One of the biggest decisions the Buffalo Bills is going to have to make this offseason is what they do with Tremaine Edmunds. Their former first round pick, and starter for the past five seasons at middle linebacker, is set to be a free agent this offseason and likely will end up being one of the highest-paid players at his position.
The Bills are unlikely to be able to offer that contract but could keep him in Buffalo if they decide to use the franchise tag. However, that contract would be a one-year deal worth over $20 million and once again that could be challenging with their current salary cap.
Los Angeles Rams could have done the Buffalo Bills a big favor with a recent move
The past few seasons the Buffalo Bills’ defense has been one of the best in the NFL and Sean McDermott asks a lot from his linebackers considering they are typically in nickel, which means only two linebackers are on the field. The middle linebacker position is critical to McDermott’s defense and it might make more sense to turn to a veteran than to draft Tremaine Edmunds’ replacement in the 2023 NFL Draft.
One potential option for the Buffalo Bills could be Bobby Wagner, who was released by the Los Angeles Rams on Thursday after playing only one season into a five-year, $50 million contract. He previously played 10 seasons with the Seattle Seahawks.
While Wagner is older at 32 years old and towards the end of his career, he showed this past season that he can still play at a high level. He finished with 140 total tackles, six sacks, two interceptions, and five passes defended while also being named to the second-team All-Pro.
One possible scenario that could make sense for the Buffalo Bills is to sign Bobby Wagner to a short-term deal while also drafting a linebacker early in the NFL Draft. This would give Buffalo a veteran this season while also not putting pressure on the rookie to start right away.
As for Bobby Wagner, he would be joining a team that could legitimately have a chance at a Super Bowl and gives him one more run at a Lombardi Trophy before calling it a career.