It is a franchise that was once synonymous with Super Bowl appearances and subsequent failure in the Big Game. But these days, the Buffalo Bills can’t even get back to the playoffs, much less represent the AFC on Super Sunday. We have not seen the franchise that resides in Orchard Park, New York, in the postseason since 1999. That’s what you call a drought. And it’s currently the longest in the league when it comes to this subject matter.
But in less than two weeks (March 9 at 4 p.m. ET, to be precise), the team has a more precise issue. Who will these Bills opt to re-sign and decide to pass on when it comes to their own unrestricted Free Agents.
They already have a decision to make when it comes to quarterback Tyrod Taylor and the large option. They could can use the franchise or transition tag to buy some extra time to work out a long-term deal. That could be the case when it comes to cornerback Stephon Gilmore.
Bring him back
When you finish as the league’s top team when it comes to running the football, it usually means a lot of good things for a team. But only the San Francisco 49ers and Los Angeles Rams finished with fewer passing yards than the Buffalo Bills this past season. Taylor hit on 61.7 percent of his throws but totaled only 3,023 yards through the air and 17 scores (6 interceptions). The team’s offensive unit totaled 46 touchdowns, 29 on the ground.
While tight end Charles Clay led the Bills with 56 catches, wideout Robert Woods was second on the team with 51 receptions. But the latter also missed three games and made just 10 starts. He’s one of four potential unrestricted free-agent wideouts on the team. He joins Marquise Goodwin, Justin Hunter and Brandon Tate on that list.
Regardless of who the quarterback will be, he’s going to need help. And bringing back Woods would be a very wise move.
Let him go
As previously mentioned, the Buffalo Bills led the NFL in rushing this past year. It was the second consecutive season that they managed that feat. Running back LeSean McCoy enjoyed a tremendous year, totaling 1,267 yards and 13 scores on the ground.
He also ranks third on the club with 50 catches. He’s backed up by Mike Gillislee and Jonathan Williams – the latter a fifth-round draft choice in 2016. Meanwhile, last year’s Offseason addition of Reggie Bush wound up being a move that made little or no impact. Don’t expect him to return for a 12th NFL season.
