The Buffalo Bills could use more help at linebacker following the NFL Draft.
Buffalo has been overhauling its defense this offseason, and linebackers Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson remain free agents. The Bills did draft Kaleb Elarms-Orr to bolster the unit, but Buffalo could still use another linebacker or two.
With that, Bills analyst Michael Haney of FanSided urges Buffalo to sign Bobby Wagner in free agency to add more depth at linebacker.
“There might be an easy answer available in free agency,” Haney wrote. “Veteran Bobby Wagner is still unsigned after his contract expired with the Washington Commanders. He may be a shadow of the All-Pro linebacker he once was, but Wagner would be an improvement at linebacker for the Bills. If they can make a deal happen at a low cost, they shouldn’t think twice. … He’s still a force in the running game, and that’s exactly what the Bills need.
“Bernard, Buffalo’s best current linebacker, is undersized for the position. He’s best as a versatile piece, not as a true “Mike” linebacker. Bills fans are all too familiar with what happens when he’s asked to defend the run consistently. Wagner could fill that role, allowing Bernard to be at his best. The veteran can take on blocks and plug running lanes on early downs, helping the defense get into favorable situations. Even if he doesn’t take on a full-time workload, the 35-year-old linebacker could be an important addition.”
Wagner would add more depth to the linebacker unit and be a veteran presence on the defense. He won Super Bowl XLVIII and is a 10-time Pro Bowler. Although he’s not as dominant as he used to be, he’s still an impact linebacker.
Wagner Would Fill Need for Bills
Buffalo’s linebacker unit still features plenty of question marks, and Wagner would help address them.
At this stage of his career, Wagner isn’t an every-down linebacker, but could be part of a rotation and add some more insurance to the unit.
Wagner can also help the run defense for the Bills, which has been a major issue in years past. With the Commanders’ last season, he recorded 162 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions, showing he can still play at a high-level at 35, and soon to be 36-years-old.
It also wouldn’t be too much to sign him, as Buffalo would be able to sign Wagner on a one-year deal. Spotrac projects Wagner to sign for $7.6 million per year.
Buffalo Wanted Linebacker Help
Entering the offseason and the NFL Draft, Bills general manager Brandon Beane made it clear that the team needed to add to the linebacker unit.
Buffalo is switching to a 3-4 defense, so linebacker play is key, and Beane admitted the team needed more help.
“We do need to continue to add more [at linebacker]. We’ve had conversations through free agency with linebackers, other positions. We have not chosen to add one at this point,” said Beane at the league meetings. “At this time, there’s guys that are like,’you know what? I didn’t get the money I was looking for. I kind of want to wait until after the draft and see where guys go.’ You’re kind of at that point with some of the vets that have played.”
Buffalo’s linebacker unit is led by Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Elarms-Orr, Joe Andreessen, Keonta Jenkins, and Jimmy Ciarlo among others.
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