Touchdown Wire has named a player familiar to the Buffalo Bills as a possible free agent target in the coming weeks. Staying in the AFC East, the suggestion is New York Jets wide receiver Robby Anderson.
The Bills are in need of bolstering their wide receiver corps. With top free agents Amari Cooper and AJ Green as longshots at this point in the process, Buffalo will fall to the next tier of receivers, which is how TD Wire lands on Anderson to the Bills:
The Buffalo Bills took a big step forward in Josh Allen’s second season as a pro quarterback. While Allen still has room to grow as a quarterback, acquisitions such as Cole Beasley and John Brown helped Allen become a better timing- and rhythm-based passer.
Anderson has been consistent during his four years in the league, averaging between 14 and 15 yards per reception during each season. Anderson averages 51.8 receptions per season and 764.8 receiving yards per season. These figures would put him in line to be a good complement for incumbent wideouts John Brown and Cole Beasley.
Anderson would give the Bills a stronger threat in the vertical passing game. While Robert Foster fulfilled this role two years ago, the lack of a connection between quarterback Josh Allen and his deep threats was in stark contrast with Allen’s rookie season. The true need for a burner to stretch the field will expand the pressure this offense exerts on opponents. Pro Football Focus highlights that Allen was 23rd (out of 24 qualified passers) in adjusted completion percentage on deep throws.
Improving this aspect of the offense will give the aerial attack more space to work in the intermediate passing game, an area that Allen made strides in last year. Anderson, 26 years old, would give the Bills a young yet experienced player out wide.
However, there’s the issue of if the Jets are interested in bringing him back. Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com writes that New York could make a late push to re-sign the wideout.
If Anderson does hit the open market, the receiver could earn in the area of $12 million per season, as highlighted by Spotrac’s market value calculator. Buffalo, with copious amounts of cap room, will weigh how that number fits into their long-term plans.
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