NFL free agency is off and running, and we’re keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2021 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins March 17 at 4 p.m. ET, which means free-agent signings can be made official after that. The first round of the 2021 NFL draft begins April 29 on ESPN.
The Buffalo Bills enter free agency after falling one game short of their first Super Bowl appearance since 1993. They addressed two of their biggest needs before free agency by re-signing linebacker Matt Milano, who excels in coverage, and right tackle Daryl Williams after increasing their salary-cap space with contract restructures and releases. Buffalo still needs a starting-caliber cornerback opposite Pro Bowler Tre’Davious White, an athletic tight end and an impact pass-rusher — all of which can be found this cycle. With the hardest parts out of the way, the Bills can focus on re-tooling their roster for another run at an AFC championship.
Here’s a breakdown of every 2021 NFL free-agent signing by the Bills, and how each will impact the upcoming season:
The linebacker agreed to a four-year extension worth $44 million with $24 million guaranteed, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
What it means: “The process” is working in Buffalo. Coach Sean McDermott came to Buffalo in 2017 intent on establishing a certain culture — and it paid off in re-signing Milano, who cited that culture as one of the reasons he chose to return. This keeps the Bills’ defensive core intact for the foreseeable future and gives them their best cover linebacker for the next four years.
What’s the risk: It would be disingenuous to call Milano injury-prone; he has missed nine games in his four-year career, with six coming over the past two seasons. There’s virtually no risk in re-signing arguably their most important defensive player who has improved in each season. It’s a home run for general manager Brandon Beane.
The sides agreed to a three-year extension worth $28.2 million, with $14 million guaranteed, according to a source.
What it means: The Bills viewed Williams as too valuable to let walk. Considering the options already on the roster who can play guard, Buffalo couldn’t afford to start over at right tackle as it enters its championship window. With Dion Dawkins, Cody Ford, and now Williams under team control for the next couple of seasons, the offensive line’s core stays intact.
What’s the risk: Williams does have an injury history, missing the 2018 season with a knee injury. He is also not as versatile as some of Buffalo’s other offensive linemen, but it doesn’t matter much. Williams locked it down for the Bills at his natural position from the first of training camp and has Pro Bowl potential at right tackle.
The Bills are bringing back their most versatile offensive linemen, as Feliciano has played left guard, right guard and center since signing with the team in 2019.
What it means: The Bills are intent on running it back with basically the same roster as last season’s AFC runner-up team. Feliciano brings a certain mentality to Buffalo’s offensive line that was noticeably missing during his seven-game absence to start the 2020 season. After re-signing Williams and now Feliciano, the Bills will return all five starters from last season’s offensive line.
What’s the risk: The Bills’ offensive line owned the fourth-best pass block win rate in the NFL last season, but there was plenty of room for improvement from the unit in the run game as Buffalo had the fourth-worst win rate in the league. Returning five starters should pay off in the passing game, but the Bills will need more cohesiveness from their O-line if they want to become a more complete offense in 2021.