We made it past Week 1 of free agency, and if you weren’t a Buffalo Bills fan it was quite interesting. Week 1 featured multiple big name trades and a handful of teams going all out on winning this year. But, if you’re a Bills fan, it was quite the opposite. Brandon Beane stayed pretty mellow, signing just QB Kyle Allen, WR Deonte Harty, and OL Connor McGovern from outside of the building, along with bringing back some of their own free agents. But now that the dust has settled, the Bills still have some holes on their roster that need to be taken care of, either before the draft or after. So in this article, let’s check out some free agent options for the Bills at their positions of need.
Defensive Tackle
Shelby Harris
The Bills are in need of more depth at DT, with Brandin Bryant/Eli Ankou serving as the possible fourth DT option. Harris was recently released by the Seattle Seahawks after totaling 44 tackles, two sacks, five TFLs, and six QB hits in just one season with the team. The 31 years old has seen significant snaps at 1-tech nose tackle, 3-tech defensive tackle, and 4-tech base defensive end throughout his career. Harris will help serve as the veteran in the room, and if Buffalo sees fit, will replace Ed Oliver if he’s traded.
Middle Linebacker
Zach Cunningham
The Bills aren’t looking to break the bank here, nor do they have the cap space to do it. So signing a cheaper option while drafting somebody in the first round is most likely what will happen. And that cheaper option could very well be Zach Cunningham, who was recently a victim of the purge the Tennessee Titans went through in the last few weeks. Last season, Cunningham dealt with an injury and only played in six games. However, in his last healthy season (2021), he totaled 93 tackles, seven TFLs, and one forced fumble. While he isn’t the sexiest option, it may be the likeliest route they go in terms of money.
Defensive End
Melvin Ingram
While this one is different from the more cheaper options I’ve preached in this article, it is an underrated position of need. With Von Miller likely missing the start of the season, the Buffalo Bills will need to look to add somebody to the pass rush. They can’t rely on Boogie Basham or AJ Epenesa to fill in that role, so adding somebody of Ingram’s caliber will help their pass rush before and after Von comes back. Last season, Ingram totaled 22 tackles, 10 QB hits, and six sacks for the Miami Dolphins. During his career, he’s split time at both LB and DE, so he has plenty of positional flexibility and can do it well. Also, any time you can yank someone away from your division rivals, you do it.
Robert Quinn
Quinn is another good veteran who may look to go somewhere else after spending half the season with the Philadelphia Eagles. Quinn didn’t have the best season splitting time in Chicago and Philadelphia, only totaling one sack, 10 tackles, and three QB hits. From the stats it looks like he’s completely washed. But, considering his potential role with the Bills and how they love to rotate pass rushers, that may not make a huge difference if they can get him cheap.
Wide Receiver
I am a big fan of DJ Chark, how he fits in this offense, and his size, but his price may have gone out of Buffalo’s range after some moves. But, that’s not a bad thing either considering there’s still plenty of depth at the position. One player I had in mind is…
N’Keal Harry
Another big body receiver that Buffalo so desperately needs, standing 6’4”. Playing in seven games, Harry never really had an opportunity to play with the Bears despite the lack of quality receivers they had during the season. Harry is only 25 years old and is about to enter his fifth season in the league. If Buffalo can get him as a cheap option to prove himself, he could be a splash signing.
Offensive Tackle
Brandon Shell
Shell has recently been linked to Buffalo, as Ryan Talbot mentioned. Shell would likely be this year’s veteran RT that joins Spencer Brown and competes for the starting job. After starting 11 out of 13 games for Miami, Shell allowed two sacks on 761 snaps, along with four penalties. Shell wouldn’t be a splash signing, but he would be what the Buffalo Bills need, a decent enough backup to help out Brown’s development who can spot start if needed.
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