The Buffalo Bills brought back most of their key internal free agents this offseason, and they made several savvy moves to bring in free-agent talent in an attempt to close the gap on the Kansas City Chiefs and stay ahead of the rest of the AFC teams in their quest to win a Super Bowl.
In today’s edition of the Bills daily links, we ask the important question: Have the Bills closed the gap on the Chiefs? Along those lines, we also discuss a trio of free-agent signings made by general manager Brandon Beane: the additions of linebackers Marquel Lee and Tyrell Adams and swing tackle Bobby Hart.
We examine how the Bills are giving into a request from their fans to wear their popular white face masks full-time this year, discuss how newly signed running back Matt Breida can teach backfield mates Devin Singletary and Zack Moss a thing or two about thriving in a crowded running back room, learn how wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie pulled pranks on his teammates in honor of April Fools’ Day, and more!
Recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings
Buffalo Bills prepared to move forward on stadium conversations with New York State, Erie County - Buffalo Rumblings
The Buffalo Bills have completed their feasibility study and conversations with fans and team officials, and are prepared to move forward into negotiations with New York State and Erie County.
Buffalo Bills currently out of the running for 2022 compensatory picks - Buffalo Rumblings
After the Buffalo Bills re-signed the majority of their pending free agents, it became a long shot that the team would be in line for a compensatory pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Buffalo Bills sign linebacker Marquel Lee - Buffalo Rumblings
Another new linebacker for the squad.
Buffalo Bills sign linebacker Tyrell Adams - Buffalo Rumblings
Adams had a breakout season in 2020 with the Houston Texans.
2020 All-22 Analysis: Buffalo Bills tackle Bobby Hart - Buffalo Rumblings
A look at the line’s latest addition.
Buffalo Bills sign offensive tackle Bobby Hart - Buffalo Rumblings
The 26-year-old should fill a role as the team’s swing tackle.
Bills running back Christian Wade granted third exemption year - Buffalo Rumblings
All of the NFL’s IPP players saw their exempt window expanded.
The Bruce Exclusive: Talking through taking a RB in round one - Buffalo Rumblings
Premium pick, premium position?
BRUCE NOLAN vs HUMP DAY HOTLINE - Buffalo Rumblings
The Hump Day Hotline with special guest Bruce Nolan.
Brandon Powell Buffalo Bills deal is for veteran minimum - Buffalo Rumblings
The Buffalo Bills signed free-agent specialist Brandon Powell last week, and we have contract details for the former Atlanta Falcons returner.
Additional Headlines from the web
Did the Bills improve after the initial wave of free agency?
Are the Bills actually any better after a muted free-agency period? – The Athletic
The Bills didn’t add many new players. So are they good enough to win a Super Bowl? How will they address their weaknesses? (Subscription required).
Buffalo bolsters linebackers by signing Tyrell Adams and Marquel Lee
Bills sign LBs Tyrell Adams, Marquel Lee in free agency - Democrat & Chronicle
Adams and Lee will give the Bills valuable depth at linebacker.
Bills sign linebacker Marquel Lee - WGR 550
“Lee comes to the Bills after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Las Vegas Raiders,” writes Sal Capaccio.
Bills add former Raiders linebacker Marquel Lee | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“In an injury-riddled career, Lee has played in 34 games with 19 starts, posting 85 tackles, six tackles for a loss and three quarterback hits,” writes Jay Skurski.
Bills sign former Texans linebacker Tyrell Adams to one-year contract | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“For Adams, it’s a second chance with the Bills. He was claimed by the Bills off waivers in 2017, but failed his physical and was released a day later,” writes Jay Skurski.
Bills sign Tyrell Adams: 5 things to know about new LB - newyorkupstate.com
The former Houston Texans LB finished 11th in the NFL in 2020 with 125 tackles.
Who is Bills’ Marquel Lee? 4 things to know about Buffalo’s new LB - newyorkupstate.com
The Bills added a second LB to their roster on Wednesday.
Bobby Hart brought in to vie for swing tackle role
Bills sign former Bengals right tackle Bobby Hart to a one-year contract | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“The Buffalo Bills added some depth to a position of need Tuesday,” writes Jay Skurski.
Bills fill need for swing tackle, by signing Bobby Hart - Democrat & Chronicle
The veteran was signed to a one-year deal and will have a chance to become the primary backup on both sides of the line.
Bills make fans happy, announce white facemasks for 2021
Bills Mafia, rejoice! Buffalo Bills going to white face mask full-time starting in 2021 - newyorkupstate.com
Fans have been asking for white facemasks for years.
Bills use April Fools’ Day prank to announce white facemasks as part of 2021 helmets | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“With the calendar flipping to April 1, it’s important to fact check every little piece of information that comes across your social media feed,” writes Jay Skurski.
Bills to permanently wear white facemasks - WGR 550
The Buffalo Bills have made a minor adjustment to their uniforms going forward, switching from gray facemasks to white starting with the 2021 season.
The facemask look Bills mafia has been asking for... - BuffaloBills.com
“Bills officially announce the team will wear white facemasks in 2021. This is not an April Fool’s joke.”
Odds and ends
Bills’ Matt Breida can show Devin Singletary, Zack Moss how to thrive in crowded RB room - newyorkupstate.com
Breida averaged 5.1 yards per carry in four-back San Francisco RB committee that rushed for over 2,000 yards in 2019.
Brandon Beane, Kim Pegula talk 17-game NFL season + Bills offseason moves - BuffaloBills.com
“Kim Pegula and Maddy Glab are joined on Bills Pod Squad by GM Brandon Beane.”
Star receivers who Bills could have to defend post big pro days | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
LSU wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase and Florida tight end Kyle Pitts are expected to be prime candidates to be picked by the Miami Dolphins.
Browns’ J.C. Tretter: ‘The NFL doesn’t get to decide when the pandemic is over’ | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“As far as J.C. Tretter is concerned, the NFL and NFLPA got it right last year by keeping teams’ offseason workout programs virtual until training camp,” writes Vic Carucci.
Isaiah McKenzie fools Bills teammates with prank calls - WGR 550
It’s apparent that Isaiah McKenzie is thrilled to be back with the Buffalo Bills. Ahead of April Fools’ Day, he pranked teammates and coaches with some hilarious calls.
Bills named ‘NFL Team of the Year’ award by Pop Warner - BuffaloBills.com
The youth football organization recognized the team for its commitment to the community and support of the country’s youth.