Buffalo Bills Free Agency Profile: Vladimir Ducasse
By Daniel Hahn
We continue to look at the newest Buffalo Bills signed in free agency with offensive guard Vladimir Ducasse.
Early in free agency, the Buffalo Bills made a somewhat under the radar signing in veteran guard Vladimir Ducasse. Ducasse last played for the Baltimore Ravens, where he was coached by new Bills’ offensive line coach Juan Castillo.
At the time of the signing, the Bills hadn’t locked up backup Ryan Groy to a longer deal, so Ducasse was insurance.
With what we know now that the Bills have signed Ryan Groy for 2 more years, the Bills’ offensive line depth is just that much stronger.
Contract Analysis
In signing with Buffalo, the 29 year old agreed to a 3 year, $3.5 million contact according to Spotrac. The deal is extremely favorable for a Bills team that isn’t wanting to invest big dollars into free agents that aren’t homegrown.
With each year costing Buffalo just a little over $1 million per year, the Buffalo Bills get to add a 7 year veteran who has started in just about every season since he entered the NFL.
While that’s a favorable number for a player who has extensive starting experience, there is a safe guard in place if the Bills do want to get out of the deal. The Bills can buy out Ducasse after the first year for $1.1 million and only cost a little over 100k against the cap after.
Ducasse’s contract is similar to that of older veterans who remain starters in the NFL. This contract doesn’t guarantee Ducasse a starting job, but it does promise him a roster spot in 2017, that a strong performance could lead to future opportunities.
Roster Fit
The Buffalo Bills are the 2-time NFL leader in rushing. That being said, the offensive line has had 2 years of health on the left side, but not so much on the right. Ducasse with his NFL experience can assist with any injuries that occur on the right side of the line and potentially offer a slight push to Jordan Mills at the right tackle position.
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Ryan Groy, as mentioned earlier, will also be returning, giving the Bills two backup offensive linemen that could play virtually every position across the line. Having one player with that ability helps, having 2 will allow the Buffalo Bills to have unique opportunities come Sundays for who they want to activate each week.
Final Analysis
It’s hard to have any issues with this signing, if you view it rationally. Ducasse isn’t coming in to start at any position along the offensive line.
Should he be impressive at right tackle and Jordan Mills struggles, he may jump up the depth chart, but that’s the only scenario he comes out of camp starting with everybody healthy.
Next: New Additions at WR Will Help Tyrod Taylor Succeed
What are your thoughts on the Vladimir Ducasse signing? Leave your comments below!