Buffalo Bills attempting to move into top 10 of draft
By Paul Taylor
As the Buffalo Bills continue their search for a franchise quarterback, they are reportedly gauging interest around the NFL to try and move up in this year’s draft.
We’ve discussed previously about what a polarizing figure Tyrod Taylor is among Buffalo Bills supporters and probably football fans in general. It is fascinating to read and listen to the range of opinions.
To some, Taylor is the underrated, duel-threat talent who finally helped the Bills end the longest standing playoff drought in the NFL. To others, he’s an inconsistent player, who will never have what it takes to be a franchise quarterback.
Of course, all that really matters is what the team think about the 2015 Pro Bowler. We recently wrote about how we believe he is all but gone from Buffalo.
Even Ian Rapoport’s NFL Network report that the Bills will pay Taylor a $6 million roster bonus which is due on Mar. 16, doesn’t change this opinion. This move is more about not determining his future until a replacement has been found.
In that respect, some intriguing news emerged during the week about what the Bills are attempting to do, to resolve the issue. As reported by WGR 550, Brandon Beane and company are gauging interest to see if they can move into the top 10 of this year’s draft.
The speculation was shared by Denver radio host Benjamin Allbright, during an appearance on the Howard Simon Show. Allbright said:
"“They’re doing the smart thing. I’m not saying that there’s a deal imminent, as some people seem to suggest, but they are taking the appropriate measures to try and get up into the top-10, and they would presumably be after a quarterback.”"
Certainly, this move would make a lot of sense, if the Bills truly believe they can find their franchise quarterback. Sam Darnold, Josh Allen and Josh Rosen are all projected to go in the top 10, with the possibility of Baker Mayfield joining that group.
As things stand, the Bill hold the 21st and 22nd pick in this year’s draft. However, even two first round picks will arguably not be enough for a team in the top 10 to consider swapping places with them.
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It’s conceivable Beane could add Taylor to any deal, to get rid of his $18.08 cap hit for 2018. Of course, whether a team would be open to this is another matter altogether.
If not Taylor, you imagine any team in the top 10 would still like a quality player to go along with the Bills’ two first round picks. Another possibility is Cordy Glenn.
It’s not that the Bills don’t rate the left tackle. As reported by Sam Robinson of Pro Football Rumors, this is about Glenn’s inability to remain healthy, only starting 16 games during the two previous seasons.
Of course, that durability issue could also put off any prospective trade partners, regardless of his talent. The three years and $23 million remaining on his current contract would also play a factor.
We could make an argument that the Buffalo Bills should give Taylor more time, but appreciate he has already spent three years with the team. It will be interesting to see how this all plays out in the coming weeks/months.
Next: Will Preston Brown return to Buffalo next season?
What would you do in the Bills’ position? Would you give Taylor another season, or are you ready to move on? And if it’s the latter, what would you give up to secure a place in the top 10 of this year’s draft? Share your thoughts in the comments section below.