So far, the 2013 offseason has been an extremely active throughout the NFL but the Buffalo Bills have seen some of the most changes. It started with the firing of Head Coach Chan Gailey and his coaching staff after three consecutive losing seasons. The Bills filled this void by hiring ex Syracuse head coach Doug Marrone, bringing in much of his Syracuse staff along much of the New York Jets defensive staff, including defensive coordinator Mike Pettine. Since the appointment of this new coaching staff, the Bills roster has seen the loss of several players who played a large role for the team last year. Despite some of these major losses, the Bills have only added one player through free agency in the form of LB Manny Lawson, who looks to fill the spot of retired DE/LB Chris Kelsey. With only one free agent signing, it appears the current roster along with the upcoming draft will be the primary way the Bills front office plans to fill the current voids on the roster. Here we will look at what players are an option, as well as the future of the departed players.
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick (Released)
One year removed from signing a healthy 6 year/$59 million contract with the Bills, coaching changes were made and the new staff felt Fitzpatrick’s play didn’t live up to his contract. Fitzpatrick didn’t last long on the free agent market as the Tennessee Titans quickly signed him to a backup role behind third year starter Jake Locker. Though it looks like Fitzpatrick will be playing the backup role, it is not something he isn’t used too or looking forward too, “They have a ton of confidence in Jake here and my role and what they have signed me to do is help him out and push him and make sure he gets better and be there just in case,” Fitzpatrick said in an article from The Tennessean. So though his time in Buffalo is over, Fitzpatrick and his wife and four kids still have an NFL team to call their own.
Replacement? For the current moment Tarvaris Jackson is the only quarterback on the roster (aside from Brad Smith who plays mostly receiver), which means the Bills have been very busy with pro days and private workouts for the quarterback position. Geno Smith, E.J Manual, Landry Jones are the players the Bills have already had in for private workouts with more visits like USC’s Matt Barkley, Tennessee’s Tyler Bray, and NC State’s Mike Glennon on the way. ESPN has also reported the Bills are rumored to have interest in Seattle Seahawks backup Matt Flynn. With the draft less than a month away the Bills quarterback position will be clearer in only a few weeks.
WR David Nelson/David Jones (Not re-signed)
Both Nelson and Jones were undrafted free agents who were given the chance in Buffalo and both players performed well when healthy. The Patriots have already signed Donald Jones to a three year deal and he is sure to have success playing with Tom Brady. David Nelson on the other hand has yet to sign with a team but is sure to find a home on a NFL roster somewhere.
Replacements? Stevie Johnson, T.J. Graham, and Brad Smith are currently the only receivers on the roster for the Bills, so some additions will need to be made. For one, more will be expected from Graham who will be coming into his second season. Free agent wise the Bills haven’t been reported to be looking at any wide receivers so it appears the draft is where they will address this position, and two will have to be taken, one of which will be in the first three rounds. Tavon Austin of West Virginia along with Cordarrelle Patterson and Justin Hunter of Tennessee are options in the first round. Keenan Allen of Cal and Quinton Patten of Louisiana Tech appear to options on the second round. No matter what round the Bills decide to draft a receiver, it is clear that some will be added to the roster.
TE Scott Chandler (Will start season on IR)
Scott Chandler suffered a late season knee injury so it appears he will be ready for the start of next season. In the meantime the Bills still have a few tight ends on the roster. They tendered third year player Dorin Dickerson who showed signs of ability last season. They also still have veterans Mike Caussin and Lee Smith on the roster. On top of these players the Bills recently had free agent Fred Davis in for a visit and have reportedly made him an offer, according to BuffaloBills.com.
G Andy Levitre/Chad Rinehart (Not re-signed)
Both Andy Levitre and Chad Rinehart decided to go different directions this offseason and signed free agent offers with other teams. Levitre, who started every game since being drafted by the Bills, signed a well deserved 6 year/$46.8 million contact with the Tennessee Titans. With the Titans Levitre will be looking forward to reuniting with former teammate Ryan Fitzpatrick who he called a “great teammate.” Rinehart, who started several games for the Bills over the last two seasons, signed a 1 year/$1.75 million dollar contract with the San Diego Charger.
Replacement? It appears the Bills will look to the current roster or the draft to fill the void left by the loss of these two starting caliber offensive linemen. Youngsters Zebrie Sanders and Colin Brown are sure to get their shot at the starting job. NFL.com’s Matt Smith has mocked the Bills to take Oklahoma tackle Lane Johnson, which result in some shuffling along the line that would fill the hole, though it is more likely that a lineman will be drafted in a later round.
LB Nick Barnett (Released)
After two very successful seasons in Buffalo in which Barnett lead the team in tackles, the Bills decided to part ways with the veteran linebacker. He has still yet to find a new team but that is something that will not last. At 32 years old, Barnett tweeted about much he enjoyed his time in Buffalo but also said he was not done playing football, only making it a matter of time before another team signs him.
Replacement? Depending on the defensive scheme new defensive coordinator Mike Pettine decides to run will depend on who replaces Barnett’s position. It could be in the form of newly signed Manny Lawson or could come from second year player Nigel Bradham out of Florida State. After getting substantial playing time in the second half of the season Bradham proved he can be a starting linebacker in this league.
S George Wilson (Released)
Wilson saw his career take a turn for the better in Buffalo when his position was changed from wide receiver to strong safety. Following this change his rookie year, Wilson went on to be a very successful NFL safety, racking up over 400 tackles and 12 interceptions in that time. Wilson will also being joining his teammates Levitre and Fitzpatrick after signing a 2 year/$5 million dollar contract.
Replacement? With only two safeties on the current roster the Bills will have to add at least one, whether that player is a starter is yet to be seen. Da’Norris Searcy has played behind Wilson the past two seasons and seems poised to take over the job. Either way, the Bills are expected to draft a safety in the later rounds to at least add depth to the position.
