The Bills face a number of tough decisions this offseason as they try to keep one of the league’s most complete rosters intact. One key piece to their league-leading defense is cornerback Levi Wallace, who is a pending free agent. As ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg writes, though, the Bills will look to re-sign him.
Wallace joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He has started every game he’s appeared in since, however, proving his value to the team. He was counted on in the latter portion of this season in particular after the Bills lost two-time Pro Bowler Tre’Davious White to a torn ACL in November.
Wallace stepped up in White’s absence, putting together arguably the best season of his career. He totaled 58 tackles, two interceptions and a personal-best 10 pass breakups. In coverage, he allowed a completion percentage of 58% and a passer rating of 72.6, also the best mark of his NFL tenure to date. Overall, Wallace contributed to a defense topping the league in both points (17) and yards allowed (273) per game in 2021.
When asked about the 26-year-old, general manager Brandon Beane said, “He’s a guy we’ll definitely talk to and would love to get him back if he wants to be back”. Even if White does return to full strength, both Wallace and backup Siran Neal are pending free agents, so Beane acknowledged that “cornerback is an area he would look at in free agency.” With the 25th pick in the draft, Buffalo could also be well suited to add a corner, given the depth of that position in this year’s class.
With Buffalo’s limited cap space and other financial moves which need to be made – including those involving Stefon Diggs – Wallace could very well find better offers elsewhere. If the Bills are able to keep him, though, he would help the team maintain a highly productive CB tandem, and stay in Super Bowl contention.
More must-reads: