Could the Buffalo Bills add another tight end this offseason?
The Buffalo Bills have already signed free agent tight end O.J. Howard this offseason and with Dawson Knox on the roster, this is a position that seemed like Buffalo wouldn’t have to put any more effort to. However, the Bills have reportedly met with former Colorado State tight end Trey McBride, according to Justin Melo of The Draft Network.
McBride is one of the top tight ends in this year’s draft class after an impressive season last year where he had 90 receptions, 1,121 receiving yards but only one touchdown. The scouting report by Lance Zierlein on NFL.com describes a player that can do it all at the position:
"Two-way tight end with the size, strength and ball skills to help impact games in-line and in space. McBride has room for improvement at the point of attack, but possesses the thickness and determination of a true, in-line blocker. He’ll need to improve his angles and play strength to even out the wins and losses against NFL competition. McBride lacks top-end speed and quickness into the route, but he can snap off route breaks and has the body control and sticky hands to win contested catch battles. Long athletes could suffocate his catch space if he doesn’t play with more physicality and aggression during the route. McBride is solid in all phases and should appeal to every team looking for a combination tight end with early starting potential."
Where does he fit with the Buffalo Bills?
Trey McBride looks like he will be a good tight end in the NFL but it certainly raises the question of how he fits with the Buffalo Bills considering the players they have on the roster. He likely is going to be drafted in the first few rounds and with that draft capital, he is probably more than just a depth addition.
Could the Buffalo Bills view McBride as the eventual replacement for Dawson Knox? The former third round pick is entering the final year of his rookie contract and if Buffalo has concerns about possibly being able to reach a contract extension, this selection would make sense.
It also raises the question of how McBride would fit on the 53-man roster for this season as the Bills had only two tight ends on the roster last year. The Buffalo Bills could keep three tight ends but if they didn’t then O.J. Howard would likely have a tough time making the final roster.
In the end, the Buffalo Bills likely are doing their due diligence and when considering the limited needs the team has, there could be a point where McBride is on the board when Buffalo is on the clock and the value is too great to pass up.