A Quick Look to the Future

Before we dive head-first into the Bills' matchup with the surging Tennessee Titans (a full preview will be up Saturday), let's quickly cover a topic that has had its fair share of coverage in Buffalo for the past decade: the future.

The matchup with Tennessee could be the last game played in Ralph Wilson Stadium for a host of current Bills. Buffalo has a long list of free agents heading into the off-season, ranging from three defensive starters to a host of fantastic role players. For a team that is improving but still has a long ways to go, this off-season will be just as important as last off-season.

Here is the list of Buffalo's fifteen free agents that the team must make decisions on in the coming months:

Unrestricted Free Agents

- CB Nate Clements: Nate is tied with fellow free-agent-to-be London Fletcher-Baker for the team lead in interceptions with 3. Not only that, Clements has been successful in shutting down some of the most successful wideouts in the league - his best performance coming in Indianapolis, where he held Marvin Harrison to 2 catches for 17 yards. Clements is certain to generate big interest from clubs around the league and is one of the biggest names on the free agent market this year. There is a slim chance that he will return to Buffalo unless he is willing to take a slight pay cut to stay with the team. If he leaves, however, a huge hole would be created in Buffalo's secondary.

- LB London Fletcher-Baker: London, simply put, has been one of the NFL's best linebackers this season. For a full prognosis on London's fantastic year, see his snub post from yesterday. There have been whispers already that owner Ralph Wilson - one of London's biggest fans - has requested that Fletcher-Baker be re-signed. At age 31, he presents a slight risk, as he only has about three or four good years left in the tank. But his leadership has been an invaluable asset to a young Bills defense, and his departure would be a huge blow to this unit's growth.

- K Rian Lindell: Often overlooked is the free agent status of kicker Rian Lindell. He doesn't get much press coverage working on the same team as Brian Moorman, but Lindell has been very successful for the Bills. He has made 90 percent of his field goals this season (18-20), including a last-second game-winner against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Don't be surprised if the Bills re-sign Lindell before he can leave; consistent kickers are very hard to come by in this league.

- DE Chris Kelsay: (Pictured above, left) This very likely will be Kelsay's last home game in a Bills uniform. The Bills have millions of dollars tied up in Aaron Schobel; they re-signed Ryan Denney to a four-year deal last off-season; and they dealt for end Anthony Hargrove in the middle of the season, who is capable of filling in Kelsay's left end role rather easily. This spells doom for Kelsay, who likely will get a solid contract as a defensive end for another team. But it is unlikely he will return next season.

- LG Mike Gandy: Ever since he was moved inside to left guard, Gandy and left tackle Jason Peters have been fairly dominant on the left side of the line. A natural guard, Gandy has made a smooth transition to the inside. Quarterback J.P. Losman has referred to Gandy as the leader of the offensive line, so his departure could be a bad thing for a young Bills team. Ultimately, the coaching staff may want to promote continuity along the offensive front; Gandy is likely to be re-signed and re-claim his left guard role for next season.

- CB Kiwaukee Thomas: Signed to a one-year deal this past off-season, Thomas has been a steady contributor at nickel cornerback this season. Unfortunately, his one season in Buffalo may be all she wrote; the Bills have a young cornerback in Ashton Youboty who will likely be seeing more playing time next season.

- SS Coy Wire: A versatile depth player, Wire has been a great special teams ace and a valuable asset to the depth of the Bills' defense. He has played a valuable role as a reserve linebacker this season, something that he hadn't done since college. With a shift in linebackers likely to come this off-season, Wire could stick around at that position for next season.

- RB Anthony Thomas: Thomas has become a fan favorite in Buffalo, filling in admirably for the rather fickle Willis McGahee. Thomas is only averaging 3.5 yards per carry, but has been outstanding in blitz pickup and has settled into a third-down back role. He may not be back next season, but he is definitely a favorite of his teammates, the coaching staff and many Bills fans.

- WR Andre' Davis: Davis has had little impact at wide receiver. However, his special teams prowess could land him a new contract with the Bills this off-season. Davis has been especially lethal on punt coverage, where his veteran savvy and blazing speed have made him a terror to block. Brian Moorman loves having this guy as one of his gunners.

- FB Daimon Shelton: An underrated fullback, Shelton has been a steady run blocker for Willis McGahee for a few years now. He is a favorite of Dick Jauron's as well. He may be willing to re-sign in Buffalo for a year or two; he has been a solid performer on special teams as well.

Restricted Free Agents

- DE Anthony Hargrove: He has been a great mid-season addition for the Bills. He brings athleticism, versatility and energy to a Bills defensive line that is often overmatched in terms of size. With the ability to play both end spots, Hargrove could get a long-term deal to replace free agent Chris Kelsay at left end for next season.

- CB Jabari Greer: Like Andre' Davis, Greer has carved out a niche on the Bills as a lethal punt coverage man. He and Davis have been key parts of Brian Moorman's career season. He won't be going anywhere; don't be surprised if he sees more time in the defense as well.

- DT Tim Anderson: If he gets an offer from another team, don't be shocked if the Bills let him walk. The team has Larry Tripplett and has big plans for rookies Kyle Williams and John McCargo. Defensive line help also is likely to be an area of focus for the Bills in the off-season, meaning that Anderson's time in Buffalo could be running short.

- RB Shaud Williams: His role in Buffalo has greatly diminished with the arrival of the A-Train. He is often scratched from game-day lineups, and his role has been predominantly on special teams. If he gets an offer from another team, he is almost assuredly gone. He will likely be re-signed if he generates no interest.

Exclusive Rights Free Agents

- RG Duke Preston: Preston has played well next to rookie Terrance Pennington on the right side. Even if Chris Villarrial returns for another season, his versatility as a backup almost certainly means he'll be a Bill next season. He could even get a contract extension if he has a strong enough 2007 campaign.