The Buffalo Bills have been fairly active in the first seven days of the free agent signing period. They’ve added starting safeties and a new kicker in addition to several depth players. A few of the players we know they were interested in didn’t end up in Buffalo for one reason or another.
There are a handful of players the Bills have shown an interest in still on the market. One is tight end Jared Cook, who concluded his visit with the Minnesota Vikings on Wednesday. He still has not formally visited with Buffalo that we know of. Receiver Andre Holmes has some interest from Buffalo, considering a contract offer was filed with the NFLPA, but he still remains unsigned. Cornerback DeShawn Shead is in town for a visit, too.
The Bills have been turned down by a few parties. First, Buffalo lost cornerback Stephon Gilmore (New England Patriots), wide receiver Robert Woods (Los Angeles Rams), and wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (San Francsico 49ers). Linebacker Lerente McCray (Jacksonville Jaguars) and receiver Justin Hunter (Pittsburgh Steelers) also left. It’s unclear what Buffalo offered these free agents or how hard they fought to retain them. Linebacker Zach Brown visited the Oakland Raiders but remains unsigned.
While Buffalo was “favored” to land Baltimore Ravens fullback Kyle Juszczyk, he ended up signing an absolutely monstrous deal with the 49ers and Buffalo added another top fullback in Patrick DiMarco. Ricky Wagner ended up with the Detroit Lions after Buffalo tried to ink him at right tackle. Another tackle, Andre Smith, also left after meeting with Buffalo to re-sign with the Cincinnati Bengals. Following Tyrod Taylor’s restructure, Brian Hoyer declined to meet with the Bills wanting a chance to start somewhere. Running back Travaris Cadet re-upped with the New Orleans Saints and pass rusher Jayrone Elliott did the same with the Green Bay Packers.
It still remains to be seen if Buffalo will be able to retain guard Ryan Groy. After drawing heavy interest from other NFL team, he signed a contract with the Rams. Buffalo has five days to match and we haven’t heard which way they are leaning.
Buffalo was able to bring back punter Colton Schmidt, lineman Jordan Mills, and linebacker Lorenzo Alexander on short deals in addition to signing several free agents from outside the organization.