Buffalo Bills GM Warns Fans: No Flashy Moves in Free Agency for Cap-Strapped Team
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has issued a familiar warning to fans for the second year in a row. The cap-strapped team will not be making any flashy moves in free agency. However, one insider believes there could still be room for an important and moderately priced addition to the team. Derek Barnett, the former first-round defensive end who finished the 2023 season on a tear, could be the perfect fit for the Bills.
Barnett, who joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a first-round pick in 2017, had an average of just over three sacks per season during his time there. He was waived in November and picked up by the Houston Texans, where he had a strong finish to the season. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine suggests that Barnett’s performance could give him a boost in free agency.
During the latter part of the season, Barnett had 3.5 sacks, eight quarterback knockdowns, and 13 total pressures. This impressive performance, coupled with his history as a solid run defender, could make him an affordable option for teams looking to add a rotational player on the edge. The Bills and the Cleveland Browns are among the teams that could be interested in signing Barnett.
The Bills will be facing the loss of several key defensive players in free agency, including standout defensive end Leonard Floyd. Floyd had a career-best season with 10.5 sacks and 32 total tackles after signing a one-year deal with $7 million in guaranteed money. However, Floyd has made it clear that he won’t be offering a hometown discount to stay in Buffalo for the coming season.
“I’m always going where the money goes. I’d rather be here, but it is what it is. It’s a business. I’m gonna go wherever my agent feels like we get the most money from,” Floyd said after the season ended.
Bills DE Leonard Floyd has been worth every penny. We break down how he was used against the Jets and how he WON.
Bills Hope for Von Miller’s Bounce-Back Season
The Buffalo Bills are eagerly anticipating a bounce-back season from Von Miller, who struggled to make an impact in the pass rush following his return from a torn ACL. In 12 games, Miller managed just three total tackles with no sacks. However, there were signs of improvement towards the end of the season and during the playoffs.
General Manager Brandon Beane expressed his optimism about Miller’s potential for a full recovery in 2024. “I think it was trending up as the year went on,” Beane stated. “Thought he actually made some good plays in the run game the other night more than pass rush opportunities that came up. But you saw that explosiveness coming back and that should only improve, according to our medical team.”
The Bills are hopeful that Miller will regain his explosiveness and contribute significantly to the team’s pass rush. With the support of the medical team, Miller’s performance is expected to improve in the upcoming season.
According to the Source heavy.com