They are the new power in the AFC East. But can the Buffalo Bills get back to the Super Bowl sooner than later? It was an offseason of change in 2022.
It’s a franchise that has now gotten acclimated to reaching the playoffs on a steady basis. But for 17 consecutive years from 2000-16, the Buffalo Bills failed to qualify for the postseason.
Now under the command of head coach Sean McDermott, the team has reached the “second season” four times in the last five years.
And after waiting more than two decades to win a division title, the club has captured the AFC East each of the last two seasons.
There were a lot of changes this offseason for a team that has been a Super Bowl contender the last few years. So which of the team’s three newcomers rate as the club’s best additions in 2022?
Buffalo Bills top offseason pickup no. 3: G Rodger Saffold (Released by Tennessee Titans)
Despite a solid year from running back Devin Singletary, the club’s running game remains still too far dependent on the skills of quarterback Josh Allen.
Perhaps that’s one reason that general manager Brandon Beane not only added to the Buffalo backfield during the draft (more on that later), the Bills did a revamp of their offensive line this offseason.
Gone are guard Jon Feliciano and tackle Daryl Williams. Both were released earlier this year, with the former latching on with the New York Giants. Meanwhile, the defending AFC South champion Tennessee Titans parted ways with veteran Rodger Saffold and the Bills grabbed him.
While the 12-year pro is tied for 31st in the league with a 68.1 overall grade at his position via Pro Football Focus (subscription required), his 74.5 mark in terms of run blocking makes him the 15tt-best player in this aspect at guard.