Buffalo Bills: Mike Gillislee Should Be Top Priority This Offseason
By DJ Eberle
Bringing running back Mike Gillislee back next year should be a top priority for the Buffalo Bills this offseason.
In this day and age where the passing game has become the No. 1 priority in the NFL, re-signing a backup running back doesn’t seem all that important. However, it’s the exact opposite for Mike Gillislee the Buffalo Bills.
At the end of the day, Mike Gillislee should be the top re-sign candidate this offseason — above both Stephon Gilmore and Robert Woods.
In his two seasons in Buffalo, Gillislee has been one of the most efficient running backs in the NFL. And considering Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott once again stressed how important the running game will be this season, a viable backup to LeSean McCoy is crucial.
In speaking with WGR 550’s Sal Capaccio this week, McDermott mentioned his excitement on the potential for the offensive side of the ball:
"“It’s a balanced attack, number one, which is important,” McDermott said. “And then you do look at the running game and how that fits what we do in Buffalo and then the play-action off that running game.”"
Related Story: Kyle Williams Makes His Decision for 2017
Speaking of McCoy, the veteran running back hasn’t played a full 16-game season since 2014, proving another reason why Gillislee is a must-sign.
When you look at the numbers, Gillislee is a restricted free agent this offseason. Similar to Chris Hogan last year, the Bills can place different levels of tenders on the running back. As Buffalo Rumblings mentioned on Feb. 21, the 2017 restricted free agent tender numbers aren’t available yet, however using the 2016 numbers, this was what they came up with:
"“Without the 2017 numbers, we can look at the 2016 RFA tenders to evaluate the Bills’ options. The 2016 original round tender (which would net the Bills a 5th round pick in return and the right to match any offer received) amount was $1.671 million. The 2016 second round tender (which would net a 2nd and the right to match) was $2.553 million and first round (with same rights as 2nd) was $3.635 million. With the cap increasing, these numbers should grow by a couple hundred thousand each.”"
When you look at the tenders, placing, at the very least, a second-round tender on Gillislee is a no-brainer. Even with a tight cap situation, Gillislee was too productive last year to let walk away for pennies.
MUST READ: Buffalo Bills Could Reunite With Jairus Byrd
If you thought watching Hogan leave and win a Super Bowl ring with the New England Patriots was hard, Gillislee will be much worse.
Touchdown Mike finished the season ranked 14th by Pro Football Focus and under new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison’s system, Gillislee could be in for an even bigger year in 2017. If Gillislee’s two-year track of 12 touchdowns and 5.7 yards per rush is just a start, imagine what the running back could look like at the end of a three-year deal.
Mike Gillislee is a must sign this offseason.
Next: Doug Marrone Says He Regrets Leaving Buffalo Bills in 2015
What are your thoughts on Touchdown Mike? eave your comments below!