Did the Buffalo Bills improve enough this offseason to get over the hump in the AFC and make it to the Super Bowl?
That is the question everyone is asking, and it just so happens it comes at a time when one of the league's top receivers, DeAndre Hopkins, was recently released by the Arizona Cardinals. Despite the availability of Hopkins and reported interest from the Bills, when evaluating Buffalo's offseason, ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell did not mention receiver as a remaining need.
Instead, Barnwell wrote that he believes the Bills need to focus on re-signing defensive tackle Ed Oliver.
"Sign Ed Oliver to an extension? I'm not sure Oliver has ever turned into the player the Bills had hoped for when they drafted him at No. 9 overall in 2019, but he is a useful starting defensive tackle," Barnwell writes. "He already has earned a raise to $10.8 million as he plays out his fifth-year option in 2023, but I wonder whether Buffalo plans on keeping him after this season. A trade is also possible if (coach Sean) McDermott likes offseason imports Poona Ford and Tim Settle, although I don't think it would net more than a mid-round pick."
The former No. 9 overall draft pick played 13 games for the Bills last season, totaling 34 tackles, nine for a loss, and 2.5 sacks. Did those numbers live up to the expectations of a top-10 pick? Likely not, which is why Barnwell noted the additions of Poona Ford and Tim Settle to go along with rumors of a potential trade.
The buzz surrounding Oliver popped up as the Bills opted to use pick up on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal which will net him $10.8 million this season.
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