For many, this Bills season was seen as a “retooling” year. After an offseason that saw many familiar faces head out the door, there was national doubt about the Bills. With the doubt, came a major spotlight on general manager Brandon Beane. As the season’s halfway point was reached, let’s grade Beane’s free agency.
Player: Mack Hollins, WR (12REC-111YDs-3TDs)
Grade: B-
For what seemed like a depth move at first, Mack Hollins has seen a lot of action. Hollins is as versatile as it gets. He has numerous roles on special teams, can block on the perimeter, and can even make a play in the passing game every now and then. Although not flashy, the Bills got better with this signing.
Player: Curtis Samuel, WR (15 Touches, 98 Scrimmage YDs, 0TDs)
Grade: D-
The most notable free-agent acquisition for the Bills has not been produced. Samuel, who signed a 3-year $24 million contract, has been a non-factor in the offense. After years of dealing with below-average quarterback play and working with Joe Brady in the past, it was plausible to think that Samuel was due for a breakout campaign. That has certainly not been the case. Instead, Samuel has been used as a gadget type of player and has not produced the way many hoped when he had the ball in his hands. The 28-year-old has battled injury so far and will look to turn it around in the second half of the season.
Player: Casey Toohill, EDGE (11TCKLs, 1.0SCKs, 2TFLs, 1PD)
Grade: B
After coming off a five-sack season in Washington, Toohill was signed as a productive depth piece on a deep defensive line. So far, Toohill has done just that. The Stanford alum won’t light the stat sheet up, but he will do what is asked.
Player: Dawuane Smoot, EDGE (12TCKLs,1.5SCKs, 3TFLs, 1FF)
Grade: B-
The 29-year-old edge rusher has been a nice rotational piece for the Bills this season. Smoot has provided some help against the run and has played on 48% of defensive snaps. Unfortunately, Smoot was recently diagnosed with a wrist injury that will require surgery and has been placed on injured reserve.
Player: Mike Edwards, S (1TCKL)
Grade: F
After signing with the Bills in March, many viewed Edwards as a probable starter in a thin safety room. Fast forward and the two-time Super Bowl winner barely saw the field before being released yesterday. After a hamstring injury in the offseason, the rest has been history. Edwards played 20 snaps all season and found himself healthy inactive for multiple games.
Player: Austin Johnson, DT (10TCKLs, 1INT, 1PD)
Grade: C+
Although it was another depth move, Johnson has done what has been asked of him this season. The 30-year-old veteran was signed to help contribute against the run and has at times done just that. Johnson is currently on pace for 34 tackles this season. Not bad for a rotational defensive tackle.
Player: Mitch Trubisky, QB (2/3 5YDs)
Grade: C
After a rough preseason where fans wanted to see if other backup quarterbacks were available, Trubisky has done his job. In brief moments the 30-year-old stepped in, he hasn’t made a mistake. That is all you can ask out of a backup quarterback. With that said, if Josh Allen were to ever get hurt, there is some concern if he could steal the Bills a win or two.
Player: Nicholas Morrow, LB (1TCKL)
Grade: D+
What was seen as a depth move has been just that. Morrow, who was far from a guarantee to make the roster, made the team and has been used primarily on special teams. Barring injury, expect more of the same going forward.
Player: Will Clapp, OL
Grade: N/A
He has not played a game yet this season and has been used as a reserve offensive lineman, currently on practice squad.
Players Not Included (No Longer on Team): La’el Collins (OT), DeShawn Williams (DT), Matt Haack (P)
What looks like a so-so-offseason has not stopped the Bills. Nine weeks into the season, the Bills have a stranglehold on the AFC East, look to improve each week, and are in reach of the #1 seed. Time will only tell if this is the year for the Buffalo Bills.