This group of Bills expected to spend Monday contemplating their grudge play against the Kansas City Chiefs, not stuffing giant boxes with their locker items, exchanging phone numbers with teammates, and making flight arrangements to return to their off-season homes.
Instead, they asked themselves questions. Countless questions. difficult questions. Required Questions.
But let’s start with the obvious: The Bills can’t backtrack with this roster. No way, no how. It would be a roster error.
A dejected Josh Allen took the blame for some of the Buffalo Bills’ offensive failings Monday and made a clear attempt to deflect blame from offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.
That mini-era of Bills football — four straight playoff appearances with largely the same player core but only a trip past the second weekend — is over. The Cincinnati Bengals made sure of that with their emphatic 27-10 playoff win on Sunday.
Forget about being patient with this group and re-signing as many of the 21 free agents as possible and believing that 2023 will be different than the end of the 2022 season. The way the Bills lost (they were beaten), requires an extensive internal evaluation by general manager Brandon Beane and coach Sean McDermott.
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You are not one player away. You’re not a key turn or two away from having a Super Bowl team. You are not in Keep Everybody Together territory. The first Beane/McDermott franchise switch decision was drafted by quarterback Josh Allen in 2018, who felt a move back was likely coming after making the playoffs. Next up is this offseason and garnering enough talent to help Allen and the club rise to the AFC’s elite.
“What will it take? What is it? What do we have to do?” said recipient Isaiah McKenzie. “Of course it’s (not) my fault. I’m going to ask that question like you’re asking that question.”
what will it take A nearly flawless exercise in salary cap calisthenics. The Bills have multiple roster issues and very little money to spend. According to Over The Cap, the Bills are $8.49 million above the projected cap of $225 million. The Bills went all-in to win the Super Bowl this year, and now the bill is due.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen speaks to reporters about the 2022-2023 season and the AFC division’s 10-27 playoff loss to the Cincinnati Bengals.
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The bills could make room by shifting money from signed players to later years, which isn’t great football business (because current problems become future problems) but is a necessary football business. The only player not to have dead money is running back/returner Nyheim Hines ($4.79 million savings); They could revise Hines’ deal to make some room.
(McDermott was troubled by Hines’ lack of offensive involvement, one of many darts hurled from the big whistle at various parts of the roster and coaches during his 26-minute final briefing.)
Once Beane has money to spend, the needs make it advisable to go to the free agency’s discount section.
In no order, the Bills’ priorities need to be: running back, #2 receiver, slot receiver, right tackle, left guard, safety, and middle linebacker.
“You start over every year,” McDermott said. “There will be a new roster and a fresh start for a new roster. We need to reset things. You don’t pick up where you left off the season before.”
No you do not. Allen is the quarterback, but the offense has problems to work out.
James Cook was drafted in to replace Devin Singletary. The Bills didn’t seem to trust Cook all that much during the season, despite Singletary’s fumble problems (three fumbles lost). If singletary is running, the Bills can use a day 3 draft pick on a jam that ideally can excel in pass protection.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen speaks to reporters about the competitive nature of wide receiver Stefon Diggs.
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Gabe Davis had the chance of all odds – riding the shotgun to Stefon Diggs as the No. 2 receiver, but could do better as the No. 3. Cole Beasley was brought out of retirement to play the slot – obviously a full season option is more ideal as the Bills play with “11” staff (three recipients).
Left guard Rodger Saffold is a free agent and entering his season at age 35, and right tackle Spencer Brown was inconsistent in Year 2. This would be my early clue as to how the Bills are spending their first-round pick.
Defense also requires changes depending on who’s back.
“I really believe that in the last game of the season you showed who you are on the field. We need to address that,” McDermott said. “We need to address those areas and do what is necessary to get to the Super Bowl.”
Safety Jordan Poyer is a free agent and there is no internal option to replace him, nor is middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, who according to McDermott was having his best season.
McDermott called the defensive line “inconsistent,” which could indicate changes.
McDermott referenced his arrival in 2017 when the Bills were stinky, had no money, few draft picks and plenty of free agents. They surpassed and made the playoffs. This team had a very low bar to catapult themselves over.
Entering the 2023 offseason, the Bills have been good (and great at times) but short on cash, only three of the top 100 draft picks, and plenty of free agents.
The new reality has begun for the Bills: What they pulled off from 2019 to 2022 wasn’t good enough to dethrone the Chiefs or Bengals. Now it’s time to reset while Allen is still in his 20s.
“We have a really good team and our window is still open,” said Miller’s defensive end. “Brighter days are definitely ahead.”
Only if Beane and McDermott have their best offseason.
Buffalo Bill’s defensive ends offer encouraging words for the Bills’ future after the 27-10 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals in the AFC divisional round.
Harry Skull Jr.
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