Buffalo Bills: Who’s Coming Back?

DE: Shaq Lawson

Statistically, last season, Shaq Lawson had his best season yet. He gained more sacks and pressures than ever, he proved he could wreck havoc. Additionally, he had more tackles and was good against the run. Normally, I am hesitant to heap praise when such production comes in a contract year. Not with this guy. In each season, Lawson was able to show improvement. He’s also fully bought into the McDermott “Trust the Process” mantra. The Bills defense also lacks “nasty” guys. Lawson brings the nastiness and toughness that is a characteristic of so many great NFL defenses. At 25 years of age, I’d be willing to give him a three-year deal for about $9 million a season, aka the Trent Murphy deal. Nine million is my ceiling for him, so a little more than Murphy but a “Bill” and healthy.

G: Quinton Spain

Last offseason, the Bills completely revamped their offensive line, outside of Dion Dawkins. In that overhaul, the Bills inserted Quinton Spain at left guard. Spain’s play was really good. According to PFF, Spain ranked as the 35th best guard last season. Remarkably, he played every snap as well! At 28-years-old he is still young enough to continue producing at that high level for a couple of more years. However, Bills will have to improve on last season’s one-year, two million dollar contract. Spain is worth offering a two-year, five million dollar a year contract to ensure the left guard position is solidified. Note: This move shouldn’t stop the Bills from kicking Cody Ford in at RG. Jon Feliciano then becomes a very good backup C/G.

WR: Isaiah McKenzie

Isaiah McKenzie is the only wide receiver that scares me with the ball in his hands on this roster. When he wasn’t being utilized as a decoy, McKenzie proved to be explosive with the ball in his hands. He is perfect for the jet sweeps and short-area passing attacks. While you don’t have to game plan against him, he is capable of making game-changing plays, as in against Tennessee last season. I also believe he could be deployed more as the punt returner. If I’m the Bills, I’m not limiting his touches in open space. As a restricted free agent, he shouldn’t break the Bills bank.

CB: Levi Wallace

For Levi Wallace, if the Bills want him then he is theirs. The exclusive rights free agent designation gives the Bills full control. Wallace is a undrafted free agent that has worked his way on the team. Wallace didn’t stop there though, as he rose to be the team’s number two corner. He’s definitely one of the guys that is talented and bought into McDermott’s culture. Despite some shaky play at times last season, he is worth the cheap deal it will take to keep him. Wallace doesn’t preclude you from drafting or signing another cornerback, but rather he gives you the comfort of knowing he is, at worst, a good backup.

CB: Kevin Johnson

When Wallace wasn’t playing due to shaky play, it was Kevin Johnson that received his snaps. Johnson too played well and was even splitting the position with Wallace at times during the season. Like Spain, Johnson was another player brought in on a one-year deal for the Bills. McDermott had no issue spreading his culture mantra to Johnson. The veteran corner continued to work hard all season, even when his number wasn’t being called. His preparation was evident as he was tossed into games while still being able to succeed. I wouldn’t want to give him a raise on his three million dollars, but rather offer him two years for the same annual yearly pay.

Keeping these five guys shows the locker room that hard work pays off. None of these guys were ever given anything. Part of the culture that is being built is hard-work and having to earn everything. New players coming into the team will be able to learn from these guys. With a little over a month before the free agency period begins, Bills fans will be hoping these guys aren’t available.

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