Buffalo Bills declining to tender Levi Wallace impacts draft strategy

Just one day into the legal tampering period, the Buffalo Bills have been relatively silent mainly focusing on re-signing their own. According to Field Yates, the Bills have declined to tender restricted free agent cornerback Levi Wallace. Wallace has been a cheap option for the Bills at the CB2 position, but a shaky season in 2020 has fans clamoring for an upgrade opposite of Tre’Davious White.

Wallace had 48 total tackles, 8 passes defended, and 2 interceptions in 12 games played which was actually the most efficient he has been in terms of production in his 3-year career. On the other hand, it’s much easier for Wallace to be productive statistically because his matchup gets targeted at a higher rate than that of White’s.

With some flash plays from Dane Jackson during his rookie season last year, some fans think he is ready to take the next step and compete for the CB2 spot. Jackson is certainly ready to compete for the CB2 spot, but he should not have it given to him. There is still a chance that the Buffalo Bills decide to sign Wallace to a deal later in free agency, but if they don’t Jackson won’t have viable competition on the roster for that CB2 position. Similarly, if the Bills allow Wallace to walk and don’t bring in a cornerback in free agency, Jackson will be uncontested for the CB2 position.

Ideally, the scenario I just explained isn’t the case come draft time, but if it is the Bills will have to target a cornerback with one of their first two picks in the draft. Right now the Buffalo Bills are in a position to draft the best player available and not have their hand forced so much by positional needs.

If Wallace isn’t brought back I would expect the Bills to sign a veteran on a minimum deal to come in and compete with Jackson for the CB2 position. Even if the Buffalo Bills can sign a veteran cornerback in free agency, the position still might be an early priority in the draft.