The Buffalo Bills have a few “big name” free agents on their current roster, most notably Donte Whitner and Paul Posluszny.
They’re big names to fans in Buffalo, because they’ve played major roles on the pathetic Bills defenses in the past four years, but hardly are household names across the NFL landscape.
We aren’t sure if there will even be a 2011 season at this juncture, much less a free agent period, but outside of the draft, what else is there to talk about?
With the Bills making yet another push at rebuilding, there’s bound to be more roster turnover similar to what we saw last year from 2009.
There are numerous Bills on the edge of staying on the team who also could be sent packing due to underwhelming performances on the field or a contract that’s become far too expensive.
Let’s take a look…
Donte Whitner
Whitner’s the marquee name for the Bills possible departures this offseason. His outspoken nature has been coupled with serviceable but not stellar play at safety and he gets into trouble with the fans and media with immature reactions on Twitter.
He apparently wants top safety money, and even the biggest Whitner fans have to admit he’s not one of the elite safeties in the NFL.
With cheaper options that can still provide some (maybe even more) playmaking ability, I don’t see Whitner in the new Bills uniforms next year.
Verdict: Gone
Paul Posluszny
Poz’s future in Buffalo is extremely hard to predict. Mid-way through the 2010 season I finally came to terms with the fact that Posluszny is not a top-flight middle linebacker. Although he set career highs in tackles, (151) he was exposed in the new 3-4 alignment that highlights the inside linebackers and relies on them to make the majority of the impact plays, especially against the run.
Posluszny hardly made a play behind the line of scrimmage, and his limited athletic ability and speed make him a role player at best in the more aggressive system.
However, I can see new linebackers coach Dave Wannstedt taking Posluszny under his wing and coaching the 5th year pro on taking better angles and shedding blocks.
I do beileve that the coaching staff now knows Posluszny cannot lead a linebacking corp in a 3-4 defense. He’s no Patrick Willis, Ray Lewis or even London Fletcher.
He’ll need to be surrounded by more talent to come even close to the expectations that were set for him when he was picked in the front of the second-round in 2007.
He’s a free agent, but I don’t expect Posluszny and his agent to demand a monster contract (not much leverage) so if the price is right, I think Paul will be back.
Verdict – Signed to an average deal
Drayton Florence
The last of the “big name” Bills free agents, Florence has become somewhat of a fan favorite in his two seasons as a Bill.
He’s the most physical cornerback the Bills have, hasn’t been hurt, but his aggressive nature sometimes leads to costly penalities in the secondary.
Like Posluszny, Florence will be another difficult decision for the Bills front office. He should be relatively inexpensive and with a surprisingly thinning defensive backfield, Buffalo may have no choice.
Verdict – Signed to an above-average deal
Marcus Stroud
Though not a free agent, the money owed to Stroud in 2011 coupled with his age (will be 33 in June) leads to me believe he’ll respectfully be shown the door whenever this ridiculous CBA gets signed.
Bills fans related to Stroud and he gave solid contributions on and off the field during his time in Western New York, but he simply cannot be kept especially with the youth movement we’re starting to see in Buffalo.
He’s set to make a base salary of 4.5 million dollars in 2011. That’s too high at this juncture of his career. Also, he was mostly invisible in 2010.
( I wrote this bit on Stroud this morning and magically Stroud was released by the Bills around lunchtime. Crazy that I actually got a prediction correct for once )
Verdict – Gone
Aaron Maybin
Uh oh, another Buffalo Bills bust. I like Maybin’s reported “work ethic” and “drive”, but sadly, that doesn’t necessarily cut it in the National Football League.
Shawne Merriman was signed, Chris Kelsay was extended, and the Bills really liked what they saw out of Arthur Moats last season.
This could easily leave Maybin on the outside peeking in.
He’s set to make 757,000 in 2011, but Buffalo as paid him 15 million in guaranteed money and he inked a 7 million dollar signing bonus. (not sure exactly what that all adds up to for next season)
Finances aside, there’s a distinct possibility Maybin is a roster casualty if he doesn’t explode in training camp and in the preseason. (he’s got a long way to go)
Verdict – umm….Gone
George Wilson
An under the radar free agent, I think it’s easy with Wilson. He’s doesn’t have a big ego, having come into the NFL as an undrafted wide receiver, and is a career backup. That means, he’s not asking for a huge contract and would be a ideal replacement for Donte Whitner.
When you look at the stats, Wilson’s actually outperformed Whitner when it comes to those game-altering plays that have become synonymous with the Troy Polamalu’s and Ed Reed’s of the NFL.
Over the past three seasons, Wilson has 8 interceptions and 3.5 sacks to Whitner’s 5 interceptions and 1.5 sacks.
Sure, Whitner is more of a run stopper, but I’d rather have Wilson who represents more value.
Verdict – Resigned
(Side note – Keith Ellison gets resigned as a reserve linebacker and because of his special teams capabilities. John McCargo is GONE. )
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