Grading the Bills’ first three free agent signings

By Connor Byrne  |   Monday, March 13, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Buffalo Bills
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The Buffalo Bills began the free agency period with gusto this past weekend, signing all three visitors to Bills' headquarters in Orchard Park. Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle Larry Tripplett, Washington Redskins tight end Robert Royal and New England Patriots wide receiver Andre' Davis inked deals to become the newest members of the Bills' organization.

Robert Royal, the Bills' first signing of the free agency period, came as somewhat of a surprise. Royal signed a five-year deal worth $10 million with a signing bonus of $2.5 million. That's an awful lot of money for a blocking tight end who has never caught more than 18 passes in a single season. Bills GM Marv Levy raved about Royal's blocking on Saturday and called him an extra offensive lineman. Redskins coach Joe Gibbs has also lauded Royal's blocking prowess in the past. Although Levy and Gibbs are both legendary coaches who know what they're talking about, I still question this signing by the Bills. After seeing the Cleveland Browns sign proven receiver Joe Jurevicius for $10 million over four years, it really made me question Royal's new contract. He and the Bills' front-office will have ample time to prove me wrong in 2006. Value Grade: D+.

Buffalo's second signing this past weekend was Larry Tripplett. A former second-round pick, Tripplett has been somewhat impressive in his four-year career. In a column last week, I listed him along with a group of other defensive tackles who would fit the Bills' new Cover 2 scheme. Tripplett signed a five-year deal worth $18 million with a signing bonus of $5.5 million. That may seem like a lot of money, but it's a good deal for the Bills because the 293-pound Tripplett will shore up their pass rush and help the run defense, which struggled last season. Value Grade: B+.

Buffalo's final signing of the weekend was New England Patriots wideout Andre' Davis. After three solid years with the Cleveland Browns, Davis moved onto the Patriots' organization last season, catching 9 passes in 9 games. Over the past 2 years, Andre' has averaged a whopping 24.4 yards per catch. He has incredible speed and that should fit the Bills' new offensive system very well. New offensive coordinator Steve Fairchild likes to stretch the field; that shouldn't be a problem with Davis lining up in the slot. Davis was recruited to the Bills by quarterback Kelly Holcomb, but it is still unknown whether Holcomb, J.P. Losman or someone else will start at QB next season. The signing of Davis all but ends the era of disappointing unrestricted free agent receiver Josh Reed in Buffalo. Value Grade: B-.

The signing of these three has shored up some of the Bills' troubled areas, but they still have a long way to go this free agency season. Expect free agents such as New York Jets center Kevin Mawae, Philadelphia Eagles offensive tackle Jon Runyan, Arizona Cardinals quarterback Josh McCown, New England Patriots wide receiver David Givens and St. Louis Rams defensive tackle Ryan Pickett to garner interest from the Buffalo Bills in the coming days and weeks.

--Connor Byrne can be reached at cbyrne@realfootball365.com
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