The NFL’s free agency period is slated to open on March 18 and the Buffalo Bills could be in business. The Bills signed cornerback Josh Norman this week, getting a head start on things.
But despite that signing, the Bills moved from the fourth-most to fifth-most salary cap space in the league, near $77.4 million, according to Spotrac. That’s a lot of room to move, and of course, room for big-named additions.
But in recent years, Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott have had a thing for finding diamonds in the rough. Could the 2020 offseason have more of the same?
With that, here are 12 under-the-radar free agents on defense the Bills could consider adding:
DT Maliek Collins
Stats: 61 games played, 84 tackles, 14.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble
Based on reports of interest in certain players via the draft and free agency, the Bills are looking to add to their defensive tackle position. There’s Star Lotulelei and Ed Oliver highlighting the group, but depth can be added behind them.
Collins, a former third-round pick, is likely to leave the team that drafted him, the Cowboys. Collins is a versatile player who can jump in the 1-tech or 3-tech positions on the defensive line for the Bills, but he’s probably more suited for the three spot. His Pro Football Focus grade reflects that, as his overall mark was a 65.2 grade (64th best) but his pass-rushing mark was a 77.7.
Maliek Collins, 24-years old is one of the most fascinating defensive line prospects that Mike Klis mentioned in his article.
He is young and give him a defensive guru like Vic Fangio, Collins can be a stud. Look at him straight line rush the passer on this play. pic.twitter.com/agg2CDwIaw
— Cameron Parker (@CameronParkerPO) March 9, 2020