The NFL franchise tag window officially closed on Tuesday, and the Buffalo Bills made a strategic decision to not tag any of their impending free agents. While some may view this as a missed opportunity, others see it as a smart move by the Bills’ front office.
It’s no secret that the Bills were limited in their options for the franchise tag this year. With only three players eligible and none of them being top-tier players, it made sense for the Bills to save their tag for a potential future use.
But let’s not dwell on who the Bills didn’t tag, and instead focus on the rest of the league. One of the biggest names that was tagged was Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott, who received the exclusive tag worth $31.4 million. This move was expected as the Cowboys strive to keep their franchise QB for the long term.
Another notable name that was tagged was Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry. After his dominant performance in the 2019 season, it’s no surprise that the Titans are not willing to let him hit the open market. They have until July 15 to work out a long-term deal with Henry, or he will play under the $10.2 million franchise tag.
But what about the Bills? Well, according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero, the Bills are a possible destination for a top free agent, and it could cost them a whopping $80 million. The player in question is Chicago Bears linebacker Leonard Floyd.
Floyd, who was released by the Bears earlier this month, is expected to receive plenty of interest from teams in need of a versatile and athletic linebacker. And it’s no surprise that the Bills were mentioned as a potential landing spot. With their strong defensive unit and a need for a pass rusher, Floyd could be a perfect fit for the Bills.
The 27-year-old recorded 154 tackles, 18.5 sacks, and 26 tackles for loss in his four seasons with the Bears. He also has experience playing under current Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier during his time in Chicago. This familiarity could play a key role in the Bills’ pursuit of Floyd.
But with a price tag of $80 million, is Floyd really worth it? That’s a tough question to answer, but considering the Bills’ current cap space and their need for a pass rusher, it could make sense for them to make a move for Floyd.
One thing is for sure, the Bills are not afraid to make bold moves in the offseason. Just last year, they acquired star wide receiver Stefon Diggs in a trade with the Minnesota Vikings, and it paid off as he helped lead them to the AFC Championship game.
And with a solid foundation in place, the Bills are in a position to make a splash in free agency and continue to build a winning team. While the franchise tag window may have closed, there are still plenty of talented players available in the free-agent market.
So, Bills fans, don’t be disappointed that the team didn’t use the franchise tag this year. Trust in the front office and be excited for what could be a game-changing addition to the team in the form of Leonard Floyd. The 2020 season may have ended in disappointment, but the future looks bright for the Buffalo Bills.
