Fans of the Buffalo Bills were hoping the team would use free agency and this April’s NFL Draft to bolster an offensive line that struggled opening up holes for the running game and protecting quarterback Josh Allen in 2018.
The Bills, who were ranked 26th overall in Pro Football Focus’ 2018 offensive line rankings, certainly have been active in addressing and improving an under-performing unit.
On Wednesday, the Bills inked free-agent guard Quinton Spain, formerly of the Tennessee Titans, to a one-year deal.
The move marked the sixth addition to the offensive line this season, as Spain joined center Mitch Morse, guards Spain, Spencer Long and Jon Feliciano, and tackles Ty Nsekhe and LaAdrian Waddle as new members of Buffalo’s offensive line for 2019.
Combined, the Bills added 317 career games of experience to their offensive line, including 196 career starts. The total guaranteed money (excluding Spain, whose contract details haven’t been announced yet) committed to these six linemen is $39.05 million.
With the exception of returner Dion Dawkins, the Bills’ rebuilt and re-tooled offensive line could feature four new starters this year, with Spain vying for a starting spot at either guard spot along with Long, Feliciano, and Wyatt Teller.
Morse, the highest-paid center in the league after signing the most lucrative free agent contract for a center in league history, will anchor the offensive line, giving Buffalo an outstanding center one year after both Ryan Groy and Russell Bodine struggled to replace stalwart Eric Wood.
Dawkins, who has started at left tackle his first two years with the Bills, should once again start at left tackle, though there were rumors earlier this offseason about Buffalo moving Dawkins to right tackle. Wherever Dawkins starts, look for Nsekhe to occupy the other starting spot, with Waddle vying for time as a backup.