The first wave of free agency is over in the NFL and the next wind will come slowly with signings here and there leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft at the end of April.
With the dust settling on that, Bleacher Report tabbed the Bills as one of six teams in the NFL that have improved the most with all their moves combined, including their massive trade for receiver Stefon Diggs. Here’s why:
(The Bills) biggest move was trading for former Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs. While they had to give up the No. 22 pick and a few others to acquire Diggs, a No. 1 receiver was the team’s biggest need. Diggs is just 26 and has posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. He’s widely regarded as one of the NFL’s best route-runners and should be a perfect fit with quarterback Josh Allen. His presence should also help free up receivers John Brown and Cole Beasley.
After acquiring Diggs, the Bills continued to add to their elite defense, signing three defensive linemen. Their best move might have been inking versatile defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (two years, $13.5 million), who recorded 6.5 sacks for the Seahawks over the last two seasons. Look for him to back up 2019 first-round pick Ed Oliver and give them even more interior pass-rushing pressure.
With the Bills’ additions in free agency, there’s one thing that’s startling. Do they actually have any “needs” left as the club heads into the 2020 NFL Draft? There’s few to be found and that’s a very good thing.
Buffalo’s top need was answered by Diggs, and then they addressed their main free agency losses in Jordan Phillips and Shaq Lawson, who signed with the Cardinals and Dolphins, respectively. In fact, the additions of Jefferson, Vernon Butler and Mario Addison might be considered an upgrade there. B/R also discussed those moves:
Defensive tackle Vernon Butler and end Mario Addison are two former Carolina Panthers linemen who have ties to head coach Sean McDermott (former Panthers defensive coordinator). Both will add depth to an already stout line. Cornerback Josh Norman and linebacker A.J. Klein both have Carolina ties as well and will add depth.
All and all, the Bills have covered most of their holes and are in a position now that’s been all-too-familiar under general manager Brandon Beane. Buffalo is now in a place to draft for the best player available whenever they select at the upcoming draft. A good place to be.
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