Winners
QB Josh Allen
It was previously reported on Jan. 9 that Allen could receive a “massive” extension from the team this offseason. When discussing such a possibility, Beane said he wouldn’t comment on specifics, but he certainly did mention something that indicates that the Bills wouldn’t be afraid to pay their QB.
“Very proud of Josh,” Beane said. “I think he’s shown people what he can do in this league and I don’t think he’s reached his ceiling.”
Sounds like a GM that will be confident in paying a guy.
RBs Zack Moss, Devin Singletary
The Bills had a terrible rushing attack in 2020, make no mistakes about that. Beane brought up that fact in an unprompted manner, too. But in doing so, he did not blame his rushers in Zack Moss and Devin Singletary.
“I think it’s unfair to look at the running backs to point blame on the running backs. Running the football is very complex,” Beane said.
Good news for them.
DT Star Lotuelei
“I know he’s not a 10 sack guy and things like that, but what he provides, not only for the run game, but for our linebackers to roam free, I think it took those guys a little time,” Beane said about defensive tackle Star Lotulelei.
Lotulelei opted out of playing in 2020 due to COVID-19. He might walk back in the building this offseason and see Beane and McDermott both shedding tears upon him doing so. They love this guy.
DT Ed Oliver
Speaking of both McDermott and Beane loving a defensive tackle, the duo gave rave reviews about second-year pro Ed Oliver. They both saw positives from him.
“I think Ed has made improvements in his second season. Do I think there’s more work to be done? Absolutely,” McDermott said.
“Ed is playing really well. If people want to just look at sack numbers, he doesn’t have those but he impacts the game,” Beane said.
CB Dane Jackson
Referenced before, but Jackson is getting some serious love from the Bills. Beane said he’s going to get a chance to start at the No. 2 cornerback spot next season.
“He’ll have every opportunity next year to not only win a spot, we’ll see who starts opposite of Tre (White),” Beane said.
If Beane did not mention Jackson at all? No one would have batted an eye. But hey, great news there for the young guy.
WR Gabriel Davis
We’re not quite ready to say such a comment is bad news for John Brown. After a tough 2020, Brown could see his contract restructured or something of that nature, but he showed in 2019 that he can be a good asset. However, Beane did praise the heck out of rookie Gabriel Davis.
“I don’t want to put that on him but I don’t think Gabe is near his ceiling,” Beane said. “Thought he wasn’t a rookie by end of year because of how much he played.”
Maybe not a No. 2 across from Stefon Diggs just yet… but it sounds like a future possibility.
OL Mitch Morse
Remember how Mitch Morse was benched that one game? McDermott did not handle that well. In the past, the Bills have gotten investigated for messing up their injury reports during the week, essentially. Morse was in the concussion protocol, was cleared, and then did not play vs. the Cardinals and was on the sideline as a backup. He then returned the following week.
At no point did the Bills say they wanted to give Morse some time off to heal further. Instead it was a going with the “hot hand” situation… which Beane did once again reference.
But he also said this:
“Let’s just make sure he’s good.”
Kind of indicates that Bills had some worries about Morse health-wise. Still, this is good news for Morse because that does not mean he was benched for his play… which means the Bills never wavered on his skill set… so he’s the team’s No. 1 center, without a doubt.
[lawrence-related id=77881,77854,77865,77863]