The Buffalo Bills enter 2021 NFL free agency coming off a 13-3 season in 2020 and have 15 unrestricted free agents.
Fresh off an appearance in the AFC Championship Game, the Bills’ future has not looked this bright since quarterback Jim Kelly powered their offense in the early 1990s. With MVP runner-up Josh Allen and All-Pro Stefon Diggs forming one of the most potent quarterback-wide receiver duos in the league, the Bills appear ready to compete with any team in the NFL and challenge the two-time reigning AFC champion Kansas City Chiefs.
Here’s what to expect from the Bills when the NFL offseason hits high gear with the start of free agency on March 17:
QUARTERBACK
Under contract: Josh Allen, Jake Fromm, Davis Webb
UFA: Matt Barkley
Game plan: With Barkley’s impending free agency, the Bills would be wise to add a veteran backup to create competition for Fromm, a 2020 fifth-round pick. Webb is an integral presence in the locker room and will likely return as the team’s practice squad quarterback.
RUNNING BACK
Under contract: Devin Singletary, Zack Moss, Christian Wade, Antonio Williams
UFA: Taiwan Jones, T.J. Yeldon
Game plan: The Bills have publicly expressed a desire to improve their run game — whether they do that via the draft or free agency remains to be seen. Coach Sean McDermott prefers to spread the ball out in the backfield, but the type of back Buffalo adds in free agency depends on whether they believe Moss or Singletary can operate as a lead back.
WIDE RECEIVER
Under contract: Stefon Diggs, Cole Beasley, Gabriel Davis, John Brown, Isaiah Hodgins
UFA: Andre Roberts, Isaiah McKenzie
Game plan: Wide receiver is arguably the Bills’ strongest position and one that’s not high on the priority list in free agency. Roberts has made the Pro Bowl as a returner in each of his two seasons in Buffalo and is the more likely candidate to return of the team’s two free agents.
TIGHT END
Under contract: Dawson Knox, Lee Smith
UFA: Tyler Kroft
Game plan: There will be a new addition to the Bills’ tight ends room next season — especially after general manager Brandon Beane made it clear the team didn’t get enough from the position during the 2020 season. They need an alpha who can be a true threat in the passing game, but don’t have the cap space to pay top dollar for it. A player such as Jonnu Smith would fit right into their wheelhouse.
OFFENSIVE LINE
Under contract: Dion Dawkins, Cody Ford, Mitch Morse, Ryan Bates, Trey Adams, Jordan Devey
UFA: Jon Feliciano, Daryl Williams, Ty Nsekhe, Brian Winters
Game plan: Buffalo’s focus will be on bringing several of their unrestricted free agents back for next season — primarily Feliciano. The Bills also like restricted free agent Ike Boettger, who started seven games in 2020. Either way, with three starters returning, Beane has work to do this offseason on the offensive line.
DEFENSIVE LINE
Under contract: Jerry Hughes, Mario Addison, Ed Oliver, Vernon Butler, Star Lotulelei, Quinton Jefferson, AJ Epenesa
UFA: Trent Murphy
Game plan: The Bills’ defensive line is littered with contracts currently hamstringing the team’s financial flexibility — all while still needing improvement. Hughes was the team’s most effective pass-rusher last season, but they need a lineman who can consistently pressure the quarterback.
LINEBACKER
Under contract: Tremaine Edmunds, Tyler Matakevich, A.J. Klein, Tyrel Dodson
UFA: Matt Milano, Del’Shawn Phillips
Game plan: Buffalo’s top priority is bringing back Milano, but he might be too expensive for the Bills to sign. If he leaves, they’ll need another linebacker with coverage skills like Milano brought to their defense.
CORNERBACK
Under contract: Tre’Davious White, Taron Johnson, Dane Jackson, Siran Neal
UFA: Josh Norman
Game plan: Three-year starter Levi Wallace is a restricted free agent this offseason, and the Bills should make an effort to bring him back. The team also likes Jackson, a 2020 seventh-round pick. The Bills are more likely to draft a cornerback than sign one.
SAFETY
Under contract: Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Jaquan Johnson
UFA: Dean Marlowe
Game plan: Hyde and Poyer are one of the league’s best safety tandems, and the Bills like what Johnson brings on special teams and on defense in a pinch. Marlowe is also too valuable to let walk — especially if Buffalo can’t bring Milano back. In short, the Bills’ focus is internal when it comes to the safety position, rather than bringing in a free agent.
SPECIALIST
Under contract: Tyler Bass, Reid Ferguson
UFA: None
Game plan: Corey Bojorquez was one of the league’s best punters last season and is a restricted free agent this offseason; he will be back in Buffalo in 2021.