Buffalo Bills: 3 free agent targets for the 2021 offseason

Buffalo Bills: Leonard Williams could be the solution for run defense

While both Watt and Barrett are solid at stopping the run, Leonard Williams is a straight-up gap clogger.

Traded from the New York Jets to the New York Giants midway through 2019, Williams excelled in his first full season in blue. He was a prominent part of a defensive resurgence that almost saw the G-Men squeak into the playoffs.

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Thus, free agency could not come at a better time for the USC product. Williams posted career highs in tackles for loss and quarterback hits last season. He also bested his career sack total, dropping opposing quarterbacks 11.5 times. Not bad for a guy known primarily for wrapping up running backs.

The Bills would be buying high, but Williams addresses a specific need for this team. Buffalo was regularly gashed on the ground last season, including in their Wild Card matchup where rookie Jonathan Taylor almost ran them out of the playoffs.

The advanced analytics folks at Pro Football Focus agree that Williams is a huge asset in stopping the run. He grades out in the 86th percentile in their run defense metric.

Now that he’s played for both of New Jersey’s two teams, it’s time for the only NFL team in New York to come calling.

Who should the Bills be looking to add in free agency? What position should be the priority? Let us know in the comments below.