Buffalo Bills: 5 offseason needs in 2020

2. A fortified offensive line

The offensive line for the Buffalo Bills was solid in 2019. Surrendering 2.5 sacks per game with a quarterback of Allen’s style under center is nothing to scoff at. That figure ranked 14th in the league, but it still says something — especially considering how willing Allen is to run around both in and around the pocket before making up his mind during plays.

After so many changes last offseason, Quinton Spain emerged as one of the unsung heroes despite being merely an average player along the offensive line. The 6-foot-4, 330-pound left guard started all 16 games for Buffalo, drawing just two penalties all season (both holding). He was nothing other than respectable, but that type of consistency can get you paid as a lineman.

Spain signed a one-year deal with the Bills heading into the 2019 season and needless to say, it paid off. As he heads into his age-29 campaign, he could be looking at the last free agency deal that takes care of him for quite some time. Could that only be for two or three years? Sure. But it beats signing “prove it” contracts every year until he retires.

Continuity along the offensive line is music to a quarterback’s ears. Buffalo knows its quarterback is the key to unlocking the team’s potential as a whole. Having a familiar and reliable face protecting him could go a long way towards achieving that ultimate goal of winning playoff games. Bringing Spain back on at least a two-year deal would be a solid move by the front office.