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3 free agents the Buffalo Bills should avoid in 2021 offseason

By Cole Thompson

NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 12: Jonnu Smith #81 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium on November 12, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Colts defeated the Titans 34-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
NASHVILLE, TN - NOVEMBER 12: Jonnu Smith #81 of the Tennessee Titans runs the ball during a game against the Indianapolis Colts at Nissan Stadium on November 12, 2020 in Nashville, Tennessee. The Colts defeated the Titans 34-17. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 28: Head Coach Sean McDermott congratulates Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills after a touchdown during the second half of a game on Thanksgiving Day against the Dallas Cowboys at NRG Stadium on November 28, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. The Bills defeated the Cowboys 26-15. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – NOVEMBER 28: Head Coach Sean McDermott congratulates Josh Allen #17 of the Buffalo Bills after a touchdown during the second half of a game on Thanksgiving Day against the Dallas Cowboys at NRG Stadium on November 28, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. The Bills defeated the Cowboys 26-15. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

The Buffalo Bills are a player away from contending but these three would actually hurt the process 

One has to give credit to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen after his third season. Originally thought to be an overrated pick, the former No. 7 overall selection flourished in 2020 under Brian Daboll and Sean McDermott’s system.

Buffalo was four quarters away from representing the AFC in the Super Bowl. Unfortunately, they were forced to go up against Patrick Mahomes. And with the game in Arrowhead things went as expected. Allen struggled in his first AFC title game, Mahomes thrived and Kansas City returned to the big game.

Now, the Bills will prep for next season.

The Bills haven’t had a franchise quarterback since Jim Kelly. They finally found the answer with Allen. With the hardest position in football finally fixed, Buffalo can turn his attention to other needs this offseason. However, with roughly $4 million in space, Brandon Beane must also be smart.

Adding these three names wouldn’t be.

Which players should the Bills avoid this offseason?

3. Scouting Report. TE. Jonnu Smith . player. 35. Pick Analysis. Tennessee Titans

It never hurts to have as many weapons as possible when working in a pass-heavy scheme. Dawson Knox has been a serviceable tight end, but will he be able to take the leaps in the Year 3 to top-tier status?

This is to say that Knox will not have a role with the office next season. It just means that they could upgrade the position to create a two-man approach. Knox finished 2020 with 24 catches for 288 yards and three touchdowns.

Good numbers, but not great.

In an off-season with little tight end talent, Jonnu Smith takes the cake as one of the premier pass-catchers. He certainly is hitting free agency at the right time, coming off a career-year with 41 catches for 448 yards and eight touchdowns.

The problem here is that with so few good tight ends, Smith’s contract will be enlarged. A team will overpay for his talent even if he’s better suited in a two-tight end system. The doors may want to add another receiving target but you overpay for a talent like Smith with other needs on the table seems far-fetched.

Knox might not be the best tight end in the NFL, but he’s good enough. The only reason Smith would be in a Bills’ uniform would be if he took a lesser deal.

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