CBS Sports named their top-100 free agents for the upcoming free agency period in the NFL. On that list, both of the Bills’ marquee defensive free agents appear on the, Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips, appear.
Here’s why Lawson made the list:
He had his best season in 2019, which will help his value. He is a decent pass rusher and good against the run…
And Phillips:
He is coming off his best season in the league, one in which he had 9.5 sacks, which should help his stock. He was a rotational player with the Bills who is ready for more.
Overall, Lawson landed at No. 54 while Phillips slipped in at No. 71. As mentioned, both had their career-years in 2019. Lawson had a career-high 6.5 sacks while Phillips did as well with 9.5, which led the Bills. It doesn’t mention it under Lawson, but he too was in a rotation.
That rotation is really what’s holding back the Bills in regard to keeping these two around. They put up solid numbers, but having said that, Buffalo will want to keep the price down based on the rotation. The players will want starter money and that’s fair enough.
Because of that, is what will probably happen is both players will hit free agency and talk to other teams. They’ll then likely come back to the Bills with an offer and give them a chance to best it or even match it. Both Lawson and Phillips appear to be in good standing with the Bills’ front office, so really it’s just a waiting game for both until free agency opens in March.
[lawrence-related id=55706,55699,55603,55692]