The dismantling of the Houston Texans is nearly complete, with Friday’s news that the team has released talented but oft-injured edge rusher J.J. Watt. In today’s edition of the Buffalo Bills daily links, we examine whether the Bills should bring in Watt to bolster a pass rush that needs improving this offseason.
We rank where the Bills sit among possible landing spots for Watt, who is coming off just his second season playing in all 16 games in the last five years. With the Bills tight up against the projected salary cap, we also discuss whether they can afford to sign Watt.
We also break down mock NFL Drafts and examine whether general manager Brandon Beane would be willing to once again trade up in the draft to address a position of need, like South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn.
We analyze the state of the running backs, tight ends, and cornerbacks, ponder whether the team should exercise the fifth-year option on linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, hear why free-agent offensive lineman Jon Feliciano wants to return to Buffalo, make the case for re-signing returner Andre Roberts, and much more!
Should the Bills Bring in J.J. Watt?
Texans releasing franchise legend J.J. Watt - WGR 550
The Texans and Watt parted ways on Friday after ten tremendous seasons in Houston.
J.J. Watt reaction, destinations, fallout for Texans: Roundtable – The Athletic
J.J. Watt requested a release and the Texans granted it. What does this mean for his future and where he might end up? (Subscription required).
How do the Bills stack up among potential suitors for J.J. Watt? - newyorkupstate.com
Texans and Watt mutually agreed to part ways on Friday, making Watt a free agent.
J.J. Watt: Ranking the NFL teams that are his best fits – The Athletic
The Green Bay Packers are close to home. The Pittsburgh Steelers have someone from home. Where else could J.J. Watt best finish his future Hall of Fame career? (Subscription required).
Four contenders among teams showing interest in J.J. Watt - WGR 550
After being released Friday morning, J.J. Watt is already drawing interest from multiple contending teams, including the Buffalo Bills.
J.J. Watt watch: Bills have expressed interest in free agent (report) - newyorkupstate.com
The Bills are one of a dozen teams that have expressed interest in the pass rusher.
Bills ‘best fit’ for J.J. Watt, says national NFL analyst - newyorkupstate.com
Could the Bills look to Watt to help their pass rush in 2021?
Can the Bills afford free agent defensive end J.J. Watt? - WKBW
For the Bills, Watt would bring a much-needed pass-rushing threat while fitting the culture the front office has built.
Deshaun Watson as a 49er? Carson a Colt? Watt to Bills? 10 bold NFL predictions – The Athletic
These offseason outcomes for the Houston Texans’ QB, the Philadelphia Eagles’ QB, the 4San Sanfrancisco 49ers’ QB, the SPittsburgh Steelers’ QB, the New York Jets’ QB and more are more than plausible. (Subscription required).
Bills’ Stefon Diggs to J.J. Watt: ‘Hear me out real quick big fella’ - newyorkupstate.com
J.J. Watt became a free agent on Friday when the Texans released him after 10 seasons.
Would GM Brandon Beane Trade Up in the NFL Draft?
Cornerback Jaycee Horn mocked to Bills: Would they trade up? – The Athletic
In Dane Brugler’s latest mock, the Bills trade up to draft cornerback Jaycee Horn, a type of move Brandon Beane has made before. (Subscription required).
2021 Mock Draft Watch 2.0 - BuffaloBills.com
Running back? Defensive back? Offensive line? Where will the Bills go with the 30th pick in this year’s draft? Find out what the experts are predicting in this edition of Mock Draft Watch.
Positional Grades/State of the Bills
Bills position series: Are in-house options enough to fix running game? | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“The Bills struggled all season to get any semblance of a consistent running game going, finishing 20th in the NFL with 107.7 yards per game and tied for 19th at 4.2 yards per rush,” writes Jay Skurski.
2021 State of the Bills: Cornerback - WGR 550
Sal Capaccio’s “2021 State of the Bills” series continues with a look at the cornerbacks as the team heads into the offseason, including who may start opposite Tre’Davious White to open next season.
Bills position series: Tight end remains potential over production | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“Patience is the question for the Buffalo Bills at the tight end position after the 2020 season,” writes Mark Gaughan.
Bills Today | What Buffalo needs to make a Super Bowl run next season - BuffaloBills.com
Here are three things to know about the Bills for Friday, Feb. 12.
Does LB Tremaine Edmunds Deserve Fifth-Year Option
Should Bills exercise fifth-year option on LB Tremaine Edmunds? - Democrat & Chronicle
“The decision on Edmunds may be more complicated because three years into his career, the Bills are still waiting for him to become the dominant linebacker they thought they were getting,” writes Sal Maiorana.
Will Offensive Lineman Jon Feliciano Return to Buffalo?
Bills’ Jon Feliciano: ‘I don’t see myself going anywhere’ despite being free agent - newyorkupstate.com
The interior lineman was optimistic about returning to Buffalo in 2021 and beyond.
Odds and Ends
8 NFL postseason awards and honors from the Bills’ 2020 season - BuffaloBills.com
“The Bills 2020 season had many memorable moments and was the best season that Buffalo has seen since the 1990s. With a 13-3 season and a trip to the AFC Championship Game, many of the Bills coaches and players were recognized for their successes this season,” writes Dante Lasting.
Tom Flores: “It was quite the moment in my life” - BuffaloBills.com
“Former Bills QB and Super Bowl winning head coach Tom Flores discussed his upcoming induction to the Pro Football Hall of Fame and some of the triumphs and challenges of his illustrious career on One Bills Live.”
Featured on Buffalo Rumblings
Report: Buffalo Bills interested in defensive end J.J. Watt - Buffalo Rumblings
The Bills are among a dozen teams showing interest in the future Hall of Fame player.
Opinion: the Buffalo Bills should work to sign J.J. Watt - Buffalo Rumblings
Want a boost to the pass rush? How about a future Hall of Fame player?
2020 Analysis: Buffalo Bills kick returner Andre Roberts - Buffalo Rumblings
Specialists deserve some love too.
Contract projection for Buffalo Bills kick returner Andre Roberts - Buffalo Rumblings
What can he expect to make?
Opinion: Andre Roberts is worth the money, and Buffalo Bills should find a way to re-sign him - Buffalo Rumblings
The Buffalo Bills kickoff and punt return units were terrible in 2018. They’ve come a long ways, and bringing back Roberts makes sense.
Free-agent returners who could replace Andre Roberts on the Buffalo Bills - Buffalo Rumblings
Would you rather have Roberts or one of these players?
Buffalo Bills have very little kickoff, punt returning experience on their roster - Buffalo Rumblings
If the Buffalo Bills move on from Andre Roberts this offseason, they will need to add players to the mix. They don’t have much in the way of experience.
2021 NFL Draft: Investing in a returner - Buffalo Rumblings
Replacing Andre Roberts through the draft could be a boon for the team.
Mocking the Bills: Zaven Collins highlights latest three-round Buffalo Bills mock - Buffalo Rumblings
The Bills address some areas of need in the latest 3-round mock draft.
The Bruce Exclusive: Second helping of QB STEW - Buffalo Rumblings
Just as good the second time around