Top two players the Bills should acquire in the 2024 NFL offseason
Who should the Bills acquire in the offseason of 2024?
The Buffalo Bills are looking back on a mixed bag of accomplishments as the 2023 NFL season comes to an end. Even though they finished with a winning record and made it to the Divisional Round of the playoffs, their dreams of reaching the Super Bowl were dashed. With the 2024 NFL offseason approaching, the Bills must strengthen their roster in order to contend for championship glory.
A recap of the Bills’ 2023 season
The Buffalo Bills had great hopes going into the 2023 NFL season. A lot of people thought they would be good candidates for the crown. Yes, there were some hiccups on the way. Still, the Bills came together sufficiently to win the AFC East and the No. 2 spot in the conference. Yes, they won the Wild Card round by defeating the Pittsburgh Steelers. Regretfully, they were defeated by the Kansas City Chiefs, the defending champions, once more.
Head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane need to turn their attention quickly to the summer now that their postseason adventure is over. There is no shortage of quality in the AFC, and the Bills have a number of unknowns heading into the offseason.
Josh Allen, the quarterback for the Bills, is fortunately the franchise cornerstone. However, other parts of the roster need adjustment given the number of impending departures.
Outlook for the Offseason
The difficult challenge for the Bills in 2024 will be to stay under the salary cap. This suggests that their window for the Super Bowl with the present core may be closing. Yes, Josh Allen’s existence guarantees the AFC’s continuous competitiveness. Having said that, in order to support a youth movement, they also need to strategically terminate veteran contracts.
Trading Von Miller or Stefon Diggs requires a trade after June 1st. Miller’s trade from before June 1st only saves $2 million. A subsequent agreement, however, calls for a significant $17.4 million relief in 2024. In a similar vein, Diggs’ notable $19 million cap relief becomes accessible only after June 1. Remember that both players are older than 30, hence their output has decreased.
Here, we’ll examine the top two players that the Buffalo Bills need to acquire in the upcoming NFL offseason of 2024.
Mack Khalil
It seems doubtful that the Bills will become significant players in the trade market given the limitations imposed by the salary cap. Defensive reinforcements would be the sensible course of action, though, if Beane is able to successfully negotiate the budgetary difficulties.
Fans should therefore expect the Bills to spend their offseason capitalizing on young, affordable players. Buffalo is also likely to be interested in players whose rookie contracts are about to expire.
Still, the Bills ought to consider their options in regards to obtaining a well-known player such as Khalil Mack. He could, after all, completely transform the team’s defense as a former Defensive Player of the Year. The Bills had a strong defensive line, but in 2023 they lacked a true danger at the pass rush. Mac is brought in at this point. He could cover that gap, having recorded double-digit sacks in five of his eight NFL seasons. His seasoned leadership could also serve as a mentor for the team’s younger players. Additionally, be aware of the Los Angeles Chargers’ significant cap dilemma. Buffalo should therefore think about going for Mack.
Mack’s career is also at a crossroads because of his large deal, which demands attention. The Chargers face a challenge from him because his cap number is more over $38 million. They might look for buyers for his contract as a result of this.
Aaron M. Robinson
Another tempting possibility for the Bills, especially when it comes to strengthening their secondary, is Aaron Robinson. Though the Bills have quality in the secondary, they would still like to have a playmaker to go along with Tre’Davious White. Robinson has the size, quickness, and ball abilities to make a big difference for the squad.
Naturally, the Bills will need to make some sacrifices in order to acquire these players. Draft picks or players on the roster right now may be involved in this. However, the advantages could outweigh the disadvantages. The addition of Mack and Robinson to the team may improve the relationships within the group and increase the Bills’ chances of making a long playoff run in 2024.
Aside: How should we handle Diggs?
Beane is still curious about how he handled Stefon Diggs. Yes, Diggs continues to be a premier wide receiver. But there are concerns about his diminished involvement near the end of the regular season. Renegotiating Diggs’ contract or trading him are two options that come with difficulties.
While releasing Diggs can help reduce cap pressure, it’s not the best option. Be aware that he has $31.1 million left on his contract and a cap hit of $27.9 million in 2024. Although there would be savings if he was released after June 1st, there would be a large dead-cap blow.
Strengthening the receiving depth is still important, even if Diggs stays with the Bills. Potential targets include Donovan Peoples-Jones, Tyler Boyd, Tee Higgins, and Michael Pittman Jr.
Gazing Forward
The possibility of making smart deals is a big concern for the Bills as they prepare for the 2024 NFL offseason. Indeed, managing salary cap restrictions is difficult. On the other hand, the Bills may strengthen their defensive capabilities and secondary depth with the addition of Aaron Robinson and Khalil Mack, respectively. By keeping a close eye on the long-term characteristics of the club, the Bills can take strategic actions to improve their competitiveness in 2024. The Bills Mafia will be looking to their front staff to navigate the complex dance of player acquisition and roster management as the offseason progresses. With any luck, these actions will result in a successful 2024 campaign.
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