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Buffalo Bills: 5 offseason needs in 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 30: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball in the second quarter during NFL game action against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Field on December 30, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY - DECEMBER 30: Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills runs with the ball in the second quarter during NFL game action against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Field on December 30, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 16: Zay Jones #11 of the Buffalo Bills fails to hold on to a pass reception against Darius Slay #23 of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at New Era Field on December 16, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Detroit 14-13. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – DECEMBER 16: Zay Jones #11 of the Buffalo Bills fails to hold on to a pass reception against Darius Slay #23 of the Detroit Lions during the fourth quarter at New Era Field on December 16, 2018 in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo defeats Detroit 14-13. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

1. Find reliable wide receiver help

Follow this recent history for a second. In 2016, the Buffalo Bills’ top pass-catchers were tight end Charles Clay (57), wide receiver Robert Woods (51), running back LeSean McCoy (50) and wideouts Marquise Goodwin (29) and Sammy Watkins (28), respectively. The quintet combined for 215 receptions – 11 for scores.

One year later, the Bills dealt the speedy Watkins to the Los Angeles Rams and watched both Woods (Rams) and Goodwin (San Francisco 49ers) make their way to the NFC West as well. Also, wide receiver Marcus Easley was released and Justin Hunter signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Those moves were supposedly offset by the free-agent signings of Corey Brown, Jeremy Butler, Andre Holmes and Rod Streater. The team also used a second-round selection East Carolina wide receiver Zay Jones.

But there’s more. Buffalo also dealt for Philadelphia Eagles’ wide receiver Jordan Matthews, who was unable to stay healthy. And later, the franchise orchestrated a midseason deal to bring Panthers’ 2014 first-round pick Kelvin Benjamin to Orchard Park.

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This past offseason, the Bills were at it again. They added free-agents Jeremy Kerley and Kaelin Clay in free agency and dealt for Browns’ wideout Corey Coleman. In December, the disappointing Benjamin and Holmes were both cut loose by the team. Meanwhile, Jones led the team with 56 catches in 2018 and hauled in seven of the club’s 13 TD receptions this past season. Robert Foster was the Bills’ second-leading wide receiver in receptions with 27 grabs. It’s time to shore this area up once and for all.

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