So far, all the Bills’ free-agent spending has been devoted to keeping the top three players on the list of 14 due to enter the open market: linebacker Matt Milano, offensive tackle Daryl Williams and guard Jon Feliciano.
However, before they began focusing on their own, the Bills did make a run at the most recognizable free-agent defensive end: J.J. Watt, who entered the market last month after his release from the Houston Texans. Watt, who turns 32 next week, spoke with the Bills and several other potential suitors before agreeing to a two-year, $28 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Bills’ pursuit of Watt could be an indication of their willingness to still address edge rusher in free agency. The team’s lone D-line pending free agent, Trent Murphy, is not expected to return. The Bills’ top pass-rusher, Jerry Hughes, needs a far better complement than A.J. Epenesa, a second-round pick last year, demonstrated he could provide through most of his rookie season.
Finding an answer in the draft could be a challenge, given that the Bills’ first pick is 30th overall.
If the Bills are still shopping for an edge rusher, some notable names remain available. They include ends Carlos Dunlap (Seattle Seahawks), Jadeveon Clowney (Tennessee Titans), Justin Houston (Indianapolis Colts), Ryan Kerrigan (Washington Football Team), and outside linebackers Melvin Ingram (Los Angeles Chargers), K.J. Wright (Seahawks), Haason Reddick (Cardinals) and Aldon Smith (Dallas Cowboys). All have played long enough to be seen as players who are in the open market because some, if not most, of their best football is behind them.