Bills Trim Free Agent List

With the free agent signing period poised to begin on Friday (3/2), the Buffalo Bills on Wednesday continued the process of tying up their own free agents. However, some of the team's biggest contributors remain unsigned and will very likely hit the open market on Friday.

Two of the team's restricted free agents received tender offers, including defensive end Anthony Hargrove (pictured above right) and defensive tackle Tim Anderson. Both players now have the right to speak with other teams, but the Bills hold first-refusal rights on both players.

In addition, reserve running back Shaud Williams (who was also a restricted free agent) received a 2-year extension from the Bills. Williams made the team as an undrafted rookie in 2004 and has become a versatile player for the Bills, especially on special teams.

My Reaction: I love all three moves. In Hargrove's case, he was a key contributor on defense last year and his role will continue to expand next season. He might get some action from other teams, but the Bills are going to keep this guy around.

I'm not the biggest fan of Tim Anderson; I don't think he's going to be with the team when the regular season starts next season. He simply does not fit our defensive system. However, it was important for the Bills to tender him - as a former third round draft pick, if Anderson signs an offer sheet with another team, the Bills would receive a 3rd-rounder as compensation for the young defensive tackle.

As far as Williams goes, this was an important move. With so much being unsettled at running back for the Bills, Williams needed to be re-upped so that the team had at least one back familiar with the system. Willis McGahee is on the trading block and Anthony Thomas is an unrestricted free agent, so Williams may become more important to the team in 2007. He is a solid special teams contributor and has the ability to be a nice change-of-pace back.

What About the Rest of Them?
The Bills still have eight free agents that remain unsigned with a little over a day left before free agency begins. Topping the list are cornerback Nate Clements (right) and linebacker London Fletcher-Baker (left). Both defensive stalwarts are key leaders on a young defense, and both are likely to receive lucrative deals from other teams in the league.

The list also includes names of other key contributors. Anthony Thomas is one of them. He will likely be re-signed if the team moves McGahee. Offensive guard Mike Gandy is another - he was the leader of the offensive line last year, but may prove expendable as the team looks to improve their play up front. Cornerback Kiwaukee Thomas had a great '06 campaign as the Bills' nickel back, but may be seeking starters' money - and a starting gig - from an NFL team with a bit warmer climate.

Andre' Davis, Daimon Shelton and Jabari Greer round out the Bills' list of unsigned players. Davis and Greer comprised Buffalo's punt coverage gunner duo last year, and it's surprising that the team has allowed these players to remain unsigned, given their success at the position last year. Davis may see a few offers from other teams, but I expect him to be re-signed. Greer is the only remaining restricted free agent without an offer, and could be on his way out. Shelton has been a steady performer at fullback and on special teams, but ended the season on IR and is aging rapidly. I don't expect him to be back.

Who's Staying: Here's my guess - Anthony Thomas and Andre' Davis will be back, while Greer will receive a tender offer today. Thomas will be counted on to contribute heavily, and Davis and Greer are too good on special teams to let go. All three will come cheap.

Who's Going: Clements, Fletcher-Baker, Gandy, Kiwaukee Thomas and Daimon Shelton have numbered their days in Buffalo. Clements and Fletcher-Baker are two of the best free agents available and will prove too expensive for the Bills to re-sign. Thomas will get an offer from a team desperate for a starter, and he'll bolt for greener pastures. Shelton won't be retained, won't receive much interest and will likely retire. Gandy would be welcomed back to Buffalo with open arms, but is likely to receive some good offers once the likes of Kris Dielman and Eric Steinbach are off the board. Gandy is as good as gone.