Buffalo Bills: Top 6 Free Agents Still Available

Ryan Brennan

Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Brandon Flowers (24) in the field during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

There are still a number of NFL free agents available on the market that the Buffalo Bills could use next season.

The Buffalo Bills have been one of the busiest teams in the NFL this free agency period, but they aren’t done yet. According to Spotrac, the team currently has nearly $17 million in cap space and with several roster spots still needing improvement, fans can expect more announcements coming soon.

Now into the second week of free agency, most of the bigger-name players have been scooped up, but that doesn’t mean there’s no talent remaining. The Buffalo Bills are expected to make more announcements before the free agency period comes to an end, so who exactly is left that’s worth to look at?

I’ve put together a list of six free agents that are not only available, but would help fill some much needed depth on Buffalo’s roster. Before we get into that, let’s take a quick look at what has already happened this offseason to get a better look at what the Bills still need.

Additions: WR Andre Holmes, WR Corey Washington, WR Corey Brown, WR Jeremy Butler, RB Joe Banyard, CB Leonard Johnson, DE Ryan Davis, FB Mike Tolbert, FB Patrick DiMarco, G Vladimir Ducasse, K Stephen Hauschka, S Jordan Poyer, S Micah Hyde

Re-Signed: QB Tyrod Taylor, P Colton Schmidt, S Colt Anderson, LB Ramon Humber, LB Lorenzo Alexander, G Ryan Groy, T Jordan Mills

More from BuffaLowDown

Departures: S Corey Graham, S Aaron Williams, S Phillip Thomas, WR Marcus Easley, WR Robert Woods, WR Marquise Goodwin, WR Percy Harvin, TE Gerald Christian, K Dan Carpenter, CB Nickell Robey-Coleman, LS Garrison Sanborn, CB Stephon Gilmore, LB Lerentee McCray

The Buffalo Bills have been pretty quiet in replacing Stephon Gilmore, which could mean they do it in this year’s draft. With Leonard Johnson likely replacing Nickell Robey-Coleman as nickel corner, the Bills will have some depth behind their starters. Either way, cornerback should still be a position that sees improvement in free agency.

Staying on defense, inside linebacker and defensive tackle are other positions that should be looked at. With Zach Brown’s status still up in the air, there’s a possibility Buffalo needs a replacement on the inside and switching to a 4-3 defense calls for more depth on the defensive line.

As for the offense, more wide receivers wouldn’t hurt and right tackle still worries me after the season Jordan Mills had last year. Addressing these positions before the draft would help out a lot.

Let’s take a look at the free agents that are still available and worth a look.

buffalo bills nfl free agents — Nov 13, 2016; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers cornerback Brandon Flowers (24) in the field during the second quarter against the Miami Dolphins at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

CB Brandon Flowers

The Buffalo Bills are on the lookout for a cornerback that can replace Stephon Gilmore as a starter. Ideally, that player will either be an established veteran that has experience or a rookie that can start day-one.

Flowers is a veteran that has had his ups and downs throughout his career, but is stable enough to start for any team that is lacking a cornerback. Not only would that satisfy the Bills’ need at the position, but he is a pretty good fit in McDermott’s defense.

More from BuffaLowDown

It’s been well documented, most recently by PFF, that Flowers struggles in man-to-man coverage. Luckily, the Buffalo Bills will mostly be using zone coverage next season under Sean McDermott. This should be attractive to both sides and could give Flowers the chance to enjoy some big success late in his career.

Brandon Flowers will be entering his 10th season in the NFL. He spent his first six years with the Kansas City Chiefs and the past three with the San Diego (now LA) Chargers — who released him not too long ago. It’s a little surprising to see him still available, but will surely be picked up soon.

In his six years with the Chiefs, he recorded at least one interception each season and totaled 17 over that span — including 91 passes defensed and three touchdowns. He hovered around 50-70 tackles each season.

Flowers had a bit of a fall-out when he moved to San Diego, especially the past two seasons. After tallying three interceptions in 2014, he only recorded one in 2015 and 2016 combined. In addition, he only had 19 passes defensed in those three years and was riddled by injuries all of last season (only appearing in 6 games).

If Flowers is healthy and comes at a decent price, he could be an addition that helps solidify the Bills’ secondary. Add in a cornerback later in the draft and things wouldn’t be too bad.

Let’s move on to a wide receiver that might take some patience, but would definitely be worth the wait.

WR Michael Floyd

No one is questioning Michael Floyd’s talent, he’s a force to be reckoned with and can bring down any ball thrown his way. Unfortunately, he has had a very shaky past few months that will cause teams to shy away from signing him.

In December, well after playing 13 games for the Arizona Cardinals, Floyd was arrested for DUI after falling asleep at a red light. With a BAC level of 0.217, he was found guilty and recently served 24 days in jail. He is currently serving 96 days of home confinement, which will keep him away from football for most of the offseason.

More from BuffaLowDown

Not only that, but Floyd will also be facing a suspension next season, which has yet to be handed down by the NFL. It will likely be more than a couple games, especially noting that he had three similar incidents while at Notre Dame.

With everything going on, teams will likely stay quiet with Floyd until they learn more about his suspension and how all the legal matters pan out. That will give the Buffalo Bills time to think about the decision, but if he is available at a good price then he could be worth the wait.

Floyd spent his first four years with the Arizona Cardinals and most of his fifth, before being released in December. With the Cardinals, Floyd totaled 242 receptions for 3,739 yards and 23 touchdowns. After spending a day on waivers, he was picked up by the New England Patriots and appeared in their final two games of the season.

In those two games, he caught four passes (6 targets) for 42 yards and one touchdown.

If the Buffalo Bills are willing to risk it, Floyd would become the perfect No. 2 wide receiver next to Sammy Watkins and add in a top receiver from the draft, oh boy.

Let’s move on to another cornerback that was recently released and could fill the void left by Stephon Gilmore.

CB Alterraun Verner

Alterraun Verner is a lot like Brandon Flowers, in my opinion. He’s a very talented cornerback that had a terrific start to his career, but failed to live up to a big contract when he switched teams. Entering his eighth season in the NFL, Verner has spent four years with the Titans and the past three years with the Buccaneers.

More from BuffaLowDown

From 2010-2013, Verner established himself as one of the better young cornerbacks in the league after being selected in the fourth round of the 2010 draft by Tennessee. He played in every game over that 4-year span and totaled 11 interceptions, 50 passes defensed, 12 stuffs, 2 forced fumbles and 5 fumble recoveries with the Titans.

After receiving a nice contract from the Buccaneers, he never lived up to the expectations and was eventually beat out by younger talent. For the past three years in Tampa, he only missed two games (the only two of his career) and still managed to record 4 interceptions, 20 passes defensed, 9 stuffs and 3 forced fumbles.

In my opinion, the Buffalo Bills should really consider signing Alterraun Verner if they can get him for around $3-$5 million per year. Even if they add someone in the draft, it gives Buffalo some security at the position and a veteran presence to help coach the younger talent.

Either way, Verner is a day-one starter and could shine in McDermott’s defense that will call for a lot of zone and a lot of playmaking by the secondary. That could get Verner back to his old self in a hurry.

So far, I like this signing the most — if the two sides could reach a deal.

Alright, I had to put the next one in because I think it would be a really big mistake not to re-sign him. He’s a perfect fit in the Buffalo Bills‘ new defense.

LB Zach Brown

Pay him and bring him home.

If there’s anyone on this list that would benefit the Buffalo Bills most, it’s Zach Brown. Not only did he show it last season with a Pro Bowl appearance, but he would be an even better fit in McDermott’s defense compared to Rex Ryan’s.

Zach Brown came to Buffalo last season after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Tennessee Titans. Originally brought in as a backup to Preston Brown and Reggie Ragland, Zach Brown was thrust into the starting lineup after Ragland went down with a season-ending surgery.

As a result, Brown turned out a career year that included 149 tackles (95 against the run), 4 sacks, 4 passes defensed, 2 forced fumbles, 11 tackles for a loss, 8 QB hits and one interception. His 149 tackles ranked second in the NFL last season.

More from BuffaLowDown

In the Buffalo Bills‘ new 4-3 defense, the need for an athletic weak side linebacker is crucial. Preston Brown and Reggie Ragland can do a decent job, but won’t be able to compare to Z. Brown. His ability to work from sideline to sideline with ease means he is very effective in coverage. Plus, he has the speed to defend the run at any point.

It’s simple, opponents don’t get much yardage against Zach Brown and an aggressive 4-3 defense will only make him more dangerous than before.

This offseason, Brown has visited the Oakland Raiders, but it was clear after he left the visit that his intentions were to not sign with that team. I still believe there is a high possibility the Bills bring him back, especially if he doesn’t receive any offers he likes.

So far, so good.

Next we have a right tackle that could not only be Buffalo’s starter, but could also coach Jordan Mills for the future.

RT Ryan Clady

If it weren’t for the right tackle position, the Buffalo Bills‘ offensive line would be solid across the board. Unfortunately, Jordan Mills hasn’t panned out as well as expected and after re-signing him for two years this offseason, he will likely be the team’s starter next season.

That’s only if the Bills don’t sign or draft someone better. At the very least, the team could add some competition for Mills — which sometimes gives a player that extra motivation.

More from BuffaLowDown

Ryan Clady could be a veteran pickup for the Buffalo Bills at right tackle. He is entering his tenth season in the league and could find a late-career push with the No. 1 rushing attack in the NFL. Plus, he has earned four Pro Bowl appearances and was named to 2 All-Pro teams in his career.

With the Bills re-signing Mills, he would be a great backup tackle to have in case injuries arise. For that reason, signing Clady could be a smart move for the Bills. Over the past 4 seasons, Clady has missed 37 games due to injuries and played in 27 games. When on the field, he’s still a reliable tackle that doesn’t allow a lot of sacks.

With the way Mills performed the past two years, I can’t see him starting next season unless he shows massive improvement this offseason. In my opinion, the Buffalo Bills are better off grabbing another lineman — either through free agency or the draft — that could add competition at the position.

Clady would fit that bill perfectly, but Buffalo would have to ensure he’s healthy enough.

Next, we have an option if the Buffalo Bills decide to move on from Zach Brown.

LB Gerald Hodges

If the Buffalo Bills are unable to retain Zach Brown, then the need for an inside linebacker increases mightily. They will not only need someone that can apply quarterback pressure, which is what McDermott likes in his front seven, but will also need to be able to drop back in coverage due to the 4-3 scheme.

Gerald Hodges presents the skills needed to fill that role and is even younger than Zach Brown, so there’s room to grow with this team. It’s a little surprising to see him still available well into the second week of free agency, but he most likely won’t last long.

More from BuffaLowDown

Hodges is more of a run-stopper and would help the Buffalo Bills avoid allowing another 200-yard rushing day for an opposing running back — something they did three times last season. He can tackle at a high rate and can fill a stat sheet up with his versatility.

After playing nearly two and a half seasons with the Vikings, recording 91 tackles, one interception, 3 stuffs and 0.5 sacks, Hodges finished the 2015 season with the 49ers. He would play 10 games for them that season and finish with 50 tackles and 5 stuffs.

He would spend most of last season as the 49ers’ starter and turned out his best season as a pro. He finished with 83 tackles, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, two interceptions, 3 sacks, 2 passes defensed and 3 stuffs.

I wouldn’t mind the Buffalo Bills signing Hodges if Zach Brown is too far of a reach. There aren’t a lot of inside linebackers out there that can provide the skills Brown has.

Lastly, let’s take a look at three honorable mentions that are still available in the free agency market.

buffalo bills free agents — Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Anquan Boldin (80) runs after a catch during the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears at Ford Field. Lions win 20-17. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

WR Anquan Boldin

The Buffalo Bills still have a glaring need at the No. 2 receiver spot and Anquan Boldin can come in and fill it right away. The ageless wonder has proved time and time again that time will not factor in his production on the field.

Boldin won’t be able to take the top off the defense or provide big-yardage plays, but he can keep the possession going and act as a safety belt for Tyrod Taylor. It’s pretty clear that the Bills will draft at least one wide receiver in this year’s draft, so adding Boldin will allow the team to develop the young talent and still get production elsewhere.

Last season, Boldin recorded 67 catches, 41 first downs, 584 yards and 8 touchdowns. He will be entering his 15th season in the league and will attempt to reach the 14,000 yard mark and 1,1000 receptions on his career.

DE Jared Odrick

Jared Odrick would help add some depth on the Bills’ defensive line. He has experience playing both defensive end and defensive tackle, which would be attractive in the Bills’ 4-3 defensive scheme.

Odrick will be entering his 8th season and is coming off a season that saw him miss the final 10 games. In his career, he has posted 170 tackles, 23 sacks, 5 forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception, 15 passes defensed, 26 stuffs and one block.

Plus, he brings a positive presence to the locker room. Get a feel for him below:

We talk to @JaredOdrick about college football life, NFL scraps, and living a chill existence. pic.twitter.com/SjUbuMCFLl
— DESUS & MERO on VICELAND (@DesusandMeroVL) March 16, 2017

WR Kamar Aiken

Remember Kamar Aiken? He signed with the Buffalo Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2011 and has since spent time with the Chicago Bears, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens. Still available on the market, he has seen his most success with the Ravens in 2015.

That season, he was thrust into a big role when injuries depleted the Ravens’ receiving corps. He finished with 75 catches for 944 yards and 5 touchdowns, but would follow that up with just 29-328-1 in 2016.

He would contribute on a depleted receiving corps and will have a chance to regain the momentum he had in 2015. The Bills would still need a No. 2 receiver, but with the other WR additions they’ve made this offseason, they would have plenty of depth. Aiken would add to that.

Next: Chad Ochocinco Shares Opinion on Sammy Watkins

What free agents are you looking at that are still available? Leave your thoughts below!

Ryan Brennan

My name is Ryan Matthew Brennan and I am 23 years old. Writing has been a passion of mine my entire life and I plan on continuing my travels within this industry. I was the editor for Fansided's BuffaLowDown -- a Buffalo Bills' blog -- in addition to Wake Up Mr. West -- a blog dedicated to Kanye West. After a short hiatus, I am now with Sabre Noise, continuing my love for all things Buffalo.