Buffalo Bills: Taylor and Gilmore Among Top 25 Free Agents for 2017

Dec 27, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) runs with the ball for a first down during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills defeat Cowboys 16-6. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 27, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Tyrod Taylor (5) runs with the ball for a first down during the second half against the Dallas Cowboys at Ralph Wilson Stadium. The Bills defeat Cowboys 16-6. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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John Clayton shared his top 25 free agents for 2017 and it includes Tyrod Taylor and Stephon Gilmore, but where do the two Buffalo Bills’ players rank on the list?

Proving it’s never too early to look ahead in the NFL, John Clayton has announced his top 25 free agents for 2017. Buffalo Bills‘ fans in particular will have taken a keen interest, as the list includes two of their players.

Tyrod Taylor ranks at number 16, while Stephon Gilmore comes in at number 25. Both individuals are entering the final year of their current deals.

In reference to Taylor, Clayton wrote: “Taylor proved last season that he can be an above-average starting quarterback. With a big season in 2016, he could get a long-term deal in Buffalo or from another team on the open market.”

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The ESPN senior writer added this about Gilmore: “Gilmore has threatened to hold out of training camp, because of his contract. He’s likely to get a big extension from Buffalo.”

In truth, we shouldn’t really be surprised to see either player included. However, as Clayton points out himself, the majority of the 25 names on the list won’t make it to free agency, due to either signing extensions or being given the franchise tag.

Of course, this is where it gets interesting and/or problematic for the Bills. Both Taylor and Gilmore have tried to secure long-term deals during the offseason, without much success.

In respect of the man under center, there’s no doubt the Bills are excited by his potential. You can even make an argument that the 26-year old performed better than expected in 2015.

Regardless, Doug Whaley and the front office still want to see more from Taylor, before committing to him for the foreseeable future. This includes showing more consistency and doing a better job of avoiding unnecessary hits.

Buffalo Bills
Dec 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) intercepts a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) in the third quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Bills 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

Turning to Gilmore, his situation has been compromised by Josh Norman‘s deal in Washington. While it’s clear the Redskins overpaid for him, the Bills corner is looking for a comparable deal.

The problem is, it’s tough to envision a scenario where the Bills will pay the 2012 10th overall draft pick $15 million per season. They are apparently willing to go as high as $13 million which, in truth, is more than reasonable for a player returning from injury and with something to prove.

Ultimately, don’t expect either player to make it to free agency, although there’s a good chance one of them will be unhappy. We predict Taylor will get his long-term deal, while Gilmore will be hit with the franchise tag.

Next: Stephon Gilmore has no choice but to go to camp

What’s you take on Taylor and Gilmore being among the top 25 free agents for 2017? More to the point, do you think either of them will actually be on the list next year? Let us know in the comments section below.