Buffalo Bills Free Agency Analysis: Patrick DiMarco

Patrick DiMarco joined the Buffalo Bills after leaving the NFC Champion Atlanta Falcons. He becomes a key feature in what Sean McDermott is building.

The Buffalo Bills did not have a lot of cap space to work with to start free agency, but are still managing to make moves in order to reshape the culture at One Bills Drive. One of the bigger moves was the signing of fullback Patrick DiMarco.

The Bills signed 2 free agents that could play fullback, meaning they will be highly used in the offense. Offensive coordinator Rick Dennison is expected to employ a zone blocking run-scheme,- which emphasizes the play action pass.

This is a signal to a slightly more passing oriented offense than previously employed under Rex Ryan, and his ‘ground and pound’.

Contract Analysis

DiMarco was signed on a 4 year $8.4 million contract. If the Buffalo Bills ever decide to cut DiMarco, they will gain money on the cap in every year except the first.

If you believe the fullback isn’t needed in the NFL, or that a little over $2 mil a year is too much, think again. That price for a full-time starter shouldn’t prevent the Bills from addressing other needs.

Let’s assume that OC Rick Dennison plans to have a lot of plays that feature a fullback. If we use a fullback on say 40% of the offensive plays, then its a huge impact for $2 mil on the cap. Does that sound awful? What other starters make that little to contribute on offense or defense?

Role in 2017

The Buffalo Bills have 3 players on the roster who can play fullback. DiMarco, Mike Tolbert and the versatile TE Charles Clay can all line up at fullback. While versatility is being emphasized under the new coaching staff, so is a pass catching fullback.

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Several times we saw Tyrod Taylor forced to check down to Jerome Felton, who always looked uncomfortable catching the ball. That lack of comfort led to several key drops.

Patrick DiMarco is a more capable receiving fullback, and a skill that will be used a lot more in this offense. The key play for Rick Dennison will be the play-action stretch run play. The fullback is on field for that pass to decoy as a lead blocker. After the play-action step, the fullback can become a check down option for Taylor.

Final Analysis

When we think of a fullback, we think of a lead blocker. LeSean McCoy can benefit from having that, but he doesn’t need a fullback to be successful. What the Dennison version of a fullback will be is a tool to help the passing offense.