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The Buffalo Bills are facing two major decisions as NFL free agency begins. The team needs to determine whether to re-sign Jordan Poyer and Tremaine Edmunds, two of the most prominent defensive players in the free-agent market, and could receive significant contracts elsewhere.
Before the front office can approve any free-agent deal, the team must become salary cap compliant, as they are currently $17.8 million over the cap. Additionally, Devin Singletary may not be returning in 2023. The team may opt to go into the new season with James Cook as their primary running back, leaving them to search for a backup instead of paying Singletary to split carries.
The team also needs to reshape the unit blocking for Cook and others, with Rodger Saffold set to become a free agent after starting 16 games at guard in 2022.
The Challenge of Balancing the Budget: The Bills' Salary Cap Woes
One of the main reasons the Bills are facing the potential loss of key defensive free agents is their salary cap situation. Buffalo currently has nine players scheduled to have a salary cap hit over $10 million in 2023, including several players at Poyer and Edmunds' positions. With many big contracts on the books, it will be difficult for Buffalo to afford even one of their top free agents, let alone both.
Losing Poyer and/or Edmunds would be a significant blow to the Bills' defense. Poyer is a veteran safety who has been a key contributor for Buffalo since joining the team in 2017. Edmunds is a rising star at middle linebacker who has shown tremendous potential in his first few seasons in the league but is the more likely to leave given the cap situation.
Without the two players, Buffalo's defense would be significantly weaker, particularly in the middle of the field. This could have a ripple effect throughout the defense, as opposing teams can take advantage of the gaps left by Poyer and Edmunds' departures.
How the Buffalo Bills can improve their offensive line
The Buffalo Bills made a solid signing last offseason when they brought in veteran guard Rodger Saffold on a one-year deal. However, with Saffold now 34 years old, the franchise needs to look to the future and find younger options to protect their star quarterback Josh Allen.
Fortunately, there are several free-agent guards under the age of 30 who could help shore up the interior offensive line without breaking the bank. Will Hernandez could be a smart choice. He showed the potential with the Cardinals last year that the Giants thought they were getting when they drafted him in the 2nd round.
Expect Buffalo to be looking at value additions and concentrating on the draft as they make another run at the Super Bowl.
