The NFL’s free agency negotiation period began at noon on Monday March 11. During this period, teams can speak to players about signing them and verbally agree to contracts, but none of these deals became official until the start of the league year on Wednesday March 13 at 4 p.m.
Plenty of teams were busy as soon as Monday’s negotiating period began and the Buffalo Bills were among them.
News of agreements between players and teams began flowing in almost immediately after 12 p.m. on Monday. Players like safety Landon Collins and linebacker C.J. Mosley immediately made a splash and cashed in for big money. Collins agreed to a deal with the Washington Redskins that amounted to a total value of $84 million and Mosley’s deal with the New York Jets had an agreed upon total value of $85 million.
While big deals like these were being agreed upon, Buffalo went about their business and methodically agreed to deals with free agents that would help their team build around quarterback Josh Allen. The team focused on the offensive line and the wide receiver corps; two areas Buffalo desperately needed help in.
The team made three agreements with offensive linemen. The most significant agreement came with center Mitchell Morse. Morse was one of the most sought-after centers on the market and fills a place where the Bills were significantly lacking talent. Morse agreed to a four-year deal worth $44 million. Buffalo also made agreements with offensive tackle Ty Nsekhe and offensive guard Jon Feliciano. All three of these signings will aid in the protection of the team’s young quarterback.
Buffalo’s front office was also not shy about addressing the team’s wide receiver needs as the team grabbed two pass-catchers off the market rather quickly. Buffalo agreed to a deal with wide receiver John Brown for three years and $27 million, and they agreed to a deal with wide receiver Cole Beasley for four years and $29 million. Brown is a speedy, deep threat that will complement Allen’s big arm and Beasley is a sure-handed slot receiver that can help move the chains.
The Bills will also sign veteran running back Frank Gore on a one-year deal worth $2 million and defensive back Kevin Johnson to a one-year deal.
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane was methodical in his approach to free agency. He looked to fill the team’s glaring holes on the offensive side of the ball and was successful doing so. With plenty of players left on the market expect the Bills to make a few more signing because they have the cap space to do so.
The fanbase and the team should be excited about the free agency haul. Buffalo managed to enhance their offense and make life easier for quarterback Josh Allen. The free agency moves will also make it possible for the Bills to draft the best player available with their No. 9 pick in the draft or even trade back and acquire more draft capital.
Buffalo has put themselves in a position to succeed and with the moves they have made thus far, the team has created depth and shown they are not afraid to go after the players they want to win games.