Buffalo Bills should take another look at TE Gary Barnidge

Now would be the perfect time for the Buffalo Bills to make a move on Gary Barnidge and finish a deal.

The Buffalo Bills have had several chances to bolster their tight end group, but have failed to do so every time. They can make it right by taking another stab at Gary Barnidge, now that Jeremy Maclin is no longer in the picture.

Barnidge was released by the Cleveland Browns days after the team selected David Njoku in this year’s NFL Draft. Not even a week after it was announced, reports of a Buffalo Bills‘ visit began. Before we knew it, he was at the Kentucky Derby with both Richie Incognito and Eric Wood.

It’s important to note that Wood and Barnidge were roomates at Louisville.

Regardless, he left Buffalo without a contract and began receiving interest from other teams, such as the Jacksonville Jaguars, Denver Broncos and Carolina Panthers. Fast forward a month and Barnidge remains a free agent.

Should the Buffalo Bills take another stab at him? I think so.

Although he will be 32 years old this season, he still has a lot of confidence in his game — and his health/body. In an interview two weeks ago (beware, that link will take you to the Patriots’ team website. Don’t want anyone getting viruses), Gary Barnidge opened up on still being a free agent and what he sees ahead.

When asked if the Browns’ increased interest in analytics had anything to do with his release, the tight end replied:

"“I wouldn’t know, and I’m not even sure how their analytics work,” he said. “But I do know if they use Pro Football Focus, they’ve shown I’m one of the most consistent blockers in the league, and I’m one of the most consistent pass-catchers. So if they use that measurement, I’m still producing.“Age is probably a big thing with analytics. Sustainability and who’s going to keep producing over the years? That could have been why they released me because I’m older than some guys. But as I’ve told people, my first seven years in the league, I didn’t play that much, so my legs are good to go. I’ve still got good years left.”"

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He also boasted about his ability to produce no matter what situation he is in. That’s something hard to find with other tight ends:

"“I do think I’m one of the only tight ends to play with eight different quarterbacks in two years and still be able to put up good numbers,” he said, a tad defiantly. “I had six quarterbacks last season and still put up 55 catches for over 600 yards, and I don’t know any other tight end who’s done that. That’s not easy to do. Again, I’ve had eight quarterbacks throw me the ball in the past two years.”"

The numbers don’t lie. He has only missed three games in his 7-year career, but only began seeing heavy contribution in 2015. In the four-years prior (two with Cleveland, two with Carolina), Gary Barnidge combined for just 44 receptions, 603 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Over the past two seasons as a starter with the Browns, he combined for 134 receptions, 1,655 yards and 11 touchdowns. I’m definitely not going to doubt that he still has some gas left in the tank.

At this point, it’s more a matter of him finding the right role with the right team. Is that in Buffalo? Maybe, maybe not.

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It’s clear Barnidge is looking for a starting role — or something close to it. With Charles Clay the top tight end in Buffalo indefinitely, a starting position won’t work out too well. There is the knee injury with Clay, but we hope that isn’t an issue at all in 2017.

The best we could offer is a second-string tight end, which doesn’t sound too glorifying — but hear me out. First off, new offensive coordinator Rick Dennison likes a two tight end set, meaning Gary Barnidge would likely see a lot of time. Most of that would be blocking, but if he can show a lot of chemistry with Tyrod Taylor, then trust will come quick.

With trust, comes targets. With targets, comes potential receptions. With receptions, Barnidge is happy.

Not to mention, the Buffalo Bills need a lot of help in the passing game. With that being said, Barnidge could be the missing link to bring it all together. It’s clear Clay and Watkins will be the top targets, with Zay Jones getting a lot of looks as well. What would help is having another check down option for Taylor, joining Patrick DiMarco.

In that interview above, Barnidge ended with:

"“I’ve got to just sit and wait,” Barnidge said. “Wherever I can get an opportunity and contribute, that’s been the motto of my career. I didn’t expect to, but I’m waiting again to show what I can do.”"

I think Barnidge can contribute in Buffalo.

Next: Aaron Williams visiting with Houston Texans

Would you sign Gary Barnidge if you were the Buffalo Bills? Leave your thoughts below!

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