One of the top free agent additions this offseason was that of Trent Murphy. When healthy, Murphy adds a double-digit sack skillset which will improve the Bills pass rush. The key though is ‘when healthy.’
Murphy missed the entire 2018 season and minicamps while recovering from ACL surgery. All indications are that he will be ready for camp and the start of the NFL season.
The amount of practices Murphy participates in and games he plays will be key to watch. The Bills won’t spend as much as they did to simply cut him if he’s not producing early in camp.
On the flipside, if Murphy is showing he’s healthy and pushes for one of the starting DE spots, he could shake-up the Bills roster in a major way. Murphy’s spot is secured, and fellow defensive ends Jerry Hughes and Shaq Lawson may not only be battling for starting spots, but roster spots if Murphy is healthy. Both Lawson and Hughes would represent significant trade value, which would be enticing for Brandon Beane.
Murphy, by his own health and performance in camp, could cause multiple roster moves that change the 2018 Bills roster or draft capital.