Two Bills players in NFL.com’s Top-101 free agents

The Buffalo Bills have 13 players who will be unrestricted free agents when the legal tampering period starts on March 16 ahead of the free agent market opening in the NFL. However, NFL.com only sees two free agents as being among the best when the free agent period commences.

Defensive tackle Jordan Phillips came in at No. 60 on the list. Phillips had a career-best 9.5 sacks, which was only second to Aaron Donald among interior linemen.  The fifth-year pro was a steal for the Bills, as Buffalo claimed him on waivers early in the 2018 season. He was a disruptive force for the team, offering a strong push against the middle of opposing offensive lines. He filled the void this season after Harrison Phillips when down with a season-ending injury in September. NFL.com’s explanation reads:

Phillips’ 2019 sack total (9.5) looks unsustainable, considering he had just 19 more total pressures, but he’s versatile enough to play on the end and inside.

 

The second Bill to make the list is defensive end Shaq Lawson. The fourth-year pro had a breakout season of sorts, registering a career-best 6.5 sacks. The Clemson product added 32 tackles as well, in addition to playing solid run defense. Overall, Lawson is a productive defensive end who does a little of everything nicely. Even though he’s listed toward the bottom of this rankings list, Lawson will be a nice fit somewhere in the league. Here’s what the was on Lawson, who clocks in at No. 99 on the list:

Long an enigma in Buffalo, Lawson’s production picked up just in time for free agency. It’s a red flag that the Bills’ excellent staff didn’t get more out of him.

One possible omission from the list is guard Quinton Spain. Spain was part of an improved offensive line unit for the Bills in 2019. The 29-year-old did not allow a sack this season, according to himself. If the Bills do not sign him ahead of the free agency period, Spain will find a home, most likely.

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