Gabe Davis, DaQuan Jones, Tim Settle, Dane Jackson — Buffalo Bills' general manager Brandon Beane wants them all back.
Then, there's reality.
"We got a lot of free agents, so we'll obviously look and see the ones we can get back and how much space we're able to create the next couple weeks," said Beane at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Already over the salary cap by an estimated $40 million, Buffalo has started freeing up space as free agency nears. First, the Bills restructured the contract of starting left guard Connor McGovern . Next, they'll reportedly release running back Nyheim Hines to create $4.6 million in cap savings, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.
"We'd love to keep as many as we can," said Beane about the Bills' 21 unrestricted free agents set to hit the open market. "We love those guys and think they can help us, but also understand that they're this close to free agency. They're gonna wanna see what they can get. We may value you him here and can afford him at this number, but one team may say 'I want this guy. He can be the difference. I'm gonna over pay.'"
Davis, a fourth-round draft pick in 2020, may be the most challenging of the group to retain. The WR2 may be able to command $10-15 million annually from multiple teams desperate for offensive playmakers.
"We love to draft, develop and sign. I think those guys have all developed well and earned the opportunity to go to free agency," said Beane.
With Stefon Diggs, Khalil Shakir, Dalton Kincaid and Dawson Knox, the Bills have enough capable pass-catchers to endure losing a player of Davis's caliber.
On the defensive line, however, it's a much different situation. With Ed Oliver being the lone defensive tackle under contract, Jones, Settle, Poona Ford, Linval Joseph and Jordan Phillips are all pending free agents.
"I think the D-line is very important as well, so our eyes will be there as soon as we can get our cap finalized to where we can kinda know what we have to spend," said Beane.
Jones was the most productive of the bunch while playing on a two-year deal reportedly worth $14 million. The 32-year-old may be willing to return at a similar price and the Bills would likely welcome him back. Phillips, who has served two separate stints in Buffalo, is rumored to be contemplating retirement while Ford and Joseph are low-cost veteran options.
The safety position will also require significant attention from Beane and Co. with Micah Hyde and Taylor Rapp no longer under contract. Hyde has been a staple of the Bills' defense in seven seasons under head coach Sean McDermott, but could opt for retirement. Rapp, who performed well as a third safety on a low-cost one-year deal, could seek a pay increase this offseason.
Cornerback Dane Jackson, who has provided adequate depth over the course of his rookie deal, fits the "draft, develop, sign" mantra that Beane has subscribed to during his tenure as GM. The 2020 seventh-rounder has a $3.1 million market value per Spotrac.
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