The Buffalo Bills are prioritizing explosive playmakers in the offseason.
General manager Brandon Beane said there are only “a few high-graded guys at the top” in this draft. But he cited the continued growth of 7-on-7 for the depth of this class at defensive back, hybrid defensive back and wide receiver.
“We’re always looking for playmakers, guys that are weapons with the ball for mismatches,” Beane said. “We’ll look at various ways to add playmakers. We are always looking for guys (quarterback) Josh (Allen) can get the ball to, guys that can run after the catch. Those turn into home runs, the big chunk plays. It’s hard to always count on the 10- or 11-play drives.”
Beane said safety Damar Hamlin is “definitely planning to return” to the field in 2023, and Buffalo is counting on him while navigating free agency with Jordan Poyer.
The “premium” placed on game-changing playmakers makes them more difficult to add, Beane said, pointing to the team’s predicament at running back. Devin Singletary is a free agent, but the Bills are discussing retaining him and have confidence that 2022 second-rounder James Cook can handle 15-20 touches per game.
Beane said Allen was nowhere near 100 percent at the end of the season, citing his elbow injury against the New York Jets as a limiting factor down the stretch.
“He wasn’t perfect. He takes hits. But he’s a warrior,” Beane said. “He was able to remove the brace after a few weeks. He’ll be ready to go this offseason. That’s one of the things with Josh, he’s his own worst critic. He’s a competitor. He wants it badly. He wants it more than anyone else.”
