Things could look a lot different for the Buffalo Bills once the 2023 season rolls around. After being eliminated in the Divisional Round by the Cincinnati Bengals 27-10, it could be time for some changes to the roster.
Buffalo has 21 unrestricted free agents in 2023 and three restricted/exclusive rights free agents. Some starters and key rotational pieces are hitting the open market and it will be virtually impossible for the Bills to bring them all back.
General manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott are going to have their hands full figuring out which players to bring back and which they will allow to walk in free agency. Projected to be over the salary cap, they will have their work cut out for them.
Clearing that cap space will be imperative to not only retaining their free agents but bringing in impact players from other teams. The Bills could be active on the trade market based on which players from their roster are going to be in free agency.
One interesting name to keep an eye on according to Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report is Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones. The Packers could be making some major changes of their own with Aaron Rodgers possibly being on the move and Jones would be a nice upgrade for this Bills offense.
The six-year pro is coming off one of the best seasons of his career as he ran for a career-high 1,121 yards. He scored a career-low two rushing touchdowns on the season but did add five scores as a receiver, catching 59 passes for 359 yards.
A true dual-threat out of the backfield, Jones would address the Bills’ need at running back. They checked in on Christian McCaffrey ahead of the trade deadline and Devin Singletary is one of the players hitting free agency this offseason.
Buffalo would need to do some work restructuring Jones’ contract, but it would be a worthwhile move given the impact he can have on the offense. Finding a consistent running game has not always been easy for Buffalo, but Jones would assuredly help with his 5.1 yards per attempt average in his career and pass-catching skills out of the backfield.
