Buffalo Bills’ grade through start of free agency

The defending AFC East champion Buffalo Bills entered into free agency this week with not a lot of needs, but had a bunch of notable unrestricted free agents on both sides of the ball. Buffalo lost in the AFC Divisional Round to the Kansas City Chiefs in an overtime thriller that saw them score a ton of points, but gave up over 30 points. Below we’ll take a look at who the Bills have signed in free agency and former players who departed.

Bills players added (as of March 16)

March 16 update: The Bills made a huge splash, adding Von Miller on a six-year, $120 million deal. The financial commitment seems like a lot, but Miller’s talent is undeniable. When healthy, he’s in the conversation for the best pass rusher in the league. The Bills could be an even better defensive unit this season, which is scary to think about.

The Bills signed both veteran running back J.D. McKissic and defensive tackle Tim Settle to team-friendly two-year deals to provide depth on offense and defense. Then Buffalo made an addition to the offensive line with the signing of Roger Saffold. They also re-signed wide receivers Isaiah McKenzie, Jake Kumerow, center Mitch Morse, and defensive back Siran Neal.

Bills players lost (as of March 16)

March 16 update: McKissic has actually changed his mind and is going back to Washington, so the Bills will not have the running back.

As expected, the Bills lost backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky in free agency, who signed a two-year deal with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Buffalo will either find a backup in free agency or draft a young quarterback late in the the draft. The Bills also saw offensive lineman Jon Feliciano and defensive lineman Harrison Phillips depart in free agency.

Grade so far

A-: The Bills went and got a star pass rusher in Miller, but the financial commitment was a bit over the top. The historical production is undeniable and the Bills must have an out clause at some point in this contract, so ultimately it’s about the next few seasons with Miller. He’s a star, and this defense could use an edge rusher to become a truly elite unit. — March 16

B: The Bills made some solid upgrades on both sides of the ball with McKissic and Settle in the first week of free agency. McKissic gives Buffalo’s offense a pass catching option out of the backfield, while Settle will replace Phillips who signed with the Minnesota Vikings. It will be interesting to see what the Bills do at the third wide receiver spot as Emmanuel Sanders is a free agent and Cole Beasley could be traded. — March 15