The Buffalo Bills ranked just 18th in the NFL in receiving yards per game (241) and 15th in receiving touchdowns (23) last year. Those aren't awful numbers, but they do leave room for improvement. By now, everyone knows about the uncertain quarterback situation in Buffalo. New head coach Rex Ryan has to figure out who will be under center first and foremost. But regardless of which QB ends up starting, he'll need a little extra help in the passing game. That's why the Bills are reportedly insistent on adding a dynamic receiving threat at the tight end position this offseason.
"The Bills are expected to stick with their tight end-acquisition plan [in 2015] largely because, in the words of General Manager Doug Whaley, new offensive coordinator Greg Roman is 'a big tight end guy,'" Vic Carruci of the Buffalo News wrote.
"How will they go about getting one? The first option is the free-agent market, which opens March 10. The Bills are known to be taking a hard look at one possible free agent from the AFC East, Charles Clay of the Miami Dolphins.
"Other potential free-agent candidates at tight end are Julius Thomas of the Denver Broncos, Jordan Cameron of the Cleveland Browns and Jermaine Gresham of the Cincinnati Bengals.
"Thomas is a tremendously talented receiver, but is reportedly seeking a contract that would make him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL. Cameron has the ability to be a difference-making force, but has been prone to concussions."
Thomas is reportedly seeking to be the highest paid tight end in the NFL, while Cameron and Gresham would still likely command more money on the open market than Clay. However, Buffalo is expected to have around $30 million in salary cap space this offseason, according to Spotrac.com. If the organization is dead set on making a splash and willing to commit the type of money Thomas is looking for, the two parties could come together on a deal. Thomas is coming off back-to-back seasons with 12 receiving touchdowns, though Jason Fitzgerald of Overthecap.com argues that he is the most overvalued free agent on the market.
The Bills could also look to the upcoming NFL draft to address their tight end needs, though they are without a first-round pick thanks to the Sammy Watkins deal last year. That will take them out of the running for top prospect Maxx Williams.
Regardless of how it gets done, expect the Bills to bring in some competition for incumbent starter Scott Chandler. Ryan doesn't want to repeat the same offensive mistakes he made with the New York Jets, so acquiring a pass-catching tight end will be high on the offseason to-do list.
