For the second year in a row, general manager Brandon Beane gave fans the same warning this offseason — don’t expect any flashy moves for a team on a tightrope in free agency.But one insider suggests the Bills could still find a significant but affordable addition in Derek Barnet, the former first-round defensive end who finished the 2023 season on a tear. The Bills are expected to lose several key players on defense this offseason and will likely look for help on the defensive line. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine thinks Barnett could be the perfect fit.Derek Barnett’s breakout seasonBarnett joined the Philadelphia Eagles as a first-round pick in 2017, but averaged just over three sacks on the season and was waived in November. When the Houston Texans claimed him off waivers, Barnett was a strong tight end who could give him a boost in free
agency, Ballentine wrote.“Barnett finished the season with the Texans earning a playoff berth and winning the wild card game. A Bleacher Report writer noted that he had 3.5 sacks, eight quarterback drops and 13 total pressures in Week 15.Although Barnett finished strong in 2023, he could be a more affordable free agent due to his inconsistent history with the Eagles and a torn
ACL that he suffered in 2022, Ballentine added.“Despite his lack of passes, Barnett has always been a solid defender. He should be at the forefront of anyone looking to add a cheap rotation player on the edge,” Ballentine wrote, suggesting both the Bills and Cleveland Browns could be interested.Tough Decisions Ahead for BuffaloThe Bills have some defensive players leading the way. the way for free agency, including renowned defensive standout Leonard Floyd
The Bills found a steal with the veteran pass rusher, who signed a one-year deal with $7 million in guaranteed money and followed up with a career-best 10.5 sacks and 32. Although Floyd came to the Bills on the cheap in 2023, he made it clear that he will not offer a hometown discount to be in Buffalo this coming season..“For me, I always go where the money is. I wish I was here, but it is. It’s a business. I’m going where my agent thinks we can get the most money,” Floyd said after the season, according to the Democrat and Chronicle.Cover 1·Follow.
The Bills are also hoping for a bounce-back season from Von Miller, who struggled to make an impact last season after returning from a torn ACL. Miller totaled just three tackles in 12 games without a sack, despite showing steady improvement late in the season and in the playoffs.Beane said after the season that he hopes Miller can return to full strength in 2024.”I think it got better as the year went on,” Beane said. “Thought he made better plays in the run game last night than he had open passing opportunities. But you’ve seen the explosiveness come back and it should only get better according to our medical team..
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