Every year, roster turnover occurs in the NFL for a variety of reasons. Contracts expire, players are no longer playing up to expectations, injuries, retirement, or trades. The salary cap dictates many of these decisions as a team that spends to the cap by overpaying can get themselves into situations where they are tied to players who aren’t even playing for them or severely underperforms, strangling their ability to stay competitive.
Spend too little and you also run the risk of not being competitive and not being an attractive option for pending free agents. This also impacts your ability to retain current players.
Today’s article looks at the pending free agents whose contracts are up at the end of the 2024 season and whether they should be let go, possibly brought back, or leave no hesitation to bring back.
Already Signed
QB Shane Buechele
Buechele suffered a neck injury in the first preseason game and was immediately placed on injured reserve. Based on how he was hit, there may have been some non-displaced fractures within his neck that fortunately did not require surgery. He has been able to resume weight lifting and throwing since the beginning of January which means he should have a normal offseason.
The Bills were happy enough with his progress and what he brings to the room that they immediately signed him to a one-year contract following the season.
OL Ryan Van Demark
Immediately after the season, the Bills signed Van Demark to a new contract, solidifying their belief in him and his development.
OL Alec Anderson
Anderson is an exclusive rights free agent which means he does not have a lot of leverage in what he can do. However, the Bills have invested a lot of time in Anderson after he signed with the Bills as a UDFA in 2022. He has been incredibly healthy with only a minor calf injury during the playoffs. Between his versatility and cost, it was a no brainer to bring him back. They made the official announcement on Tuesday.
Leave and Go Elsewhere
DT Quinton Jefferson
Jefferson didn’t suffer any new injuries during his latest stint with the Bills and was serviceable. He played in 26 percent of the defensive snaps during the regular season coming in as a midseason reinforcement.
He is an older player who commands more money as a veteran and while his injury history doesn’t leave a lot to be concerned about, his production can be replaced by a younger and cheaper player. The only way I see him coming back is if he gets a camp invite to try and compete for a roster spot but playing on a veteran minimum deal. He would be best to look elsewhere to maximize his earnings potential.
DT Jordan Phillips
Phillips is another player who was at a replacement level production, playing in 26 percent of defensive snaps this season. Like Jefferson, he came in as a midseason reinforcement.
During his latest stint, he was on the injury report for a back injury but didn’t miss anytime. He has an extensive injury history and is best as a backup/reserve role.
He came out during locker clean out day and stated that he would only come back to play if it was only Buffalo. I wouldn’t prioritize re-signing him, I would offer the league minimum and make him compete for a job if he wants to stick around. Another option is spending the season on the practice squad.
DT Austin Johnson
Johnson only missed one game this season due to a left oblique injury suffered in Week 4 and played in 31 percent of snaps. He was largely unimpressive and didn’t make much of a difference when he did play. Other than bringing him back depth because he was available all season, I don’t see a pressing need to re-sign him.
OT Tommy Doyle- Medically Retired
Doyle’s contract is up at a terrible time for him coming off back to back ACL tears including his left knee in which he suffered a posterolateral corner injury that led to nerve damage. This nerve damage caused a foot drop that he continues to deal with by wearing an AFO.
He spent the 2024 season on PUP as his salary was protected by the CBA for severe injuries. It was announced earlier this month that Doyle is retiring due to the injuries and his inability to return to play with an official announcement made on Friday.
S Kareem Jackson
Jackson saw snaps in three games this season and likely was a valuable presence in the locker room. However, he is 36 years old and was primarily on the practice squad. Unless he wants to do that again, he may either try to catch on somewhere else or retire.
DE Casey Toohill
Toohill initially made the 53-man roster and appeared in 14 games before getting waived and re-signed to the practice squad to finish the season. He was an acceptable depth option for the defensive line but may not come back if he thinks he can find a better opportunity to play elsewhere. It may be easier to elevate a younger, cheaper option to the active roster.
LB Tyreek Maddox-Williams
Maddox-Williams signed to the practice squad on January 8 when the Philadelphia Eagles signed LB Lewis Cine to their roster. He did not see any snaps this season and may have just been who was available for linebacker depth.
It Depends
CB Rasul Douglas
Douglas was initially a welcome addition and helped shore up the secondary when the Bills traded for him at the trade deadline last season. He appeared to take a step back statistically which may have been due to his status as CB1 and teams not targeting his side of the field as often.
He missed two games due to a left MCL sprain suffered in Week 14 but was otherwise healthy during his time in Buffalo besides suffering the same injury in 2023. There are pros and cons of signing him which warrants a discussion.
For a deeper look, click here.
S Damar Hamlin
Hamlin is an interesting case to study as his story is widely known but that was just one injury. Starting out as a seventh round draft pick, Hamlin worked his way up the roster and into a starting role when Micah Hyde went down with his neck injury in 2022.
Unfortunately, he suffered commotio cordis during the Bengals game and was brought back to life. After working to return in 2023 playing mainly special teams, Hamlin regained his starting role and missed only three games due to a rib injury.
Whether Hamlin’s future will be determined by money or skill remains to be seen, but his future is not as cut and dry as some think it is.
For a deeper look, click here.
WR Amari Cooper
Cooper has been known as a durable player, missing only seven games over his 10 year career and playing through most anything. Unfortunately, he missed three of those seven games this season with two due to a left wrist injury and due to a personal matter.
Cooper has come out and said how he’s looking to win a Super Bowl and he was fine with any role on the team. His future will come down to how the finances work out. He’s made a lot of money in his career but he understands his legacy as well.
For a deeper look, click here.
DE Dawuane Smoot
Smoot was a solid addition to the Bills roster this year after coming over from Jacksonville where he started his career. He came in and provided solid veteran depth on the defensive line and at times provided a spark.
However, he missed a lot of time this year with a turf toe injury at the beginning of the season, a groin strain, and torn ligaments in his right wrist, costing him a total of six games.
For a deeper look, click here.
OL Will Clapp
Clapp was seen as the 54th player during roster cut downs prior to the regular season. After cut down day, he was immediately brought back to the practice squad and later called up to the active roster three times.
He was a solid replacement level player this season and the Bills may just elect to bring him back in a similar role. However, he may want to find another chance to start in the league and make more money elsewhere.
Retain
FB Reggie Gilliam
Gilliam has been a core special team contributor ever since Patrick DiMarco retired in 2020. His value has been far more impactful in all phases on special teams with some limited contributions on offense. He is at the point where he could become too expensive and he may become that soon, but the Bills need to find his replacement either in the draft or free agency. Until then, his experience and value to the team trumps any cost saving measures.
WR Mack Hollins
Hollins was quite possibly the biggest surprise of the free agent class after being brought in for what was a special teams role. He proceeded to have one of his best seasons of his career with the most touchdowns in his career and second best in yards and receptions.
Despite several injuries, he was available and continued to be clutch down the stretch and became a favorite target. He should be a priority for the front office this offseason.
For a deeper look, click here.
RB Ty Johnson
Johnson has been a force at the running back position since signing with the Bills midway through the 2023 season. He has missed only one game during his Bills career, a shoulder injury in Week 16. He battled a right knee injury during 2024 but did not see his productivity drop. For what he costs and how he fits into the offense, he is worth keeping around at least another season or two.
DT Eli Ankou
Ankou knows his place is in Buffalo and appears willing to stay on the practice squad for a chance to play occasionally or be first in line should injury occur. He has played elsewhere including Atlanta, Cleveland, Jacksonville, Tennessee, and Dallas and may just be willing to stick around for a chance at a championship. As long as he understands his role, I’d be alright with bringing him back.
LS Reid Ferguson
A slam dunk option to bring back. Ferguson has not missed a game in his career, rarely deals with injuries that have not impacted his performance and he is the longest tenured player. He is a former captain and leader in the locker room. His contributions and availability far outweigh his contract demands.
TE Quintin Morris
Morris has been a valuable special teams contributor and excellent blocking tight end over his time with the Bills. He has battled his fair share of injuries including a labrum tear in his right shoulder along with groin and hamstring injuries, the latter costing him missed time.
He is a restricted free agent which means the Bills have the right of first refusal if he negotiates with another team. Morris is a player who I believe the Bills would want back but if he receives a better offer elsewhere, the Bills may let him go take that up to a certain point. Considering how long he has been around and his role, the Bills would be foolish to not at least stay competitive in retaining him.
Top Photo Credit: Last Word On Sports
Discover more from Banged Up Bills
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
