Buffalo Bills: Options at tight end?

Nov 2, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins tight end Charles Clay (42) attempts to catch the ball as San Diego Chargers inside linebacker Kavell Conner (53) defends during the second half at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 37-0. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

We are just a little under a week into free agency, and the Buffalo Bills have already made some significant signings, mainly on the offensive side of the ball. The signings of fullback Jerome Felton and wide receiver Percy Harvin will give Buffalo much needed weapons on offense.

Despite some major needs already being filled, the Bills are still in major need of a starting tight end. Late last week, long time starter Scott Chandler was released and signed by the Patriots, and with the Bills electing to let Lee Smith walk, they are in dire need of production at the position.

It is yet to be seen what the Bills will do to fill their need at the position, but regardless if they decide to sign or draft a player, they will have plenty of options. Here are some players the Bils could bring in.

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Charles Clay

Since the beginning of free agency, the Bills have been linked to former Dolphins tight end Charles Clay. Although the Dolphins have a transition tag placed on Clay, they aren’t expected to match any offers. There is no doubt that Clay is a highly-skilled tight end and the best one on the market for sure. His above-average speed and great hands make him a threat wherever he is on the field. Buffalo will most likely have to overpay for him, but this would be a huge upgrade at the position.

Jermaine Gresham

It is quite surprising that former first-round pick, Jermaine Gresham, is still on the market. Gresham possesses great size, at 6’5” and 260 pounds. He is a great blocker and has the potential to be a very good receiving tight end. Gresham will most likely be a much cheaper option than Clay and will still be an upgrade at the position for the Bills.

Aug 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end Zach Miller (86) during the first half against the Denver Broncos at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

Zach Miller

This is an intriguing option for the Bills. Former Raiders and Seahawks tight end Zach Miller used to be a big receiving threat until he turned into a primary blocking tight end the last few years. During his third year in Oakland, he eclipsed the 800-yard mark, and was turning into one of the league’s top young tight ends. However, after signing in Seattle, Miller has been an effective blocking tight end the past four seasons. He possesses great size at 6’5” and 255 pounds, and if the Bills were to miss out on Clay or Gresham, than Miller may not be too bad of an option.

Jacob Tamme

The final target the Bills may consider bringing in is former Colts and Broncos tight end. Although Tamme hasn’t been given many opportunities to start during his career, he has made the most of it when he has been given the chance. Tamme is a smaller target at 6’3” and 230 pounds, but has a great set of hands and knows how to get open. He won’t add much to the blocking game, but has the chance to be more of a big-play tight end. It’s hard to imagine the Bills bringing in Tamme unless they miss out on the previous players.

Jan 1, 2015; Orlando, FL, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers tight end Maxx Williams (88) celebrates his touchdown during the second half in the 2015 Citrus Bowl against the Missouri Tigers at Florida Citrus Bowl. Missouri wins 33-17 over Minnesota. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

NFL Draft

If the Bills are unable to find a tight end via free agency, they will be able to take one in the 2015 NFL draft. Players among the likes of Maxx Williams from Minnesota, Clive Walford from Miami, and Nick O’Leary from Florida State, are all projected to be drafted in the first few rounds, and can all be viable options for the Bills.

The offseason has officially began, and to say the least, it is an exciting time for Bills fans! Many needs have been filled. However, the team still has some significant needs. And that is certainly the case when it comes to the tight end position.

Next: Can Matt Cassel be the starter for the Buffalo Bills?

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