Recapping Bills’ free agency thus far

Russell Wilson being traded to the Denver Broncos on March 8 was only the start of a crazy NFL offseason. Next, Khalil Mack goes to the Chargers, Carson Wentz to the Commanders, Devante Adams and Chandler Jones go to the Raiders, Amari Cooper and Deshaun Watson head to the Browns, Matt Ryan goes to the Colts, Tyreek Hill to the Dolphins, and Aaron Rodgers agrees to a record-breaking contract with the Packers. That doesn’t even begin to cover it, either. ESPN’s Adam Schefter did his best to break it down all at once:

After seeing all of these big moves in an offseason that looks like an NBA transaction wire, we were all stuck wondering when ‘Big Baller Beane’ (Bills GM Brandon Beane) would be throwing his hat into the ring.

In the mind of many Bills fans, defensive end was the biggest need that needed to be addressed, with many hoping Chandler Jones would choose to go to Buffalo. That wasn’t the case. However, good things come to those who wait.

Von Miller announced that he was signing a 6-year deal worth $120 million with the Buffalo Bills, with 51.5 million guaranteed, on March 16. One of the best defensive players in league history has decided to come to Buffalo over re-signing with the previous Super Bowl Champion Los Angeles Rams. When’s the last time that happened? Not only is Miller a great all-around player, he now has an opportunity to teach to young defensive ends on the roster such as Gregory Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa and Boogie Basham.

That was just the start for Beane, however. Re-signing Isaiah Mackenzie was a big priority and that deal got done. Former Bills defensive linemen Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips were brought back to the Mafia as well. Also if you can’t tell the culture change here in Buffalo, players love playing here and being here. They wouldn’t come back if they didn’t love playing for Sean McDermott, with Josh Allen and of course, in front of Bills Mafia. You cannot stress enough how dramatic the culture shift in Buffalo has been in recent years, Big name free agents want to come and play in Buffalo, New York over choosing bigger, warmer and “fancier” cities.

Beane also went out and signed a few offensive weapons on one-year deals for Josh Allen to play with. Speedy slot receiver Jamison Crowder (1-year, $4 million), tight end OJ Howard (1-year, $3.5 million), and RB Duke Johnson (1-year, $1,272,500). Crowder brings a Cole Beasley slot replacement, Howard allows the Bills to run true two tight end sets, and Johnson adds a pass-catching option out of the backfield.

Guard Rodger Saffold and defensive tackles Tim Settle and Daquan Jones were signed as well to beef up the interior trenches, not to mention the re-signings of offensive linemen Ryan Bates and Ike Boettger.

Of course with all the new fresh talent in the AFC this year, the road to the Super Bowl isn’t going to be an easy one. You have many teams that believe they can contend this season such as the Chiefs, Broncos, Chargers, Raiders, Browns, Bengals, Ravens, Colts, Titans… and even the Dolphins now with Tyreek Hill. However, for the first time ever, the Bills are the consensus betting favorite to win Super Bowl 57. After this free agency, I think it’s pretty clear which team is the front runner in the AFC, and even the entire NFL. Very soon, teams will be acquiring players for the sole purpose of beating…the Buffalo Bills.