Addressing the pivot position on the O-line
Bills Mafia was saddened by the sudden retirement of longtime lineman Eric Wood. He’s been the pivot of the Bills offensive line since 2009.
The draft could be an option in filling this hole, but there are a couple of veteran options in free agency as well.
8) Joe Berger
Joe Berger’s best season came in 2015 as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. He was Pro Football Focus’ number one center that year and ranked seventh in 2016.
Unfortunately, Berger lost his starting position at center to newly drafted Pat Elflein. He was subsequently moved to guard where he started all 16 games for the NFC North Division Champions.
Elflein’s success allowed Minnesota to let Berger test free agency.
Berger’s durability is something Buffalo should covet, considering the team is losing their center to a career-ending neck injury. The 35-year-old lineman has only missed six games since 2009 and only two in the last three seasons.
Next on the list is a former teammate of Berger. Sullivan finds himself on the market for the third year in a row. He spent seven years in Minnesota before leaving for Washington and LA for a year. Sullivan rebuilt his value last year in Los Angeles after spending most of 2016 on the bench.
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The nine-year pro was PFF’s 12tg ranked center in 2017. He allowed just one sack and helped Gurley rush for over 1,300 yards and 19 total scores (rushing and receiving).
If Buffalo elects to bring in a rookie quarterback this season, having a veteran center like Sullivan would be a great mind for them to pick apart.