Buffalo Bills: What’s The Holdup With Zach Brown?
What’s the deal with Buffalo Bills linebacker Zach Brown as his free agency exploration continues?
The Buffalo Bills quiet offseason has left many fans scratching their heads. They haven’t spent a lot of money and haven’t added much depth. Moreover, they haven’t made a big push to retain any of their stars. None is more pressing then free agent linebacker Zach Brown, who has kicked the tires between the Bills and Dolphins, but has yet to sign a contract.
What’s interesting is that the Bills have made little effort to retain arguably their best defensive player from last season. In 2016, Brown made his first Pro Bowl, recorded a team high 149 tackles, four sacks, one interception, and two forced fumbles. He was one of the few players on the defensive side of the ball who didn’t blow assignments regularly and showed effort on nearly every play.
So why hasn’t he been signed yet?
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Age isn’t a major factor with Brown (he’s only 27) and neither are injuries (he’s yet to miss a game due to injury in his pro career). While he is likely seeking top tier linebacker money, much like the contracts that New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower signed this offseason, it seems almost implausible that the Bills have not been able to come to an agreement with Brown.
Brown, for his part, is also likely scratching his head as to why he hasn’t been signed. Reports surfaced last week that Brown had hired a new agent in the wake of his lack of high-end offers. While Brown isn’t on the level of a Hightower or Von Miller, he is worth mid-tier money and is deserving of a long term deal based on, if nothing else, his commitment and durability—two things the Bills desperately need heading in 2017.
Regardless of Brown’s next move, however, the Bills will likely need to make a move for a linebacker soon. This is one of their points of focus heading into next month’s draft. If a deal with Brown is not reached, look for the Bills to draft a linebacker early to help make up for some of the slack that is left over with Brown’s departure.