Buffalo Bills Free Agency news: Analyzing NFL side's latest signings
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has warned fans that the team will not be making any big moves during this year's free agency period.
Despite restructuring some of their larger contracts, the team will only have limited room to work with without doing more restructuring, which Beane is not keen on. Nevertheless, they need to address significant gaps in their offense, including the interior offensive line and all the offensive skill positions, especially wide receivers.
Beane and coach Sean McDermott often prioritize drafting, developing, and re-signing their own players. However, Beane also likes to try to fill the team's needs during free agency to set them up for the draft.
Here's a breakdown of every 2023 NFL free agent signing by the Buffalo Bills and how each will impact the upcoming season.
Buffalo Bills signings
Cornerback Dane Jackson will return to the Buffalo Bills on a one-year contract. Jackson started 14 games for the team last year, and the seventh-round pick had some up-and-down moments. With Tre'Davious White now healthy and first-round pick Kaiir Elam going into his second year, Jackson will likely provide depth at outside corner.
The Bills agreed to terms with safety Jordan Poyer to return on a two-year deal. Prior to free agency, Poyer had expressed his excitement in exploring the market, but the 2021 first-team All-Pro did not find the offers he was looking for. While the Bills still need to add depth at the position, a key defensive starter is returning, and Buffalo only lost one game with him on the field last year.
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Deonte Harty agreed to terms on a two-year deal, providing the Bills with another offensive weapon for quarterback Josh Allen. Harty has lined up both in the slot and outside and has averaged 6.59 yards after catch per reception. The Bills could get out of this deal in the second year if needed, but there could be high upside with Harty's skill set.
The Bills needed someone to be added to the quarterback room after Case Keenum headed off to Houston. Former Texans quarterback and good friend of Josh Allen. Kyle Allen will compete for the backup job with Matt Barkley, who spent all of last season on the practice squad. Allen started a career-high 12 games in 2019 with the Carolina Panthers, and six games since then, completing 62.6% of his career passes.
Tyrel Dodson provides depth at linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, and especially at middle linebacker with Tremaine Edmunds' signing with the Chicago Bears. The 24-year-old linebacker started a career-high three games in 2022, filling in for Edmunds.
The Bills needed help on the interior of the offensive line and signed Connor McGovern to a three-year, $23 million deal. McGovern primarily played left guard for the Cowboys last season and has experience at center and fullback. For an offense that revolves around Josh Allen, McGovern's pass-blocking ability will be welcome at left guard.
Cam Lewis was brought back on a one-year deal to add depth to the defensive backfield, and with versatility to play both cornerback and safety, he can be a useful tool in case of injuries.
Punter Sam Martin returns to the Bills on a three-year deal after being pleased with his production as both a holder and a punter last season.
Finally, the Buffalo Bills re-signed Ike Boettger to a one-year deal to provide important depth for the offensive line and compete for a starting job.
Notable Buffalo Bills departures
Overall, the Bills have kept most of their starters from their 2022 AFC East Championship roster.
The biggest departure was Tremaine Edmunds, who signed a big deal with the Chicago Bears. They have also moved on from backup quarterback Case Keenum and cut wide receiver Isiah McKenzie.