Notable Camp Storylines to Follow by @mack10zie

With Bills training camp FINALLY kicking off, there are several notable story lines to follow.  A few quick hits on the ones I find most interesting:

1) Tyrod Talyor’s contract: If you are to believe the reports out there, it seems at the very least that Tyrod’s camp and the Bills Brass are talking.  This is an interesting situation to be in.  You don’t often find a team’s clear starter in the final year of a contract, and if you do, it usually ends with a franchise tag the following season.  This is tricky for several reasons in my opinion.  First of all, the Bills were burned with extending Fitz.  I don’t think they want to put themselves back in that possible situation.  

However, in looking at the contract Osweiler just got (4yr/72/37 guaranteed), you know it’s going to cost the Bills probably 20 million a year to keep him after this year if Tyrod plays well.  The other factor is Tyrod’s health.  The Bills let him run around quite a bit and extend plays, couple this with his size, and how many games per season are you getting from him?  

The biggest factor is what is the other option?  EJ is done with the team after this year, and early reports are that Cardale is not NFL ready.  If you don’t pay him, who are you getting next year, as quality starters just don’t hit the market.  If you don’t sign him, you are either drafting a guy in round 1 next year, or hoping Cardale has developed a great deal.  I think something gets done.  Something like Tyrod taking less total money to get a big bump for this year.

2) Stephon Gilmore’s Contract: I think this is the last year we see Gilmore in a Bills uniform, especially if they extend Tyrod.  Current reports say the teams are not close, and that Gilmore is seeking a deal similar to that of Josh Norman (5yr/75), and that the Bills aren’t going anywhere near that.  If Ronald Darby has anything close to last year, I think it makes it more likely he walks.  I think Gilmore is great, but you can’t pay everybody, and with big contracts already out to a few guys, it looks Gilmore may price himself out of Buffalo.  It seems Rex is on his side however, as Rex has been gushing about him so far in camp.

3) Who is the number 3 WR?  It seems the QB and RB 9barring injuries and suspensions) depth charts are somewhat set.  What is not set is the Bills WR depth chart.  Teams play more and more sets out of 3 and 4 WR personnel now a days that finding a third guy is critical.  Chris Hogan appeared to be that guy, but someone had to go with all these contracts, and Hogan could not be retained at a price Buffalo could afford.  We know Woods and Sammy are set, but is Hankerson that guy?  I think he gets first shot at it, but this comes down to the end of camp and probably into the season.

4) Who plays opposite Jerry Hughes?  While long-term, this will be Shaq’s position, we have no idea if he will even play this year.  Will Manny Lawson be enough here?  Is Manny even going to be healthy?  It seems Rex’s favorite IK Enemkpali is going to get first shot here.  Hopefully the rest of us can start to see what Rex loves about this guy, because as of today, he is starting on the Bills D.

These are just a few key things going on right now.  I’m sure I/we will have lots more to say as the season gets closer.