Buffalo Bills sign Bodine and Newhouse to shore up offensive line
By James Reeve
The Buffalo Bills have added free agents Russell Bodine and Marshall Newhouse to improve the overall depth and competition along their offensive line.
The Buffalo Bills have taken steps to bolster the strength of their offensive line. Russell Bodine, previously with the Cincinnati Bengals, will come in and compete with Ryan Groy for the team’s starting center position.
The need for Bodine came after long-time starter Eric Wood suffered a career-ending neck injury that wasn’t discovered until his end of season physical, forcing him into an early retirement.
According to Pro Football Focus, Bodine ranked as the 25th-best center in the NFL last season, whilst the outgoing Wood was 15th overall.
Per NFL insider Ian Rapoport, the Bills have signed Bodine to a two-year deal, with him now a direct competitor with Groy:
Bodine got a 2-year deal for $5M... He turned down a long-term deal from Cincy with low guarantees, opting for a deal he believes is best for his future https://t.co/8UWCmRPSSm
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 20, 2018
Whoever is under center for the Bills next season, be it Groy or Bodine, will be a slight drop from Wood, but will likely just be a stop-gap until the team can address it down the road.
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The Bills didn’t stop there, however, signing former Oakland Raiders, New York Giants and Green Bay Packers right tackle Marshall Newhouse, who is expected to compete for the Bills’ starting role – or at least operate as a swing tackle.
Newhouse, a former fifth round (169th overall) draft pick for the Packers in 2010, adds a big body who will provide extra cover and depth whilst also having plenty of starting experience in the NFL.
Last season, he started all 14 games he played for the Oakland Raiders.
According to Pro Football Focus, Newhouse was the 65th-best tackle in the league last season, while current starter Jordan Mills ranked 43rd.
The 29-year-old Newhouse has been signed to just a one-year deal with the club, giving them some insurance along the offensive line as it looks to make the playoffs once again this coming season.
Next: Is Kenny Vaccaro worth a look for the Bills?
Bills fans, are you happy with the free agent additions the team has made so far this offseason? Where else should the team strengthen? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!