Between now and the start of the new league year in March, TGS is providing brief summaries looking ahead at the offseason from the perspective of each NFL team. In this edition, we look at the Buffalo Bills.
2016 record: 7-9 — 3rd place, AFC East
What’s new? With Rex Ryan gone, Sean McDermott has taken over as head coach.
Projected salary cap space: $20 million — Only five teams are projected to have less money to spend.
Key in-house free agents: LB Lorenzo Alexander, LB Zach Brown, CB Stephon Gilmore, WR Robert Woods
Alexander had a phenomenal breakout season, Brown joined him in the Pro Bowl after leading the team with 97 tackles, Gilmore had a team-high five interceptions in 15 starts and the underrated Woods has the ability to one day be a Pro Bowler himself.
Key needs: Starting quarterback, wide receiver depth, defensive back, maybe linebacker
Draft breakdown: They hold the No. 10 overall pick and are missing a fourth-rounder but have an extra selection in Round 5.
Other potential priorities: This is actually a big one. They have a huge decision to make on quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who is due to make $15.5 million if he’s still on the roster on March 11.
Outlook: In order to make a playoff run, they have to get better. That’ll be tough to do with their quarterback situation in flux and little money to spend beyond keeping their own free agents.
