If the Buffalo Bills poor preseason performances have taught fans anything, it’s that the team lacks depth in certain key areas. Those areas include the offensive line, wide receiver and, to a lesser extent, linebacker. Now that the NFL’s cut-down day has come and gone, there will reportedly be about 1,184 free agents for general manager Brandon Beane to pick from. Here are six players he should consider.
Korey Robertson, WR
Robertson was quite well-thought-of coming into the 2018 NFL Draft even though, due to his lack of route-running polish and athleticism, he ultimately ended up as an undrafted free agent. Regardless, the Minnesota Vikings thought so highly of him that they gave him a $50,000 bonus to sign with them after the draft was over. The Viking’s enviable depth at the wide receiver position however, kept Robertson from being able to stand out during training camp or the preseason. In Buffalo, the rookie faces much less competition and would stand a much better chance of tabbing himself as the dependable possession receiver the team currently lacks.
Antonio Garcia, OT
The New England Patriots drafted Antonio Garcia in the third round of the 2017 draft with the expectation that he would be a developmental player that would one day replace veteran Nate Solder at left tackle. Unfortunately, after detecting blood clots in his lungs during his rookie year and dealing with the weight fluctuations inherent in his recovery, Garcia was never healthy enough to be medically cleared by the Patriots, who quickly parted ways with him this summer. The Jets then signed him, but there wasn’t enough time for Garcia to get back into football shape so the Jets were also forced to cut him. The Bills, on the other hand, might have the flexibility to stash Garcia on their roster, allowing him time to recover. This could end up yielding a backup tackle, if not a starter, in the long run.
Hau’oli Kikaha, DE/OLB
Kikaha is another player with a high draft pedigree. A second round pick by New Orleans in 2015, he flashed as a rookie but the very next year tore his ACL. That sapped him of much of his speed, and with other capable option on their roster, the Saints were forced to cut bait. For the Bills, Kikaha doesn’t have the size or the pass rush ability to be a full-time defensive end in this defense, but might fit as a backup to Lorenzo Alexander at SAM linebacker. Veteran journeyman Deon Lacey is currently in that role, but he had a very disappointing preseason.
Kevin Minter, ILB
The Bills cut recent sixth round pick Tanner Vallejo, leaving Julian Stanford as the sole backup at inside linebacker. With only 19 tackles and few starts in his career, Stanford is hardly someone the team can rely on. Minter is a former second round pick and starter for the Arizona Cardinals and Cincinnati Bengals. Injuries and suspensions have limited his impact on the field and he was eventually signed by the Jets for a pittance until he was cut on Friday. Though he wouldn’t offer much upside in coverage, the 6’0”, 246 pound veteran linebacker still can be a force against run, something the Bills struggled against last year, and would provide a veteran voice in the locker room for rookie Tremaine Edmunds.
Nico Siragusa, OG
Similar to Garcia, Siragusa suffered a devastating injury his rookie year, tearing his ACL, MCL and PCL. A fourth round pick in 2017, Siragusa is a six-foot-four, 319-pound run blocking tank. He likely needs some additional time to recover, but the Bills need an influx of talent along the interior of the offensive line and Siragusa would be a great fit for the type of power run team the Bills are looking to become.
Breshad Perriman, WR
Perriman was the 26th overall pick of the 2015 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens and was supposed to be the team’s new long-term deep threat. Injuries and ineffectiveness limited his usage, and after the Ravens went out and signed several quality veterans, Perriman ran out of chances. Still only 24 years old, the third-year player still has the raw athleticism that saw him drafted in the first round. Perhaps all he needs is a change in scheme and scenery.