Dec 15, 2013; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) acknowledges the fans as he walks off the field after their game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Field. The Buffalo Bills beat the Jacksonville Jaguars 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Phil Sears-USA TODAY Sports
As a fan, one must wonder…
How will the Buffalo Bills address their needs in the upcoming free agency period?
This is the first installment of bold predictions about acquisitions the Buffalo Bills will make during the offseason. This first piece is about the Buffalo Bills free agency period and what the organization will do to solidify the team prior to the NFL draft.
For the Buffalo Bills heading into the 2014 NFL season, free agency could not come at a better time. The most crucial part to developing a powerful offense is reinforcing your offensive line. Linemen are the backbone to an offense; one cannot forge an offensive attack without players willing to block for the quarterback.
Heading into the 2013 season, the Buffalo Bills entered the preseason as one of the most young and inexperienced teams in the NFL to date. Due to the critical situation of EJ Manuel’s health and the poor play of the offensive line, besides Cordy Glenn, the Buffalo Bills free agency moves will look to add experience to the group through two acquisitions.
The Buffalo Bills will pick up offensive tackle Branden Albert and offensive guard Roger Saffold.
Acquiring Branden Albert (6’5”, 315) is crucial for Buffalo’s playoff hopes; not only because of the problems at offensive line. Buffalo is very aware that AFC East rivals, the Miami Dolphins, are very interested in Albert. Knowing so, the Bills will stand to make Albert a very wealthy offer to keep up their edge over the Dolphins. Picking up Albert means the Dolphins will be desperate to fill the void at left tackle, which means they may look to the draft for better options.
Roger Saffold brings three other components to Buffalo’s offensive line that they are seeking; versatility, talent, and value. Saffold is able to play both guard and tackle but he is no scrub, unlike Buffalo’s previous starters at guard and right tackle. With Saffold under a minimum contract in St. Louis, the Bills will have no trouble bringing him in. The best thing working for Buffalo is the youth of their team; adding two talented lineman to their offensive core will give the Buffalo Bills a chance to draft a skill player early on.
The next installment of bold predictions during the Buffalo Bills free agency involves the NFL draft. Stay tuned for more info and feel free to comment below.
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