Buffalo flunking the free agency test

By Connor Byrne  |   Thursday, March 16, 2006  |  Comments( 0 )

Buffalo Bills
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The free agency period got started with a bang for the Buffalo Bills this past weekend as they managed to sign three veterans: defensive tackle Larry Tripplett, tight end Robert Royal, and wide receiver Andre' Davis. Of those three, Tripplett - the $18 million dollar man - has proven the most as he helped the Indianapolis Colts' defense reach new heights last season. Royal signed for $10 million and is going to be used as an extra blocker, and Davis, a former New England Patriot, will compete for the slot receiver position.

However, after that initial period of activity, the Bills have sat on their hands and watched some solid free agents--who could have helped them--get away.

On Wednesday, stud St. Louis Rams nose tackle Ryan Pickett spurned the Bills in order to sign with the Green Bay Packers. Pickett could have solidified the middle of the Bills' defensive line, but they failed to offer the 310 pounder a good enough contract. Same old Bills? It seems that way. Now the Bills have a great deal of uncertainty at one of the DT positions, with former Packer Grady Jackson as the only viable option remaining in free agency. At 32, the veteran Jackson might be a good fit for the Bills. However, I wouldn't bet on him joining Buffalo unless he's desperate. Instead, the Bills will more than likely opt for University of Oregon DT Haloti Ngata in the first-round of the draft. Many view the 350 pound Ngata as a big-time player at the next level, but I don't see it. He's more of a 3-4 nose tackle than the quick, shifty type of guy who could fit into the Bills' new Cover 2 defensive scheme.

Recently, Bills receiver Eric Moulds has bickered about his contract situation and has requested a trade or an outright release immediately. Unfortunately, since the Bills sat on their hands, the chances of parting with Moulds are low. Why? Because there aren't really any realistic options in free agency anymore who could replace the 10-year veteran. Former New England Patriot David Givens, who would have been a great fit in Buffalo, signed with the Tennessee Titans on Tuesday. The best free agents receivers left at this point are Terrell Owens and Keyshawn Johnson. A certain locale will have to freeze over before either sign with the Bills.

If the Bills do end up releasing Moulds, one possible option would be Minnesota Vikings restricted free agent Nate Burleson. After a breakout 2004 in which he had 1,006 receiving yards, Burleson struggled in 2005 thanks to injuries. As a result, the Vikings gave him a restricted free agent tender worth $712,000; the Bills would only have to give up a third-round pick if they better the Vikings' offer. It just so happens that the Bills have two third round picks. At 6-0, 192 pounds, Burleson isn't the biggest guy, but he's a solid young option for Buffalo.

After releasing Lawyer Milloy, the Bills also have a major void to fill at strong safety. Once Adam Archuleta signed with the Washington Redskins, the options immediately shrunk. Former Tennessee Titans safety Tank Williams seems like the only decent option remaining, since former Pittsburgh Steeler Chris Hope just replaced him. However, the Bills are reportedly not courting Williams. Perhaps youngster Rashad Baker could fill the Milloy void, but he's been a free safety since his days at the University of Tennessee.

The Bills' biggest area of concern is the offensive line. Ever since the mid to late '90s, Buffalo has had inadequate lines that have cost them dearly each season. Well, once again, they have done nothing to upgrade their various O-Line needs. The only two solid starters remaining from last year are right guard Chris Villarial, and right tackle Jason Peters. There's a decent possibility that Peters will shift to left tackle next season, so Buffalo ought to be pursuing solid veteran right tackles like former New York Jets stalwart Jason Fabini or wily Philadelphia Eagles veteran Jon Runyan. Either would be a major boon for Buffalo's beleaguered line, but once again, don't bet on either inking a deal with the Bills.

At the center position, Trey Teague, a starter in Buffalo for 76 straight games since 2002, is a free agent. At the moment, the Bills' best hope might be to woo Teague in hopes that he re-signs with the team. After all, they let Kevin Mawae sign with the Titans, and it was rumored the Bills were pursuing him. With Mawae gone, Teague is the best option remaining. The Bills could let second-year man Duke Preston fill the void, but he's unproven.

As for the left guard position, somehow the putrid Bennie Anderson still has a job. If the Bills solidify the tackle position with Fabini or Runyan, current left tackle Mike Gandy might move inside to the left guard position and give Anderson the heave-ho. It wouldn't be a terrible move, since Gandy is a decent player. However, the Bills have been talking with Arizona Cardinals guard Reggie Wells this week. The restricted free agent could be a member of the Bills for a sixth-round draft choice. Wells is a solid youngster, but unless the Bills give him an astronomical deal, the Cardinals will likely match the offer and retain him.

The best left guard remaining on the market is the New England Patriots' Stephen Neal; he has become a fixture on the Pats' offensive line the past two seasons, having started in 30 of 32 games. The Bills would be remiss not to give the 29-year-old a look, since they'd be strengthening their line, while weakening division rival New England's.

Also, bringing in 25-year-old Jacksonville Jaguars restricted free agent Vince Manuwai wouldn't hurt. Manuwai was tendered by the Jags at the third-round level, so that's all the Bills would have to give up for his services. Manuwai, a three-year veteran, has started in 46 of his first 47 games as a pro. The Bills would be foolish not to give Manuwai a look; he's well worth a third-rounder.

If the Bills' front-office, led by new GM Marv Levy, continues to twiddle its thumbs this free agency season, 2006 could be filled with more disappointment for a franchise that hasn't been to the playoffs since the 1999-2000 season. Even if they draft well this April, playoff aspirations are unrealistic unless some proven veterans are brought in.

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