The Buffalo Bills have had an intense off-season so far in 2019. After almost acquiring Antonio Brown, the Bills have made several signings in the early stage of free agency including multiple wide receivers. Many of these signings could end up being starters for the Bills in 2019 and beyond. Here’s a grade for each of the Buffalo Bills free agent signings.
2019 Buffalo Bills Free Agent Signings
1. Frank Gore, RB (B-):
The Bills signed Frank Gore to a small one-year deal worth two million dollars. Buffalo had an extremely old backfield before signing Gore and now they have added the oldest running back in the NFL to it. Despite the move lacking much sense, Gore is still a talented player with a chip on his shoulder since he is only 521 rushing yards away from passing Barry Sanders for third all-time. Gore could also help develop a young back Buffalo might draft in 2019. It won’t put Buffalo over the edge, but Gore is not a terrible signing for the price of his deal.
2. Spencer Long, C (B):
Spencer Long is a nice veteran addition to the Bills’ offensive line. Buffalo’s line struggled last season and any addition is likely an upgrade. As a starting piece, Long isn’t an ideal signing, but as a rotational player, it is a significantly better signing. Long can still play, but not having to bear the workload of a starter would be great for the veteran lineman.
3. Tyler Kroft, TE (B):
Tyler Kroft is an interesting get for the Bills. He had a solid 2017 season caching 42 catches for 402 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2018 he suffered an injury that cost him most of the season. While Buffalo put a significant investment into Kroft financially, if he plays like he did two seasons ago, then the deal will work out great for Buffalo. With the amount of cap space Buffalo has, now is not the time to be stingy at positions of significant need. Drafting another tight end would be a great idea for Buffalo as well.
4. Kevin Johnson, CB (B):
Kevin Johnson has had a rough start to his career. He was a first-round selection by the Houston Texans, giving him high expectations. Johnson’s early career saw multiple injuries and a struggle to break out as a result. After Houston let Johnson go, Buffalo decided to take a chance on the young corner. If Johnson can play like he did at Wake Forest in Buffalo, then he will find a great spot on the roster for himself. Buffalo did address a need for secondary depth with the signing of Johnson. His potential offers a chance for Buffalo to make out great on their investment.
5. Ty Nsekhe, OT (B+):
The signing of Ty Nsekhe is an underrated move for Buffalo that could result in major rewards. Nsekhe never truly broke into the starting spotlight, except when he replaced an injured Trent Williams, and he has been extremely efficient when he has been on the field. Nsekhe is one of the best pass blocking tackles of recent and he could sneak into the Bills’ starting right tackle spot and excel in the role. Buffalo needs tons of offensive line help and any lineman signing is a good one for Buffalo.
6. Cole Beasley, WR (A-):
Possibly Buffalo’s second biggest need, signing wide receivers was extremely important for Buffalo and they were able to do just that. The Bills signed Cole Beasley from Dallas who has been a fantastic slot receiver in his seven-year career. Beasley will have a large portion of the target share in Buffalo due simply to his ability to get open. He is the perfect weapon to give a young quarterback like Josh Allen and he is looking forward to his increased role in Buffalo. A fantastic addition for the Bills.
7. John Brown, WR (A):
John Brown is a deep threat receiver who can burn you with his speed if you let him. A perfect fit for an offense with a strong-armed quarterback. Like Tyreek Hill and Patrick Mahomes in Kansas City, Allen and Brown could quickly become a comparable duo with their perfect match play styles. Brown has gone from Arizona to Baltimore to Buffalo looking for his time to break out and it had come in Baltimore prior to the rise of Lamar Jackson. Now, Brown can continue his quick rise with Buffalo and his new quarterback.
8. Andre Roberts, WR (A+):
Another signing that flew under the radar that will make a huge impact for Buffalo was Andre Roberts. Roberts doesn’t necessarily fall into the wide receiver need as much as he does the special teams need. Buffalo had trouble last season with their return game on special teams and now they’ve added an all-pro return specialist to their roster. Roberts was excellent for the New York Jets last season and now he will remain in the AFC East with his new team. Buffalo got a major upgrade on the third day of free agency.
9. Mitch Morse, C (A+):
Mitch Morse is the Bills’ most important signing of the 2019 off-season. Morse is a highly touted pass blocking center who helped the Chiefs reach the heights they reached last season. Now, Morse will help Josh Allen like he did Pat Mahomes with his exceptional blocking ability. Buffalo could not protect the quarterback last season leading to countless turnovers and ruined plays. Now, with Morse joining the squad, Buffalo has a major upgrade in terms of protecting Josh Allen. Paired with the other additions to the offensive line that general manager Brandon Beane has added, the Bills are set up for a successful passing attack in 2019 and beyond.
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