Buffalo Bills
2023 record: 11-6
Projected salary cap space: Over the cap
Offseason storylines: Buffalo sets out on a recurring mission to solve its Mahomes problem and Bills general manager Brandon Beane better buckle his chin strap. He was staring at a cap deficit of around $40 million when the Super Bowl confetti rained down on the Chiefs in Las Vegas. A few veterans on the wrong side of 30 will likely be jettisoned, but there’s no change in the couch cushions to bring in a significant addition in free agency without moving another contract off the books. Buffalo has 10 draft picks, and Beane faces pressure to land impact players early and often.
Team Needs: S, Edge, CB, DT, WR
More pressure might make the coverage better and better coverage personnel could make the pass rush look improved, but upgrades at those positions are necessary based on the free agent class for the Bills. Pass rush was a problem and Von Miller was nearly non-existent with zero sacks in 257 snaps. No. 2 wide receiver Gabe Davis could find a bigger offer elsewhere. Even with a miniscule sack percentage (3.98), are the Bills OK risking it without a proven backup? Josh Allen’s understudy spot is vacant and should be addressed. He has a streak of 96 consecutive starts including the playoffs, but runs often enough to spark wonder if recent shoulder and elbow woes might be a byproduct of taking too many hits.
Top free agent: DE Leonard Floyd – A late free agent signing last spring, Floyd led the team with 10.5 sacks and enjoyed playing alongside interior troublemaker Ed Oliver. Floyd could get a bigger payday elsewhere, which would put Greg Rousseau on the hot seat as a likely everydown edge.
Unrestricted free agents (as of March 11):
QB Kyle Allen
WR Gabe Davis
OLB Tyrel Dodson
OT David Edwards
DE A.J. Epenesa
DE Leonard Floyd
DT Poona Ford
RB Damien Harris
FS Micah Hyde
CB Dane Jackson
RB Ty Johnson
DE DaQuan Jones
DT Linval Joseph
DE Shaq Lawson
CB Cam Lewis
LB Tyler Matakevich
RB Latavius Murray
DT Jordan Phillips
S Taylor Rapp
DT Tim Settle
WR Trent Sherfield
–Field Level Media
