Nov 17, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills free safety Jairus Byrd (31) celebrates his first half interception against the New York Jets at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
The Buffalo Bills finished the season 6-10 and didn’t make the playoffs for the 14th straight season. With the season over and lockers being cleaned out, it’s time to look forward to the off-season. The Bills have several key players that will be free agents this off-season and yesterday might be the last time we see some of them in a Bills jersey.
Scott Chandler
Chandler is 27 years old and has been a big part of the Bills passing game. Chandler led the team with 53 receptions and 655 receiving yards. Many fans would like to see him back next season, but the organization may feel different. They recently signed Tony Moeaki about a month ago and many analyst have thrown around some tight ends Buffalo should look in the upcoming draft. I would like to see him back.
Jairus Byrd
Byrd has been outstanding ever since he came into this league. However, this past off-season there was some tension with Byrd and the organization. Byrd tweeted last night “I’m so thankful that I had the privilege to play with this secondary and be coached by Donnie Henderson…Blessed.” From the sounds of the tweet Byrd definitely has seen his last days in Buffalo. The Bills should definitely try to sign him back, he is well worth the money. They could still place a franchise tag on him but it will cost them a very pretty penny.
Jim Leonhard
Leonhard was signed prior to the start of the 2013 season and was signed to help fill the void of the absent Jairus Byrd. When Byrd returned he saw his playing time significantly drop. Leonhard had four interceptions this past season and is a very good veteran to have a team. If the Bills can’t strike a deal with Byrd, I would expect them to sign Leonhard just so they have a safety who knows the defense.
Arthur Moats
Moats became an icon in Buffalo when he laid a huge hit down on Brett Favre a few seasons ago, however, things have changed. Moats was an inside linebacker this past season but as the season went on his playing time dropped off. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him back in Buffalo but he is mostly going to be a backup and a depth option if he returns.
Alex Carrington
This year Carrington was a starter until an injury early in the season ended his 2013 season. I truly don’t see this guy back in Buffalo next year and that is strictly because of the injury concern and they just gave a long-term contract to Alan Branch.
Fred Summers
Summers has become on of my favorite Bills players to watch through this past season. He plays with a lot of heart but sometimes heart isn’t enough. As the season went on Summers saw some carries but as a fullback his main goal was to be a lead blocker. He did a very good job at opening up holes, and I am thinking Buffalo will sign him back if the price is right.
Brian Moorman
Moorman is the a historical icon in Buffalo due to his superior punting throughout the years. However, this season you could tell Moorman isn’t his old self. Buffalo will most likely look elsewhere for a punter and yesterday was most likely the last time we will see Moorman in a Bills jersey.
Dan Carpenter
Dan “The Man” Carpenter had a career year in Buffalo. He was able to tie Steve Christie’s mark of field goals made in a single season and there is no way I see Buffalo letting this guy walk away. He was a clutch kicker this year and deserves a nice contract for his efforts.