In today’s edition of the Buffalo Bills daily links, we examine the NFL’s franchise tag rules, which the Bills could use for the first time since the 2016 season (tackle Cody Ford), running through which players make sense to use the tag.
We also discuss whether the time is right for general manager Brandon Beane to extend quarterback Josh Allen’s contract, and take a look at the state of Buffalo’s quarterbacks and defensive ends.
We identify 50 potential free-agent targets for the Bills to pursue, run through scenarios for Buffalo to improve its tight ends and backup quarterback, learn how the Bills will adjust to not having the Scouting Combine to aid in their draft evaluation process, and more!
Recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings
NFL franchise tag window opens; rules, which Bills could see it? - Buffalo Rumblings
The NFL’s window for franchise and transition tags has opened, and for the first time in a long time, the Buffalo Bills may actually consider it.
State of the Buffalo Bills’ roster: Quarterbacks - Buffalo Rumblings
One spot is settled. What about the rest?
Q&A: J.J. Watt, salary cap space, Matt Milano - Buffalo Rumblings
What are the biggest needs for the Bills this offseason?
AFC East Roundup: Coaching changes - Buffalo Rumblings
Two teams in the division will have new coaches on the sidelines.
Additional Bills news from the web
Should the Bills Extend Josh Allen’s Contract Now?
Bills offseason questions: Is now the time for Josh Allen to get a contract extension? | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“Holding off on a contract extension doesn’t have to signal even the slightest trepidation about the team’s willingness to make a long-term commitment. Nor does it have to indicate the tiniest doubt in the hierarchy about his stature as a franchise quarterback,” writes Vic Carucci.
State of the Bills: Defensive Ends
Buffalo Bills roster analysis: Defensive end - Yahoo Sports
Analyzing the Buffalo Bills’ defensive end position and looking ahead to 2021, including Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison.
Free-Agent Targets for the Bills
2021 NFL free agents by tiers: Top 50 Buffalo Bills targets - newyorkupstate.com
NFL free agency officially begins on March 17.
Bills free-agent targets: Quarterbacks - Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills News, Analysis and More
“Jacoby Brissett and former Bill Tyrod Taylor are among sensible options,” writes Nick Fierro.
Free agent, trade targets for the Bills at tight end - WGR 550
“Tight end could very well be a position the Bills target either during free agency or by way of trade,” writes Sal Capaccio.
Football Means Playing Through Pain for Zack Moss
Zack Moss’ football career is defined as much by spirit as it is by pain – The Athletic
“Now at the end of his rookie season with the Bills, Moss is again on the mend,” writes Matthew Fairburn. (Subscription required).
Scouting Combine Canceled
Bills, NFL must adjust without scouting combine - Democrat & Chronicle
With Scouting Combine canceled, Bills have had to adjust draft evaluation process.
Odds and Ends
Bills’ Gabriel Davis couldn’t stomach watching Super Bowl LV - newyorkupstate.com
Davis was among the best rookie wide receivers in the NFL in 2020.
Taron Johnson earns playing-time bonus for next season | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“Due to the fact that he played more than 35% of the snaps over the past three years – he actually has played 54% of the snaps – his pay for 2021 will go up to $2.13 million,” writes Mark Gaughan.
‘Get the ring and enjoy some wings’: Did NFL Network host just create a new Bills’ pitch? | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“I love the idea of J.J. Watt with the Bills logo on his helmet contending for a Super Bowl,” Peter Schrager said, noting the Bills are a Day 1 Super Bowl contender.
Daughter of tailgate legend Pinto Ron says ‘everything went as planned’ with his heart surgery | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Ken Johnson, aka “Pinto Ron,” underwent open heart surgery Tuesday.
Fans try to decode J.J. Watt’s cryptic ‘mitochondria’ tweet - WGR 550
“You know NFL Free Agency is in full swing when every little tweet is being overanalyzed as some sort of clue on where a player will sign,” writes John Healy.