The Buffalo Bills are in win-now mode a season after losing in the first round of the NFL Playoffs.
Buffalo Bills General Manager Brandon Beane spent the first few seasons of his tenure rebuilding the team, and somehow equipping the 2017 squad to make their first playoff appearance since 2000.
Every move Beane made before the 2017 offseason—like trading wide receiver Sammy Watkins or drafting quarterback Josh Allen—was made with eyes towards the future. Now, after a flurry of offseason moves, it is apparent Beane expects to win now, and to win the Super Bowl.
Every season Bills fans jokingly declare, “It’s our year!” However, year after year, it is not their year. But Bills fans can reasonably expect to make a run through the playoffs after acquiring eight players either via free agency or trade. Among those eight are wide receiver Stefon Diggs, cornerback Josh Norman and defensive end Mario Addison, who all address different team needs.
The Bills received some criticism for trading a first-round pick and three other late-round picks for Diggs, yet to many fans the price was worth it. First off, the Bills did not need that top-25 pick as badly as other franchises. The team already had a starter at every position besides wide receiver and the trade for Diggs addressed that need.
Diggs is certainly a safer option to fill a number one receiver role as compared to a 2020 draft pick. The receiver already has five years of experience under his belt. Also, drafting from the 22nd spot in the draft never guarantees a starter, and certainly does not guarantee a player of Diggs’ talent.
Diggs gives a new dynamic to the wide receiver group in Buffalo. He has great speed, but also a top-tier ability to separate from defenders and get wide open—which makes it easier for Josh Allen to complete passes. As Allen continues to improve each year, the addition of a skill position player with the level of experience such as Diggs gives him yet another helpful boost.
He also takes over as the number one receiver on the team, delegating John Brown and Cole Beasley to secondary roles.
While Brown was a solid number one receiver last season, his skillset and career history reveal he is much better suited to line up in the slot as a secondary guy. It will also benefit him to no longer be the primary focus on offense. Diggs provides Brown with an opportunity to take advantage of some mismatches at the line of scrimmage with opposing cornerbacks.
Speaking of cornerbacks, Josh Norman used to be one of the best cornerbacks in professional football during his tenure with the Carolina Panthers and Washington Redskins. Now, he is playing alongside Tre White who garners recognition as one of the best corners in football. Signing Norman adds veteran depth to a defense that ranked top-10 in the NFL last season and reinforces the idea that the Bills want to win now.
Norman is coming in past the peak of his prime, but Mario Addison is joining Buffalo right in the middle of his. Addison recorded 39 sacks over the last four seasons and will be a huge threat for opposing defenses.
Those three players and the rest of the existing roster should rightfully instill confidence and excitement into Bills fans. Brandon Beane is ready to win now, and he built a team that hopefully is ready to win now too.