The Buffalo Bills have become a better football team, overall, since the start of the offseason.
Without making any revolutionary moves, general manager Brandon Beane has essentially re-tooled the roster to put forth a Super Bowl effort in 2023. Of course, the team is led by Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Matt Milano and company. Buffalo's most significant loss was linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, but they might end up being fine in the end. We'll get to that later.
As for the 2023 NFL Draft, Beane did what he thought was best, going up and getting another weapon like Dalton Kincaid. He also addressed some pain points within the roster in a masterful manner.
That said, there are some key players who are facing a pivotal offseason program ahead. Which players are they, and how could the season and their future be impacted?
Buffalo Bills players facing pivotal offseason: Ryan Bates, G
Last offseason, the Bills faced competition in re-signing guard Ryan Bates. Beane opted to keep him around, noting the promise he showed the previous season. However, in 2022, he was mediocre at best. Because of that, the team went and drafted O'Cyrus Torrence in the second round of this year's draft.
Now, Bates faces an uphill battle to retain his starting position. This summer is going to be pivotal for him, not only for his future with the Bills, but as somewhat of an audition for his next team. It's clear, newly-signed Connor McGovern and Torrence are the future of the position. But, Bates is sitll only 26 years old and could have a future elsewhere, whether it's this coming season as a surprise cut or next year with another team.
He's going to have to prove he was worth re-signing a year ago, along with proving to be worthy competition for the rookie, Torrence.