Are the Bills being used?

How has free agency been treating you? Oh, a lot like Crystal Pepsi and the movie Waterworld. Yes, it has been very disappointing that the Bills have done nothing in March. However, things may be changing. The Bills hosted two prominent defensive free agents on Tuesday: Baltimore Ravens defensive end Dwan Edwards and Denver Broncos linebacker Andra Davis.

Hey, and get this…Both guys haven’t played for five NFL teams!!! Both players have experience in playing in a 3-4 defense and would definitely be considered upgrades for what the Bills have on their team.

Now, I can’t sit here and ignore that the Bills haven’t been able to close the deal on two of the three free agents that have visited One Bills Drive. It’s strange that Jimmy Kennedy decided to come here for a visit and just 24 hours later he re-ups with the Vikings.

Now, on the surface, fans may think that the reason he went back to Minnesota is because the Bills wouldn’t guarantee him the starting job, which may be true. However, Kennedy visiting the Bills would only raise his value with the Vikings, who may feel that the Bills are a threat to steal Kennedy. So, what do you do when you think someone is going to bid for your player? You make him an offer he can’t refuse.

Fans have to realize that a number of NFL free agents visit other teams so they can get their name out there and start a bidding war between other clubs. The Bills have proven to be the perfect patsies; just ask Mike Shanahan and Bill Cowher. Agents may think that the Bills are really desperate for talent and because the team isn’t exactly a hot bed destination for free agents, the Bills are going to pay more money than say a warm weathered city or a team with a winning tradition.

With all that being said, I still think the Bills need to do their best version of being patsies and sign this duo to whatever salary they would like. As of now, the Bills are around 100 million dollars committed for salaries next year, which happens to be ranked in the bottom fourth of the league.

It’s time for the Bills to realize that they aren’t getting any home town discounts this day and age. Sorry, but you’re not New England. The team doesn’t really have a legit 3-4 defensive end and only have what? Three legit linebackers on the roster. Of course, that line of thinking is what agents are hoping for when they visit One Bills Drive.

(Update: The Bills have agreed on a 2-year deal with the Andra Davis)

Nice signing for the Bills. He’ll be able to add depth to the Bills depleted linebacking core and has experience in working in a 3-4 defense. He’s had three seasons of 100 plus tackles and is considered a good run stuffer. He kind of reminds me of a poor man’s London Fletcher. Seems a little undersized (like Fletcher), but when healthy, he can get you a ton of tackles. Now, his better days may be numbered, but he’s the perfect stop-gap player for the Bills.

It’s going to be interesting to see if Kawika Mitchell’s time with the Bills may be coming to an end. He’s coming off a serious injury and besides his game against the Chargers in 2008 and blogging about his trip to Uganda, he hasn’t really done much on the field. Personally, I’d move Mitchell to outside linebacker and have Davis and Poz play inside. As for Chris Kelsay, I’d just cut his ass.

As for my previous post, I still stand by it. Agents are always looking for ways to drive up the market for their own players and will use other teams to make sure the price is right.