The Buffalo Bills signed Connor McGovern during the start of free agency to bolster their offensive line.
That might not be the end of it.
According to NYUP.com, the Bills have expressed a level of interest in free agent offensive lineman Brandon Shell:
Per source, the #Bills have expressed interest in RT Brandon Shell.
Brandon Beane has expressed confidence in Spencer Brown, but Shell would be a good vet to bring in for competition. #BillsMafia
— Ryan Talbot (@RyanTalbotBills) March 17, 2023
Shell, 31, was a fifth-round pick of the New York Jets in 2016. He spent the 2020 and 2021 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks before lining up last year with the Miami Dolphins.
Primarily a tackle, Shell does have versatility to play both sides of the offensive line. Prior to being selected out of South Carolina, Draft Wire did make the case for Shell’s skills to be a match for playing guard.
As a tackle, Shell could be brought in as competition to fight for playing time against Spencer Brown, who started much of last season on the right side of the Buffalo offensive line.
At the end of the 2022 season, general manager Brandon Beane expressed confidence in Brown. However, we’ve seen him do so time and time again, only to then bring in competition or replacements for various players.
Shell initially signed to the Dolphins’ practice squad back in September before being elevated in Week 6 to start due to injury. He ended up playing in 72.1 percent of Miami’s snaps on offense. Pro Football Focus graded Shell an average mark of 64.9 overall during his year with the Dolphins.
Even if Shell does not end up taking a starting spot at tackle from Brown, he would still have value for Buffalo. His versatility and experience would make him an excellent candidate as the team’s swing tackle in 2023.
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