After an MVP-caliber 2020, quarterback Josh Allen has firmly cemented himself as the long-awaited franchise quarterback the Buffalo Bills have been searching for since Hall of Famer Jim Kelly retired after the 1996 season.
But with Allen’s backup for the last two-plus seasons, Matt Barkley, set to hit free agency, the Bills’ depth at quarterback is less than stellar. In today’s edition of the Bills daily links, we debate what the Bills should do to shore up their backup QB situation, speculating on a contract projection for Barkley. We identify several free agents who could serve as Allen’s backup, examine the current roster to see if Buffalo has a backup QB waiting in the wings, and discuss how the Bills could turn to the NFL Draft to find a backup QB.
We also hear one salary cap expert who feels general manager Brandon Beane should wait to offer Allen a contract extension, hear Beane’s potential timeline for extending Allen’s contract, discuss which moves the Bills can make this offseason to qualify for Super Bowl LVI, dissect running back Devin Singletary’s disappointing sophomore season, analyze the state of the safeties and wide receivers, and more!
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Opinion: What the Buffalo Bills should do at backup quarterback this offseason - Buffalo Rumblings
Time to graduate.
Free-agent quarterbacks who could back up Josh Allen on the Buffalo Bills - Buffalo Rumblings
Would you replace Matt Barkley with any of these players?
Do the Buffalo Bills have a capable backup QB waiting on the roster? - Buffalo Rumblings
The short and long answer? No.
Contract projection for Buffalo Bills backup quarterback Matt Barkley - Buffalo Rumblings
He’s a free agent.
2021 NFL Draft: Backing up Josh Allen on the Buffalo Bills - Buffalo Rumblings
Replacing Matt Barkley through the draft.
Additional Bills news from the web
Why Buffalo Should Wait to Extend Josh Allen’s Contract
Salary cap expert: Why Bills and quarterback Josh Allen should wait on an extension | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“Perhaps the best comparison for an Allen extension is the four-year, $156 million deal the Houston Texans did with their quarterback, Deshaun Watson, just before the 2020 season, his fourth in the NFL.”
Brandon Beane lays out timeline for potential Josh Allen contract extension | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“Josh is a guy that we do believe in and we would definitely take a look at him later this offseason,” the Bills’ general manager said.
Moves to Make to Lift the Bills into Super Bowl LVI
Playing Bills GM: J.J. Watt, Jonnu Smith get Buffalo to Super Bowl LVI (Full offseason free agency, draft plan) - newyorkupstate.com
The Bills were one game away from Super Bowl LV. Here’s how they can get to LVI and win the whole thing.
Bills’ long snapper Reid Ferguson is latest to make pitch to J.J. Watt | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“The Bills are among about a ‘half-dozen teams’ in contention for Watt, a source told The News last week.”
Bills LS joins Stefon Diggs in J.J. Watt recruitment - newyorkupstate.com
Reid Ferguson started his recruitment of J.J. Watt on Tuesday night.
What to Make of Devin Singletary’s Disappointing 2020
Bills offseason questions: Devin Singletary’s dip leaves Bills plenty to consider | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“Devin Singletary is only 23 years old, so we know he didn’t lose any speed or quickness in his second season for the Buffalo Bills. His production, nevertheless, decreased,” writes Mark Gaughan.
State of the Bills: Safeties and Wide Receivers
Bills have a dominant duo at safety; how will they handle the rest of the group? – The Athletic
“With (Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer) entering their 30s, what should the Bills do at the position moving forward? How do their performances in 2020 impact how the Bills will approach their future at safety?,” writes Joe Buscaglia. (Subscription required)
Buffalo Bills roster analysis: Wide receiver - Yahoo! Sports
Analyzing the Buffalo Bills’ roster at the wide receiver position, including Stefon Diggs, John Brown and Cole Beasley.
Odds and Ends
What Bills GM said about Dane Jackson could mean he’s in for promotion in 2021 - newyorkupstate.com
Could faith in Jackson impact offseason plan at the cornerback position?
Buffalo Bills free agency review: OL Ike Boettger - Yahoo! Sports
Buffalo Bills 2020 free-agent review for OL Ike Boettger.