Free Agents the Buffalo Bills should target

Two weeks after free agency opened, the Buffalo Bills still have $3M in cap space, and some needs as well. Having already addressed the defensive line and wide receiver positions, GM Brandon Beane will likely turn to other needs on their roster, specifically cornerback. Let’s take a look at some available FAs:

Cornerback

Chris Harris Jr.

Harris has had a decent two seasons with the LA Chargers: two interceptions, eight passes defended, and just 766 yards allowed. He still has a couple more good years left in the tank, and should be willing to take a discount to play for a contending team like the Buffalo Bills. Harris, paired with Tre White, and a rookie will solidify the boundary CB position for this season and, possibly, next year.

Joe Haden

Haden spent the last five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers after being traded from the Cleveland Browns in 2017. His best season came in 2019, where he totaled five INTs, 17 passes defended, one forced fumble, and 487 yards allowed. Haden, 32, hasn’t slowed down yet, and could still be a serviceable player for the Bills.

Xavier Rhodes

Rhodes has had an up and down tenure with the Indianapolis Colts after joining the team in 2020. Rhodes missed four games in 2021 dealing with a handful of injuries that included a hamstring and calf. Still, he put up some good numbers, totaling one INT, eight passes defended, and 510 yards allowed in 13 games. Rhodes, 31, isn’t what he used to be, but can still contribute for the Bills if needed.

Running Back

Darrel Williams

Williams had a good 2021 season for the Kansas City Chiefs filling in for an injured Clyde Edwards-Helaire. In that span, he totaled 558 rushing yards and six TDs with 3.9 yards per carry in seven games. With Ronald Jones in KC now, Williams looks to be the odd man out, and signing with the team he went toe-to-toe with should definitely be in play. Williams has a projected annual salary of $2.2M, which is definitely in the Bills’ price range.

Sony Michel

Michel has had a decent career, finding his greatest success with the LA Rams last season (845 yards and four TDs) filling in for the injured Darrell Henderson and Cam Akers. Michel has a projected market value of $5M, which means the Bills would have to shuffle more money around to fit him in the salary cap.

Linebacker

Anthony Barr

Barr found some success this past season with the Minnesota Vikings, totaling three INTs, 72 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and six QB hits. Sharing a OLB room with Matt Milano, Barr along with the Bills defense, should flourish with the two of them sharing the field. It would also knock off another position of need for the Bills going into the draft. Barr coming to Buffalo would also lower his chances of getting hurdled by Josh Allen again.