One of the first free agents that the Buffalo Bills signed last offseason was offensive guard Rodger Saffold. He was released by the Tennessee Titans a few weeks prior and the Bills were able to sign him before the start of free agency.
The expectation was that Saffold would be a key addition to a new offensive line, one that could improve particularly blocking for the run game. He previously was a part of a Titans’ offense that leaned heavily on the run with Derrick Henry and the hope was that would transfer over.
This is a breakdown of Rodger Saffold’s career and whether or not the Bills should bring the veteran guard back for the 2023 season.
Rodger Saffold’s Career Overview
Rodger Saffold was a second round pick by the Rams in the 2010 NFL Draft and played nine seasons for the Rams, starting 111 games over that stretch. He would then play three seasons with the Tennessee Titans before joining the Buffalo Bills this past season, and he started 16 games this past season for Buffalo.
He also has now earned back-to-back Pro Bowl nominations, the first two of his career, however, his nomination with the Bills could be open to discussion. As Joe DiBiase with WGR550 tweeted, Saffold ranked near the bottom among guards in Pro Football Focus’ grading.
Of the 58 guards that played at least 50% of his team's snaps this year, Rodger Saffold's PFF grade was 50th.
— Joe DiBiase (@SneakyJoeSports) January 30, 2023
Should the Buffalo Bills re-sign Rodger Saffold?
The decision for the Buffalo Bills to re-sign Rodger Saffold ultimately will come down to salary and if the two sides can agree on a contract. The Bills signed him to a one-year, $6.25 million deal last offseason and essentially guaranteed him as a starter.
This offseason, the expectations for Saffold should be a player who can compete for a starting job but may be better suited as depth at the position. If this is the goal, then this makes sense but if Rodger Saffold is looking for a starting job then it makes sense for Buffalo to look elsewhere.