to help you know who the person is your getting in the draft. 

 

The problem is it seems the Bills put heavy emphasis on this even when it comes to free agents. They like guys there familiar with and I believe this is part of the problem and to me it's borderline lazy work by our front office. Way to much emphasis on these nice guys and the culture in the locker room. Obviously u want to have a foundation of good character players but once u have that u can add in a couple of odd balls to the mix. This team needs an infusion of nasty on it especially on the defensive side of the ball. We're undersized overall on defense we need to get bigger and more nasty. The way this team is built especially on defensive side of the ball is flawed in my opinion. They don't have the formula that leads to winning championships and after 8yrs in control I don't believe Mcd well ever figure it out. I hope I'm wrong but I doubt it.

 

They definitely do like guys they are familiar with. The whole NFL does in fairness. Even the Eagles who have strong links to Georgia's football programme and have drafted from there a ton, and started their rebuild on defense last March by resigning Gardner-Johnson who they knew and had before. 

 

Personally I don't think the problem is them over prioritising X or under prioritising Y, I just don't think they have evaluated talent well enough and they haven't found enough difference makers. I don't see a particular pattern to it. They've taken swings on athletic high ceiling guys like Groot, Kaiir and Cole Bishop and they hve drafted high floor "safer" prospects like Kincaid, Torrence and Bernard. Sure, they are probably more protective of the culture than some other teams but Ed Oliver have personality questions on him, James Cook had questions about his passion and commitment too... it's not like they have totally avoided anyone with any flags. It's just they haven't found enough stars and I think it comes down to they gotta evaluate talent better. I don't think it is an approach problem. I think it's an evaluation problem. 

[Kirby Jackson]

19 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

They definitely do like guys they are familiar with. The whole NFL does in fairness. Even the Eagles who have strong links to Georgia's football programme and have drafted from there a ton, and started their rebuild on defense last March by resigning Gardner-Johnson who they knew and had before. 

 

Personally I don't think the problem is them over prioritising X or under prioritising Y, I just don't think they have evaluated talent well enough and they haven't found enough difference makers. I don't see a particular pattern to it. They've taken swings on athletic high ceiling guys like Groot, Kaiir and Cole Bishop and they hve drafted high floor "safer" prospects like Kincaid, Torrence and Bernard. Sure, they are probably more protective of the culture than some other teams but Ed Oliver have personality questions on him, James Cook had questions about his passion and commitment too... it's not like they have totally avoided anyone with any flags. It's just they haven't found enough stars and I think it comes down to they gotta evaluate talent better. I don't think it is an approach problem. I think it's an evaluation problem. 

I think this is a good point. They’ve taken guys, early, generally mocked to that part of the draft (Elam, Kincaid, Groot, AJE, etc) and just haven’t hit on enough of them yet. None of those guys were considered “a reach.” At the same time, it has been more “solid” than what you need from top 60 picks. You need some of those to develop into your difference makers. The top of your roster should be guys picked early or your big FA investments. It’s great to have the Benford’s of the world become stars, but banking on 6th round picks to be your best players isn’t sustainable. That’s a bonus. 

Edited 10 hours ago by Kirby Jackson

[Magox]

DT - DJ Jones and Tier Tart -  FA acquisitions and use one of your premium draft picks and another mid to late rounder on DT's

Release - Daquan

Let everyone else walk except Oliver and Carter

 

DJ Jones should come in somewhere around $8M AAV - really good run stuffer who can push the pocket and Tier Tart who will be a lot cheaper

 

DE - No FA acquisitions - Swing for fences for either Garrett or Crosby - Assuming you can't get them - Use one of your three premium picks on a DE

 

Release Von

 

Keep Smoot

 

Safety - Justin Simmons will play the role that they are lacking, will add experience, should be relatively cheap around $5M - Draft another with mid to late rounder

 

CB - FA pickup DJ Reed, or Chavarious Ward - one of those two, based off the coaching additions it appears Bills will be employing more man to man schemes and they would be a fit - They need to get a higher end CB.  Draft one with a mid to late rounder

 

Trade Elam for whatever you can get.  

 

WR - Either Slayton or Hollywood Brown - someone who has speed and can stretch defenses, it would need to be under $10M AAV - Use one of your premium draft choices on a WR who can separate.