Buffalo Bills: Five free agent targets

Although we are just a few weeks into the offseason for the Buffalo Bills, free agency is just around the corner (March 10). It’s no secret what positions the Bills will be targeting this offseason. Offensively, they will need to bring in a couple of quarterbacks, and will need to fill in some holes on the offensive line.

With Rex Ryan taking over as head coach, the Bills will primarily run a 3-4 defense, so there will be players out there who fit their personnel well. Will Ryan be bringing in some of his former players to smooth out the transition? Will the Bills pull the trigger on some big name free agents? Here are the top potential five free agents who the Bills should be targeting.

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Mark Sanchez

It’s quite clear that the Bills are in need of a veteran quarterback. Former first rounder EJ Manuel hasn’t proven that he can stay healthy and be a consistent starter at the NFL level so Buffalo will be forced to dip into the free agent market at the position. The best available option is an intriguing one as Mark Sanchez could wind up reuniting with Ryan. Sanchez would most likely come in and start, allowing Manuel to continue and try to develop.

Sanchez would have lots of weapons around him, so he shouldn’t have much trouble distributing the ball to his receivers. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman operates a run-heavy offense, thus helping Sanchez better manage the game and limit his mistakes. With no franchise quarterback, the Bills aren’t in the most ideal spot. However, with Sanchez under center, the playoffs lurk as a strong possibility.

Jake Locker

If the Bills miss out on Sanchez, they should take a chance on the next best available quarterback, and that would be former first rounder Jake Locker. There is no question that Locker possesses a lot of skill, as he has a strong arm, good mobility, and the ability to avoid pressure and make a play with his feet.

The biggest negative with Locker is that he can never seem to stay healthy. Over the course of the last four seasons, the Tennessee Titans quarterback has found himself on injured reserve on multiple occasions. But if he can stay healthy he can be a great addition to a team. Locker has a lot of potential and is still relatively young, so if the Bills are unable to land Sanchez they should definitely consider taking a shot with Locker.

Nate Washington

There is no question that one of the Bills biggest strengths is their receiver group. Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods make for a great starting duo, but the problem with them is that they lack experience. The Bills may look to bring in a receiver with experience, so who better than veteran wideout Nate Washington.

Throughout his career, Washington has proven to be a reliable number two receiver. During his time with the Titans, he was never really given another threat to work alongside with offensively, so he constantly saw double coverage on a week-to -eek basis. Washington may be the perfect complement to Watkins, and would let Woods primarily work from the slot, where he has had most of his success. The two-time Super Bowl champion has solid size and at age 31 still has a few more good years left in him.

Mike Iupati

It’s no secret that Buffalo must upgrade their offensive line come the start of free agency. One name that makes perfect sense is guard Mike Iupati, the 17th overall pick in the 2010 NFL draft. After spending the last five seasons with the 49ers, Iupati will have a chance to reunite with offensive coordinator Greg Roman.

The best part about Iupati’s game is his ability to run block, which the Bills are in dire need of. Running backs Fred Jackson and Anthony Dixon really struggled down the stretch this past season, so there is no doubt that Iupati can help change that. At 6’5” and 331 lbs, Iupati can be a force on the line, and will be an essential part to a successful run game.

David Harris

The Bills lack quality depth at linebacker, so bringing in former Jets’ defender David Harris would be a wise choice. Harris adds experience to a young Bills group that already consists of Kiko Alonso and Preston Brown. With the Bills primarily converting to a 3-4 defense, it will be important to add as many quality line backers as possible.

Nobody knows how Harris plays better than Ryan. Since being drafted in the 2nd round in 2007, Harris has had success, accumulating 30.0 sacks, and six interceptions. Harris is still producing at a high level and would be a big help to an already dominant defense.

With free agency just around the corner, it’s time for management to start looking at available players who will help give the team a better chance to win. Offensively, the Bills must add a quarterback, an experienced receiver, and beef up the offensive line. While defensively, they must add depth at the line backer position. The Bills are the closest to the playoffs they have ever been over the past decade, so a few key additions in free agency will lift them over the hump and back into the promised land.