Buffalo Bills: 5 offensive players on the roster bubble
By Avery Duncan
Patrick DiMarco – FB
Patrick DiMarco is one of the best fullbacks in the game. He’s an excellent blocker, a leader, and a core special-teamer, but his spot on the roster is in jeopardy.
The Bills, like the majority of the NFL, appear to be phasing out the fullback from their offense. Offensive coordinator Brian Daboll showed that last year, as he cut down on the use of two-back I-form for more modern formations, included the lauded 11 personnel. The result: DiMarco played just 168 offensive snaps in 2018, compared to 265 in 2017, when he played under Rick Dennison.
DiMarco played in just 15.86% of the offensive snaps in 2018, less than Kelvin Benjamin or Isaiah McKenzie. Based on that number alone, he should be cut. However, he has a saving grace: DiMarco is one of the best special-teamers on the roster and played the fourth most snaps there in 2018. But is that enough to earn him a spot for 2019?
Probably not. He’s easily replaceable on offense with one of their tight ends brought in — Lee Smith for blocking, Dawson Knox for everything else. On special teams, rookie linebackers Vosean Joseph and Juwan Foggie could take snaps from DiMarco. I expect him to be released, and the Bills can save — per Over The Cap — $1.1 million in cap space by cutting him; more importantly, it would open a valuable roster spot.