Buffalo Bills: Free agency period improved offense at all three levels

1. Offensive line help has arrived

The most important aspect of an offense is the offensive line. Investing in the O-line has turned around franchises recently, with the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts improving their offenses immensely by drafting and spending on their O-lines.

The Bills had the 26th ranked offensive line, according to Pro Football Focus’ end of year rankings, but have spent often and wisely to add starters and depth to improve their line drastically. With another signing completed on April 3, Buffalo has now added six offensive lineman with at least three potential new starters in the fold.

The signing of center Mitch Morse (four years, $25.1 million) adds a captain to the line. Morse has allowed 12 pressures over the last two seasons, surrendering only one QB hit in that span and last gave up a sack in his 2015 rookie season, according to PFF. The center position has grown in importance in recent seasons due to their ability to make reads and calls at the line, and Morse’s pass protection is an added bonus.

Outside of Morse, bringing in Ty Nsekhe (two years, $14.5 million), a veteran tackle that has yet to log a full season as a starter, is an interesting case study. Nsekhe has bounced around professional leagues, but has performed well in his limited playing time and was considered a strong value signing for the Bills.

The latest offensive lineman coming into the fold is Quinton Spain, who started 48 of 50 games for the Tennessee Titans in his first four seasons. He’s on a one-year deal and another strong pass-blocking player to help on the interior with Morse.

Outside of those three projected starters, the Bills signed Jeremiah Sirles, Spencer Long and LaAdrian Waddle to provide depth to their offensive line. These additions will certainly help Josh Allen, and if he’s given time to launch deep balls to Foster and Brown consistently, the Bills offense could be in line for a strong step forward.

Allen’s mobility was on full display when the pocket collapsed around him, and with an improved o-line and weapons around him, Brian Daboll can install design runs, read-pass-options and overall a progressive scheme that can score points. The Bills offense looks much more exciting on paper through their free agency signings and didn’t handcuff their future cap space.