Cleaning out the Bills’ locker room: Preston Brown

I will lead off in telling you, I am incredibly bias as a University of Kentucky graduate in analyzing the prospects of Avery Williamson as a free agent possibility.

All that said, Williamson was drafted the same year as Brown, but in the 5^th round. Like Brown, he’s been a starter since his rookies season, and one of the Titans defensive captains. The major difference between Brown and Williamson, is that Williamson has played primarily as a Inside Linebacker within a 3-4 defense while in the NFL.

This is the intriguing case study for the Bills. Should a player like Williamson hit the open market, you’re looking at comparable age, production, and character. Would the Bills jettison an internal option, for a slightly different skill from the open market? They should both return comparable value on the open market.

I wouldn’t prefer Williamson over Brown, but I could see the case made for it. Williamson would add a slight uptick in speed, but he’s going to be a relative unknown in this defensive style. The Bills aren’t going to add long-term blocks at many spots this offseason. However, between Brown, Davis, and Williamson they would have options for 3-4 year contracts to secure their defensive quarterback.

If the Bills do move on from Brown, more likely than not I foresee them adding a Linebacker on a 1yr deal. It’s rare to see a cornerstone franchise player hit free agency. To find the long-term solution, the Bills may focus on the NFL draft.