Bills Bolster O-Line in a Big Way

Friday was one of the busiest days in recent memory at One Bills Drive. Three free agents came to visit, and - wait for it - ALL THREE SIGNED! How 'bout those small-market Bills?!

The Bills spent the opening day of free agency bolstering their shaky offensive line. Topping the list was former Redskins guard Derrick Dockery (top). Dockery had been widely regarded as one of the top free agent guards available and immediately gives the Bills a massive run-blocking presence at left guard next to emerging tackle Jason Peters. Dockery received a 7-year, $49 million deal - the same deal that current Viking Steve Hutchinson received last year.

Dockery reportedly was alone at the top of Buffalo's free agent list. He can now be considered the cream of Buffalo's free agent crop.

Langston Walker (middle) has agreed to terms with the Bills as well on a 5-year, $25 million deal. The mountain of a man (6'8", 345) spent the '06 season playing right tackle for the Raiders; however, he could be used at either tackle or guard in Buffalo. He is expected to compete for the right guard or right tackle position and could back up at either tackle spot as well.

In addition, Walker's immense height makes him a viable threat on kick block units on special teams. Not only did OL coach Jim McNally get a new toy to play with, so did special teams coach Bobby April. Walker played on one of the worst offensive lines in the league last year, but a change of scenery and a new position could help him develop into a solid starter in the league.

The first signing of the day came when the Bills added Vikings guard Jason Whittle (bottom). Entering his tenth year in the league, Whittle came to Buffalo to compete for a starting spot at right guard. Even if he's beaten out by Walker or Duke Preston, Whittle is a fantastic depth signing - he can play either guard spot and has played well at center in the past as well. He is also a veteran presence, which will help young guys such as Preston, Brad Butler and Terrance Pennington.

Here's how I see the Bills' starting line shaping up in 2007:
LT - Jason Peters (T. Pennington)
LG - Derrick Dockery (J. Whittle)
C - Melvin Fowler (J. Whittle)
RG - Jason Whittle (D. Preston)
RT - Langston Walker (B. Butler)

Nate Rips Off the Niners
Nate Clements is now the highest paid defender in NFL history, and will also be the biggest fan of this year's expanded salary cap. According to NFL Network's Adam Schefter, Clements has agreed to an 8-year, $80 million deal with $22 million in guaranteed money.

.... what?! Look, I know that a lot of people saw Clements as the top free agent available this season. I also realize that the salary cap expansion has left teams with a lot of money to throw around. But Clements is not even CLOSE to being worth that much money. Good luck, San Fran - you'll get three or four years out of your free agent prize, and then it's "Goodbye, Mr. 'You-Count-Fourteen-Million-Against-Our-Cap-In-2011".

More Updates Tomorrow
What's the latest on Takeo Spikes? How about Willis McGahee? Who will Buffalo bring in next as free agents - any updates that happen tomorrow, you'll read it here!