BREAKING NEWS: Bills Named Landing Spot for Former 1st-Round Defensive End
For the second consecutive offseason, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has cautioned fans not to anticipate any flashy moves in free agency, given the team’s constrained salary cap situation.
However, an insider has proposed that the Bills could still make a significant but reasonably priced acquisition in Derek Barnett, a former first-round defensive end who closed out the 2023 season with impressive performances. With several key defensive players expected to depart this offseason, the Bills will probably seek reinforcements on the defensive line. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine has indicated that Barnett could be an ideal addition to address this need.
Derek Barnett’s Standout Season
Derek Barnett entered the NFL as a first-round pick with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2017 but had a relatively modest average of just over three sacks per season during his tenure with the team, ultimately being waived in November. However, after being claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans, Barnett finished the 2023 season strongly, which may enhance his appeal in free agency, as noted by Ballentine.
“Closing out the season with a strong performance, Barnett played a pivotal role as the Texans secured a playoff berth and clinched a wild-card victory. From Week 15 onward, he demonstrated his impact with 3.5 sacks, eight quarterback knockdowns, and 13 total pressures,” wrote the Bleacher Report writer.
Despite his inconsistency in pass-rushing productivity and a setback due to a torn ACL in 2022, Barnett’s recent performance surge suggests he could be available at a more affordable rate in free agency. Ballentine highlighted Barnett’s consistent proficiency as a run defender, making him an attractive option for teams seeking economical rotational edge players.
“Despite his lower pass-rush numbers, Barnett’s reliability in stopping the run remains a notable asset. He presents an enticing option for teams looking to bolster their defensive rotation on the edge without breaking the bank,” Ballentine suggested, pointing out potential interest from teams like the Buffalo Bills and Cleveland Browns.
Tough Decisions Ahead for Buffalo
The Buffalo Bills face the potential departure of key defensive players in free agency, including standout defensive end Leonard Floyd. Floyd, who proved to be a steal for the Bills on a one-year deal with $7 million guaranteed, enjoyed a career-best season in 2023, recording 10.5 sacks and 32 total tackles.
Despite initially joining the Bills as a cost-effective signing, Floyd has indicated that he won’t be offering a hometown discount to remain in Buffalo for the upcoming season. “For me, I’m always following the money. While I’d prefer to stay here, I understand it’s a business. I’ll go wherever my agent believes we can secure the best financial opportunity,” Floyd stated following the season, as reported by the Democrat & Chronicle.
Bills DE Leonard Floyd has been worth every penny. We break down how he was used against the Jets and how he WON.https://t.co/5lhyW0VU2W pic.twitter.com/DRwSASAMli
— Cover 1 (@Cover1) November 24, 2023
Additionally, the Bills are optimistic about a resurgence from Von Miller, who struggled to make an impact in the pass rush after returning from a torn ACL. Miller’s performance was limited, with just three total tackles in 12 games and no sacks, although he exhibited gradual improvement towards the end of the season and playoffs.
General Manager Brandon Beane expressed hope that Miller would return to full strength for the 2024 season, noting, “I believe his performance was on an upward trajectory as the year progressed. He showcased some positive plays in run defense towards the end of the season, although his pass rush opportunities were limited. We observed his explosiveness returning, and we anticipate further improvement, according to our medical team.”