By Justin DiLoro / Billswire.usatoday.com
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane was aggressive during the 2019 free agency period, signing several players in a hope to bolster a fledgling offensive line. In addition, he inked a few complementary pieces to the defense, while finding players to solidify the special teams unit.
So, how did it really go for Beane? Looking back at the free agent class signings for the Bills, there were some obvious home runs, but others were not so stellar.
Here’s an evaluation of Buffalo’s free-agent signings based on their 2019 contribution to the team:
EXCELLENT
Cole Beasley, John Brown, Mitch Morse, and Quinton Spain
It was no surprise that Beane focused on the offensive side of the ball during last year’s free-agent period. Several players became an integral part of the Bills’ improvement on offense.
The Bills were in need of a massive upgrade at wide receiver, and Beane delivered by signing John Brown and Cole Beasley. It was easy to see that if Josh Allen had a chance at being successful, he would need a much stronger cast surrounding him. The duo combined for 139 receptions and 1,838 receiving yards. Tack on 12 total touchdowns, and it’s easy to see how this pair helped reinvigorate the offense. Brown gave the Bills the closest thing to a No. 1 receiver in the Sean McDermott era, while Beasley provided the team with reliable options out of the slot. When signed, many questioned the Bills’ decision to add them, but no one did by the playoffs.
Beane’s signings to bolster the offensive line worked well, as Mitch Morse became the foundation of the line. His presence helped solidify the line in a similar manner as Eric Wood. Quinton Spain and Jon Felicano came over to compete for starting gigs at the guard spots, and they exceeded expectations with their play. Felciano gave a physical edge in the run game, while Spain did not allow a sack during the regular season.
GOOD
Maurice Alexander, Frank Gore, Ty Nsekhe, Senorise Perry, Andre Roberts
There were several of Beane’s signings who had a positive impact on the team as a whole. While these players did not play a prominent role, they did produce at times when called upon.
Maurice Alexander, Senorise Perry, and Andre Roberts all helped with the special teams unit. Perry and Alexander supported the coverage units with consistent play. Roberts, while he did not hit the home run returns that helped make him an All-Pro in 2018, did provide a threat of a big play each time he touched the ball. He averaged 26.6 yards per kick return and 8.0 yards per punt return. Solid, considering he didn’t take a long one for a score, he was just consistent.
Frank Gore had a good start to the season, even eclipsing the 100-yard mark in Week 4. However, he faded as the season wore on. Whether it was a combination of play-calling or age, Gore did not break off sizable chunks on the ground as the season concluded. Gore did help bring rookie Devin Singletary along, show the first-year pro the ropes of the game. Gore’s leadership and understanding of the game was an important part of Buffalo’s offense, even if the numbers dipped.
Ty Nsekhe was the ideal complement to rookie Cody Ford. Nsekhe and Ford rotated at the right tackle spot. The veteran gave McDermott an option when Ford was struggling and the line needed an experienced hand to steady the ship.
ADEQUATE
Kevin Johnson, Tyler Kroft, Spencer Long, Lee Smith, TJ Yeldon
Tyler Kroft and Lee Smith gave McDermott some decent options of the depth chart for different purposes. Kroft was a complete tight end, but his injuries kept him off the field. He did a decent job when called up in the passing game and as a blocker, but he slid down the depth chart with the emergence of rookie Dawson Knox. Smith acted more like a sixth offensive lineman, but he did get caught up getting flagged for some poor penalties.
Kevin Johnson worked as a depth cornerback on Buffalo’s roster. He was solid when called upon, registering 33 tackles and five passes defensed.
Spencer Long was a reserve offensive lineman who was serviceable in limited snaps played. He saw time at guard and center.
TJ Yeldon, unfortunately, could not crack the active lineup in several games, dressing for only six contests. There was a glimmer of hope with Yeldon’s pass-catching ability as demonstrated during the preseason. Nevertheless, Yeldon apparently just did not fit into the week-to-week gameplan.
THE FORGOTTEN
Eli Harold, EJ Gaines, Jake Fisher, LaAdrian Waddle
LaAdrian Waddle was expected to compete for a depth position on the offensive line, possibly as a swing tackle for the unit. Unfortunately, Waddle missed the season with a quad injury, which he suffered in training camp. The two-time Super Bowl champ could still be in Buffalo’s future if the Bills feel he could provide additional depth along the line moving forward.
Gaines was placed on injured reserve in August with a core injury. He was expected to compete for a depth cornerback spot opposite Tre’Davious White
Eli Harold was traded for Ryan Bates in early August. Harold could not beat out Darryl Johnson or Eddie Yarbrough during training camp and was viewed as an extraneous piece along the line.
Jake Fisher was an offensive lineman was making the transition to tight end. However, with Lee Smith’s signing, the role of the tight end acting as a sixth lineman was filled, and Fisher was released after only a month-and-a-half on Buffalo’s roster.