Buffalo Bills: Is Deshawn Shead Worth the Gamble?

With Deshawn Shead reportedly set to visit Western New York, we weigh up the pros and cons of the Buffalo Bills signing the free agent cornerback.

The Buffalo Bills have a genuine need for help at cornerback, especially after losing Stephon Gilmore and releasing Nickell Robey-Coleman. One possibility is to find someone in the upcoming draft.

Another route involves looking for help in free agency. Along those lines, the Bills are apparently interested in Deshawn Shead.

As per ESPN’s Sheil Kapadia, Shead is set to visit Buffalo to meet with the organization. Kapadia has an excellent reputation within the Seattle sports media, which adds to the legitimacy of his report.

Last season was a breakout year for the 27-year old, as he started 15 games for the Seattle Seahawks. With Richard Sherman on the opposite side of the field, he more than earned his money and came through with flying colors.

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This was best evidenced by Shead recording a team-leading 14 pass defenses. This total was also good enough to tie for 15th-best in the NFL in 2016.

Of course, if the Palmdale, California native is so good, you naturally wonder why the Seahawks didn’t tender him a qualifying offer? The main reason comes down to the fact he tore his left ACL and meniscus in the playoffs, against the Atlanta Falcons.

As reported by Kapadia, Seahawks general manager John Schneider admitted at the recent combine, that Shead is unlikely to be ready for the start of the 2017 campaign. In fact, he may not be able to play until after the halfway point of the season.

Further, there is real concern about the stability of the knee in general. In this respect, it makes sense for the Bills to arrange a visit, so their own medical team can assess the severity of the injury.

Buffalo will be the first trip of the free agent period for Shead, who Bob Condotta of The Seattle Times reports, has as many as six team potentially interested in signing him. Condotta also notes the Seahawks have made him an offer to remain in Seattle.

Overall, taking everything into account, there is no denying that signing the undrafted free agent would be a risk, especially if he isn’t ready for the start of the new season. However, given his play last year, combined with the Seahawks still having interest despite his uncertain status, it is a gamble the Bills’ front office should seriously consider.

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Taking all the available information into account, what’s your position regarding Shead? Do you think the Bills should sign him, or look elsewhere to address their need at cornerback? Share your thoughts in the comments section.