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under:NewsNotesBills Links Youth Doug Flutie Jerseys , 6/8: Kevin Johnson making an early impression at cornerbackNew,5commentsThe free-agent signing is looking to earn a starting spot
in BuffaloEDTShareTweetShareShareBills Links, 6/8: Kevin Johnson making an early
impression at cornerbackPhoto by Jonathan Daniel/Getty ImagesToday’s edition of
Bills links is headlined by a feature on cornerback Kevin Johnson, formerly of
the Houston Texans. The team at Cover 1 has provided an excellent analysis of
Johnson, and the early impression he has made on the coaches for the Buffalo
Bills. You can find more on Johnson below along with updates on LeSean McCoy,
the defensive line, Josh Allen and much more.Buffalo Bills CB Kevin Johnson
impressing Sean McDermott early in OTAs - Cover 1 The Buffalo Bills’ newly
signed CB Kevin Johnson is making a strong impression on head coach Sean
McDermott early in OTAs, as the former first-round draft pick has 'gotten his
hands on a lot of balls' as he competes for the No. 2 CB role opposite
Tre'Davious White.On McCoy, the Bills' actions speak louder than words | WGR 550
SportsRadio“A crowded running back group raises some questions about the future
of LeSean McCoy.”Footwork and new philosophy could push Josh Allen in Year 2 –
The Buffalo NewsThe young quarterback’s attitude is positive and
refreshing—perhaps a reason why so many Bills fans have taken to him.Sal's AFC
East position battles: Wide receiver | WGR 550 SportsRadio“Which team has the
best group of wideouts?”Sights and Sounds: Defensive Linemen -
BuffaloBills.com“Take a look and listen to how the defensive line is putting in
the work during the last week of OTA's.”General manager Gaine fired by Houston
Texans | WGR 550 SportsRadio“Brian Gaine formerly served as VP of player
personnel for the Buffalo Bills.”Featured on Buffalo Rumblings2019 Buffalo Bills
scouting report: defensive end Eddie Yarbrough - Buffalo RumblingsThe fourth man
in the rotation for the past two years will need to hold off some strong
challengers this offseasonBuffalo Bills QB Josh Allen gets the biggest stage in
football to prove detractors wrong - Buffalo RumblingsIt’s revenge week at SB
Nation’s NFL blogs. Josh Allen can grab some on the biggest stage in
November.Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots: Could this Week 16 game be
televised nationally? - Buffalo RumblingsWhen the Bills travel to Foxboro to
play the Patriots, the game is a candidate to get flexed to a national
audience.Revenge Week: 2019 Buffalo Bills key to retaining franchise’s proud
Super Bowl legacy - Buffalo RumblingsEven though the Super Bowl-era Bills never
won the big game, they remain history’s only franchise to appear in four
straight championships.NFL.com: EJ Manuel is Buffalo Bills’ biggest QB mistake -
Buffalo RumblingsThe website considers the 2013 sixteenth-overall pick to be the
team’s worst quarterback since 1967.Bills Links, 6/7: The focus remains on the
offensive line for Buffalo - Buffalo RumblingsThere are multiple articles on the
o-line in today’s links. The Buffalo Bills have a big decision coming up
regarding one of their most-talented and most-recognizable players. Running back
LeSean McCoy, who is sixth in franchise history with 3,814 rushing yards as a
member of the Bills, is due to make $9.625 million in 2019. When the regular
season begins, he will be 31 years old—and coming off the worst season of his
NFL career. McCoy set career-lows in rushing yards (514) and yards-per-attempt
(3.2). He had his lowest touchdown output (3) since 2012. The veteran struggled
mightily in 2018.During the National Championship Game, McCoy openly opined for
a better offensive line, potentially indicating that he feels his struggles were
not caused by his own shortcomings. Part of this very well may be true, as the
Bills’ offensive line was awful during the 2018 season. However, even when McCoy
seemed to have lanes, he struggled to gain yards consistently. Plays that he
turned into long runs last year were two-yard gains this year—or
worse Doug Flutie Jerseys Stitched , they were instead losses. Also, all three of Buffalo’s other running backs (Chris Ivory, Marcus Murphy, and Keith Ford) averaged more
yards per rush this season than McCoy did, all while playing behind the same
poor offensive line.If the Bills were to cut McCoy, it would presumably be to
ensure that the team has younger, less-expensive talent with greater upside than
a 31-year old McCoy gives them. While the free-agent market is rarely the place
to acquire less-expensive talent, a crowded free-agent market at the halfback
position gives hope that the team can do just that. There are multiple players
who offer a skill set that could help the Bills, and most of those players could
be had at far less money per year than McCoy.For a complete list of free agent
running backs, visit Spotrac. I’ve narrowed the list down to the running backs
that I’d most like to see the Bills pursue; however, if you see another name on
the linked list, feel free to make the case for that player in the comments
section below.T.J. YeldonThe former Jacksonville Jaguars running back, who
doesn’t turn 26 until October, seemed entirely disinterested in the
regular-season finale, prompting team executive vice president Tom Coughlin to
scold him publicly in the game’s immediate aftermath. While that might not seem
to be a glowing endorsement, Yeldon was quite productive this season filling in
for Leonard Fournette. Yeldon rushed for 414 yards and one touchdown, and caught
55 passes for 487 yards and four touchdowns. He averaged four yards per rush
this year, and he has averaged 4.4 yards per tote over the last two seasons
combined; Fournette, on the other hand, has averaged 3.7 yards per carry in the
same span. Yeldon has struggled to stay healthy in the past, but if he is used
as part of a backfield-by-committee Youth Jim Kelly Jerseys , he has the speed, the receiving ability, and the rushing ability to serve as an immediate upgrade over the 2018 version of McCoy.Tevin
ColemanIf Buffalo wants to make a slightly bigger splash, they can splurge a bit
on Coleman, who has been the lightning in the Atlanta Falcons backfield to
Devonta Freeman’s thunder over the past few seasons. Coleman is also 25 (he
turns 26 in April), and he had a very good year serving as the starter while
Freeman was injured. Coleman set career highs in carries (167), yards (800),
yards per carry (4.8), receptions (32), and receiving touchdowns (f); he also
ran for four touchdowns and totaled 276 receiving yards. Spotrac pins his
approximate yearly value at $5 million per season, and if you factor in the
$2.625 million McCoy will count against the cap if he’s cut, the total cap
number for both players is still less than McCoy’s individual cap number for the
2019 season if he remains. Coleman is an ultra-talented player who has never had
the chance to be “the guy” in an offensive backfield. Buffalo could give him
that chance next season, and it would be an upgrade over McCoy.Mark IngramI know
what you’re thinking—if part of the reason Buffalo should move on from a
soon-to-be-31-year old McCoy is his age, why would they sign a running back in
free agency who turns 30 next season? Well, he is a “young” 29, as his birthday
just passed in December. Also, Ingram has less wear and tear than most running
backs of his age when they hit the open market. He only has 1,321 career carries
to go with 228 receptions. through his age-29 season, McCoy had 2,185 carries
and 441 receptions. Ingram has 1,549 touches in his career—just over 50% of
McCoy’s career total through his age-29 season. Ingram was suspended for the
first four games of last season due to a positive PED test Jim Kelly Jerseys Stitched , and he was still far more productive than McCoy, albeit in a much different (and much better) offense. If Ingram wants a chance to be a
lead back, outside of the shadow of his younger teammate Alvin Kamara, a
two-year deal for $8-$10 million could be worthwhile for both Buffalo and
Ingram. Mike DavisThe former fourth-round draft choice by the San Francisco
49ers had his most productive NFL season in 2018 as a member of the Seattle
Seahawks. Davis ran 112 times for 514 yards (4.6 YPC) and four touchdowns.
Seattle was the number-one rushing team in the league, and they had three
running backs surpass the 470-yard mark, all of whom were 25 years old or
younger. Davis is the eldest of the trio, and he is the only one not under
contract for next season. While he has never had the chance to be “the guy,”
this is another opportunity to grab a talented player from a time-share at the
fraction of the cost of Buffalo’s current offensive backfield. Davis is also a
capable receiver, as he caught 34 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown this
year.Le’Veon BellHow could we discuss running backs without the most talented
one on the market? The negatives here are obvious—Bell hasn’t played football in
over a year, and he is looking to make more money than any running back in NFL
history with his next contract. If the Bills are looking to save cash, then this
isn’t the route to take. However, Bell’s talent is undeniable. In the three
seasons where Bell has played all 16 games, he has rushed for at least 1,200
yards, caught at least 75 passes, averaged at least fpur yards per rush, and
scored at least nine total touchdowns each time. Buffalo should kick the tires
here, and ultimately, they probably should pass...but man, it sure is
tempting.Jay AjayiSpeaking of kicking the tires and taking risks, signing Ajayi
represents an opportunity to buy low on a supremely talented player coming off
an injury. Ajayi suffered an ACL tear in Week 5 Youth O. J. Simpson Jerseys , but he had rushed 45 times for 184 yards and three touchdowns to that point in the year. Ajayi’s effort waned at times when he
played for the Miami Dolphins, but he seemed to turn the corner after being
traded. If he is the kind of player motivated by adversity and doubt, then
rehabbing an injury could be the catalyst for another big jump. Spotrac places
his market value at $3.6 million annually, which could be a steal if he is able
to bounce back next year.Other Players to ConsiderJalen RichardPeyton BarberAlex
CollinsAll three are restricted free agents, meaning that their teams will have
right of first refusal on any contract offer (provided that they offer the
players a tender). Given that two of three (Barber and Richard) were undrafted
as rookies, they will probably receive at least the original-round tender.
Collins was drafted in the fifth round when he entered the league, so Buffalo
would have to forfeit a pick in the fifth round if the Bills were allowed to
sign him. All three players may be worth a look, given their youth (all are
entering their age-26 season) and ability level.Latavius MurrayJavorius AllenTy
MontgomeryThree slightly underwhelming veteran options could serve as a solid
pairing for a rookie. Murray has outstanding athletic ability, but it hasn’t
turned into consistent success in games. He still outproduced McCoy this year
(140/578/6; 4.1 YPC), and he will turn 29 this month. Allen was surpassed by
multiple running backs on the depth chart while with the Baltimore Ravens, but
he has been both a reliable short-yardage back and receiving back during his
time with the team. He turns 28 in August, and he could be viewed as a younger,
cheaper version of Chris Ivory. Montgomery offers fantastic versatility, as he
can line up as a running back or wide receiver, which would give offensive
coordinator Brian Daboll excellent flexibility with his personnel groupings. As
a runner, however, Montgomery is not an upgrade to McCoy. He will only be 26
years old heading into next season, though, and he has shown flashes of
greatness in the past.