Big decisions at key positions

When you look at the shape of the Bills roster heading into free agency, one thing becomes perfectly clear — there are very few positions that would not benefit from an upgrade.

- Mark Ludwiczak

But Buffalo is not in a position to go on a massive spending spree for that very reason. This is not a team in search of a quick fix; this is a team looking to rebuild the foundation under new head coach Sean McDermott.

Projections have the Bills with approximately $25 million in cap room heading into free agency. That should give Buffalo enough room to make a significant signing or two along with some lesser signings at a more modest price tag. That $25 million figure, of course, is before the potential release of Tyrod Taylor, which would save another $12 million or so. That’s a separate issue that I’ll touch on later.

Buffalo’s biggest free-agent decision involves Stephon Gilmore. Should the Bills make a push to keep their top cornerback in the fold? Is Gilmore worthy of top corner money?

It’s a difficult and complicated discussion. Gilmore has been a productive and important player for the Bills ever since being chosen 10th overall in 2012. He had one truly exceptional season — 2015 — and struggled for much of 2016 before rebounding late in the season.

(It’s worth noting: Were Gilmore’s problems last year largely the result of mixed signals and questionable coaching on defense? Reports after the season said that assistant head coach Rob Ryan overhauled Buffalo’s defense, which led to confusion and communication errors that plagued the secondary.)