Yesterday, we asked you what you'd consider too costly a price for the Buffalo Bills to re-sign inside linebacker Paul Posluszny. Using a long-term (five or six years) contract worth about $6 million annually as precedent, most readers that chimed in felt that Posluszny was worth that level of investment.
Let's assume, for the sake of argument, that the Bills don't like that type of monetary commitment, or just plain can't wrap up a deal with Posluszny. What would the position look like without him? It's not a snap to figure out.
You almost have to assume that one of two veterans, Andra Davis and Reggie Torbor, would be penciled in as a starter. It's possible that Torbor will continue to spend most of his time on the outside, however, making Davis the more likely of the two to start. Two rookies, particularly third-round pick Kelvin Sheppard (but also sixth-rounder Chris White), would push for playing time. With only two inside 'backers under contract (two more coming in the rookies), it seems likely that the team would try to bring a guy like Akin Ayodele back on a one-year deal.
Losing Posluszny would hurt, however, as he was the one linebacker on the roster last year that the team felt comfortable leaving on the field for passing downs. It's unlikely that any of the veterans or rookies would have that level of trust right away.