With Scott Chandler being no more than a 15-yard threat, the Bills need a down-the-field tight end to aid in the passing attack when 2015 comes around. This is why I think the Bills should go after Jordan Cameron in free agency. In Cameron’s last healthy season, 2013, he was a great down the field threat for the Cleveland Browns, and this was without a good quarterback. Brian Hoyer and Derek Anderson were throwing the ball for the Browns.
Cameron had 80 receptions for 917 yards that season, averaging 61 receiving yards per game, and added seven touchdowns. Cameron’s speed and elusiveness, along with his 6’5″ 245lb frame, make for the perfect tight end combo that can spread a defense down the field. In a league where a tight end is coming a premium position in order to win football games, the Bills need to upgrade in this spot.
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Even last year when he got hurt, he was on his way to another 850+ yard season. He only started nine games and averaged 17.7 yards per catch, including an 81-yard touchdown. The ability to throw the deep ball to him is still around, and entering his fifth year in the league, this is the prime time to sign him before he starts to fall off.
Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos linebacker
Brandon Marshall(54) attempts to deflect a pass intended for Buffalo Bills tight end
Scott Chandler(84) in the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Bills 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
I like Chandler, do not get me wrong. But the problem with him is that he does not stretch the field the way Cameron can. He only averaged 11 yards per catch last season, and has not averaged more than 12.
He is a solid target on third and short or in the red zone, where the Bills have done a good job of using him. But when you look at the good teams in this league (New England, Denver, Green Bay, Indianapolis, etc.) they all have a tight end that can stretch the field and make big plays happen. This is what Cameron can do for this offense.
So then why not go after Julius Thomas? Well, personally, I do not think that the Broncos will let him walk. Dynamic tight ends are a dime a dozen in this league, so Julius will be more valuable to keep than the wide receiver Thomas. Meanwhile, Peyton Manning can make any receivers look like they are the best in the league. I am not questioning the talents of Demaryius Thomas, he is a fantastic receiver. But look at what happened to Eric Decker, going from Denver to New York. It did not work out so well for him.
Dynamic tight ends completely change an offense, and with a solid quarterback, the Bills have the pieces in place to be able to air it out with some of the best in the leagues with the likes of Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods on the outside and then a tight end like Cameron in the middle to give defenses nightmares.
Don’t miss out tomorrow, when I make a case for a lineman that was under Greg Roman that will immediately help the Bills offensive line.