NFL power rankings: Who is biggest threat to Patriots?
By Brad Weiss
Buffalo Bills
, AFC East
And just like that, Anquan Boldin was no longer a member of the Buffalo Bills. Two weeks after signing a one-year deal with the team, Boldin announced his retirement after 14 years in the NFL. He finishes his career ninth overall in receptions, and should be a borderline Hall of Fame candidate when he is eligible.
With Boldin retiring, it brings more of the spotlight on Zay Jones, whom the team drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. The Bills already traded WR1 Sammy Watkins away to the Los Angeles Rams this Summer, before trading with the Philadelphia Eagles for wideout Jordan Matthews. The team will hope Matthews can slide into the WR1 spot for the team this season, with Jones sliding into the WR2 slot.
New head coach Sean McDermott has his work cut out for him this season, but the team does return a very reliable quarterback in Tyrod Taylor. Taylor will be joined back in the starting lineup by running back LeSean McCoy, who should be in for another big season. The Bills play in a division where they could finish near the top, though nobody outside of the New England Patriots are winning the AFC East.
In trading away Watkins, the Bills got cornerback E.J. Gaines in return, and he has looked good thus far. Offensive tackle Cordy Glenn is battling back from a left foot issue, so that is something to keep an eye on as the preseason rolls on. It should be another year outside of the playoffs for the Bills.