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With the 2014 NFL scouting combine in the rearview mirror and free agency about to begin, Insider's experts have produced an Offseason Blueprint for all 32 NFL teams. Included are each team's front-office priorities, projected 2014 lineups, draft and free-agency targets, cap situation and much more.
This is the Offseason Blueprint for the Buffalo Bills.
Front-office priorities
What management's to-do list should include this offseason.
1. The time is right for a team in this division to threaten the Patriots, and Buffalo is in prime position to be the one to do it. The Bills have ample cap space, just one significant unrestricted free agent to deal with (Jairus Byrd), and they're drafting in the top 10 (No. 9 overall in the first round). All of these factors put general manager Doug Whaley and president Russ Brandon in position to make selective, specific improvements to this football team. There are no more excuses.
2. The QB position might not seem like a priority this offseason, seeing as how the Bills drafted a quarterback in the first round last year in EJ Manuel, but given Kevin Kolb's uncertain future due to a series of concussions and the fact that Thad Lewis is not a franchise QB, the position could become a priority very quickly if they can't make major strides in Manuel's development this offseason. Drafting another QB to develop could be an option.
3. Upgrades are needed at left guard (Doug Legursky) and right tackle (Erik Pears), and depth concerns exist across the O-line. They do not have anyone worth developing after the five starters, and since Legursky and Pears will be unrestricted free agents in 2015, the Bills need an infusion of talent at the position.