Predicting the future of the Buffalo Bills 2023 offensive free agents
WR Jake Kumerow
Jake Kumerow is a special teams contributor who has done little work as a receiver for the Buffalo Bills. His value lies on special teams, which Buffalo’s front office values more than most other front offices across the league. However, he may be losing his grip on a game-day roster spot if he cannot take a step forward as a receiver.
Verdict: Go
Buffalo will keep looking for young talent at the receiver position, so unless Kumerow can bring more value to the offense, it is only a matter of time until he is no longer a part of Buffalo’s plans.
WR Jamison Crowder
Jamison Crowder comes to Buffalo on a one-year deal, effectively replacing Cole Beasley as Buffalo’s primary slot receiver (although Isaiah McKenzie will have something to say about that). With just under 2,000 receiving yards in the past three seasons, Crowder comes with veteran experience and proven production.
Verdict: Go
With Isaiah McKenzie on a two-year contract and the recent draft pick of Khalil Shakir out of Boise State, the writing is on the wall for Crowder already. Crowder will be a fantastic bridge from the Cole Beasley era onto a more youthful wide receiver room. Luckily for Josh Allen, Crowder has the skills to make a difference in this year’s offense.
TE O.J. Howard
O.J. Howard tore his Achilles during the 2020 season, severely affecting his production. One of the league’s better all-around backup tight ends, Howard always looked like he was ready to take the next step in becoming one of the league’s top tight ends.
However, playing behind Rob Gronkowski and suffering an Achilles tear set Howard back. He signed a one-year deal with Buffalo to not only play with a contender but hopefully put good enough play on tape that teams will give him some money next offseason.
Verdict: Go
This only ever seemed like a one-year experiment for both sides. Buffalo could use some stability behind Dawson Knox, and Howard is looking to rebound his career and land one more significant contract in his career.
TE Dawson Knox
Dawson Knox has been excellent for the Bills throughout his tenure in Buffalo. Sure the occasional drop will leave fans’ heads in their hands, but the amount of spectacular plays Knox has made to help out Josh Allen outweighs some of his shortcomings.
Knox and Allen are also extremely close, so it is hard to imagine the Bills will let Knox go unless he has such a great season that Buffalo cannot afford him.
Verdict: Stay
There was once upon a time when the Bills re-signed Matt Milano, Daryl Williams, and Jon Feliciano when many fans figured it was realistic to keep just one of those players. The point is Brandon Beane won’t let Dawson Knox walk.
A player of Knox’s caliber who could continue to improve alongside Josh Allen is the exact type of player Brandon Beane has not and will not let walk into free agency.
TE/FB Reggie Gilliam
Tight end, fullback, H Back, and Special Teams. Is there anything Reggie Gilliam can’t do? Since making the Bills as a UDFA out of Toledo, Gilliam has appeared in 30 games for the Buffalo Bills. Gilliam does not have a premium position to warrant any significant payday from the open market and has found a niche role on the Buffalo Bills.
Verdict: Stay
Gilliam will struggle to find as much time on the field anywhere else, and with his well-rounded skill set, I would not be surprised if the Bills gave him an affordable contract that lasted upwards of 2 years.
TE Tommy Sweeney
Dawson Knox’s backup for most of his career, Tommy Sweeney, has yet to impact the NFL field substantially. Sweeney has only registered 17 career receptions and is not necessarily the blocking aficionado that Lee Smith was for the Bills just a couple of seasons ago.
Verdict: Stay
There is nothing not to like about Sweeney. The Bills will probably bring him back to camp next season with a shot to make the roster. After all, a well-rounded tight end to backup Dawson Knox is not high on the Bills’ priority list. Sweeney should be back under the impression he will have to earn his spot on the roster.