With there being no Buffalo Bills football this weekend, it’s a time for the coaches, players, and fans to take the time to rest and get ready for Week 8 and on because once Week 7 is over, it’s go-time all the way through January.
While the players will be getting some rest, the coaching staff and front office should still be doing some work to finding ways to keep improving the game plans along with figuring out what the future of this team could look like, roster-wise.
The focus is on the now, but there has to be forward-thinking about the future on who could be brought back before they hit the open free agent market. As of right now, the Bills are scheduled to have 10 free agents after this season, with 9 of them being unrestricted per Spotrac.
Through 6 games, there have been 3 players that have been proving their worth and making their case as to why they should be brought back to the Bills after this season, whether it's getting an extension now or before free agency next year.
3 pending free agents Bills must look to bring back sooner than later
RB Ty Johnson
When you think about Buffalo's rushing attack, Josh Allen and James Cook come to mind which is completely obvious. However, for those who don't watch Bills games regularly, they don't see how valuable running back Ty Johnson is for this offense.
As the RB3 (but more of the RB2 at times), Johnson is a great receiving back who can catch passes out of the backfield and he has averaged 4.5 yards per rush throughout his career. He's already got 155 receiving yards this season which included a 40-yard reception down the sideline while the Bills were out west.
Buffalo brought back Johnson on a two-year deal two years ago, and if he continues to prove his value, he should very well get another extension.
LB Dorian Williams
This feels like it won't happen considering that the Bills have a rookie in Kaleb Elarms-Orr who is developing, but never say never. Buffalo's linebacker room hasn't been great this season, but Dorian Williams is still a proven run-stopper who can lay some big hits. He even grabbed his first career interception against the Raiders last week that ultimately was a difference-maker in the Bills getting a close win.
Depending on how the defense finishes out the season, Williams may not be on this list but for now, he should be a priority to re-sign if the Bills are looking to keep his run-stop abilities.
OL Alec Anderson
When David Edwards left in free agency to sign with the New Orleans Saints, the Bills were left with an open left guard spot. Alec Anderson was brought back on a one-year deal and the Bills also brought in via free agency as competition.
Anderson had the upper advantage since he had already been in Joe Brady's system, and he beat out Corbett for the LG spot.
Even though his pass protection still needs some improvement, he was one of the meanest run blockers you will ever see. He takes guys downhill and he helps open up a ton of running lanes for James Cook.
Continuity in the trenches is important for Buffalo, especially when it comes to keeping Josh Allen upright. The Bills would be very wise to keep this unit together beyond 2026 and that means extending Anderson to a longer-term deal.
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