Buffalo Bills: Zach Brown One and Done in Buffalo?

Zach Brown has posted a thank you note to Buffalo Bills fans on Instagram, raising questions about his future in Western New York.

There’s no denying the Buffalo Bills‘ defense did not live up to expectations in 2016. Despite being coached by defensive guru Rex Ryan, they finished the season ranked 19th in yards allowed.

However, for all the struggles the team suffered on the defensive side of the ball, one man who can hold his head high is Zach Brown. Playing like a man possessed, he registered 149 overall tackles, good enough for second-best in the NFL, behind the Seattle Seahawks‘ Bobby Wagner.

As part of Brown’s career year, he also recorded four sacks, four pass defenses, two forced fumbles and one interception. Given that he was originally brought in to back up Reggie Ragland, his production was an unexpected but pleasant bonus.

Understandably, Bills fans will be hoping the linebacker returns in 2017. However, it might be a case of one and done in Buffalo for the 27-year old, who agreed a one-year, $1.25 million contract ahead of the 2016 season.

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Posting a thank you note on Instagram, Brown wrote: “I will like to thx the #billsmafia for having me in buffalo. It was a crazy season but the love yall showed me was great! Made it fun to play on Sundays! #ZB53startedinbuffalo will never 4get!”

Now of course, these comments are open to interpretation. For example, the Beaufort, South Carolina native really could just be saying thank you.

However, with Brown set to become an unrestricted free agent, the perception surrounding his comments take on a different connotation. After the season he’s had, you know he’s going to receive some lucrative offers from around the league.

In that respect, the question then turns to how committed the Bills will be, in retaining the services of the 2012 second round draft pick? In theory, they should do everything possible to bring him back, especially as the defense looks to rebound from two consecutive disappointing campaigns.

However, the front office then has to decide how much money they can invest in Brown, especially when considering the aforementioned issue of lucrative offers from other teams. On top of this, you have to wonder if the player himself will even want to come back to an organization that has a multitude of internal issues.

Overall, it is obvious re-signing the 2011 First-team All-ACC selection would be a significant boost for the Bills. Unfortunately for the fans, most signs point towards this being unlikely to happen.

Next: Where does Russ Brandon fit into this mess?

What’s your take on the situation surrounding Brown’s future in Buffalo? Do you think he’s seen his last action in a Bills’ jersey or do you believe he will return next season, and why? Share your thoughts in the comments section.