Rex Ryan’s stay with the Bills as head coach was a short one. Ryan was fired after a Week 16 34-31 loss to Miami last December, which was a clear sign that Buffalo was already in offseason mode despite having to play one more game before their season ended.
Plenty of injured players weighed the team down in 2016, but the front office decided that Ryan pay the price for the disappointing campaign. The Bills, however, weren’t frustrated with the play of LeSean McCoy, who was in the top six in the league in rushing yards per carry, rushing yards per game, and rushing touchdowns. He was the nucleus of Buffalo’s rushing offense that ranked first in the NFL last season.
The passing game was subpar, though. The Bulls were 30th in that department with Sammy Watkins still unable to unleash his full potential due to an injury-prone body. The defense was mediocre, too, for Buffalo, which was 17th in scoring defense and 19th in total defense.
Top Free Agency Needs
You might not recognize the Bills team that would play this 2017 from the one that saw action the previous year. There are a myriad of Bills with expiring contracts and the team will have to decide soon who they’ll offer top dollar to stay and who they’ll nonchalantly let walk away.
Among those soon-to-be free agents is cornerback Stephon Gilmore, who saw his performance drop off in 2016 after an impressive showing the previous year. Added help in the receiving unit could be addressed also by the Bills in free agency though they will have to do so with limited budget due to cap restraints.
Don’t get surprised if the Bills get vocal in finding a new quarterback. Tyrod Taylor failed to significantly improve his play in 2016, which is something to remember because Buffalo can opt to not pick up its $15.5 million 2017 option on Taylor’s contract.
Top Draft Needs
Quarterback. Taylor didn’t impress much in 2016. The Bills could cut ties with him as soon as March.
Wide Receiver. The Bills actually signed Percy Harvin last season, a move that underlines how pathetic the Bill’s receiving crew in 2016. While they have the talented Sammy Watkins, the Clemson product’s health has been an issue throughout his young career so far. Speaking of Clemson, the Bills could be setting their sights on another wide receiver from that school in the form of Mike Williams.
Safety. The secondary deserves lots of attention from the Bills’ front office. Aaron Williams may never get to see football action again after suffering a neck injury. Malik Hooker of Ohio State looks like a another prime target for the Bills in the first round of the draft.
