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The Buffalo Bills suffered a disappointing playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the Divisional Round. It was an overtime back-and-forth thriller, but they came up short.
The AFC is loaded with talent, and it will be hard to get over the hump. Free agency and the rest of the offseason will be crucial to separating them from the rest of the field.
While it won’t be easy to get past other teams, the Bills have a great core in place. They are led by superstar quarterback Josh Allen, who has continually gotten better every season. Allen threw for 4,407 yards along with 36 touchdowns and 15 interceptions.
He also rushed for 763 yards and six touchdowns. His impact is phenomenal, and he will be the lead for this group moving forward.
With that said, here are the three best players the Bills must target during 2022 NFL free agency.
Buffalo Bills Free Agency Targets
3. Running back/wide receiver Cordarrelle Patterson
Cordarrelle Patterson had a breakout campaign with the Atlanta Falcons as a versatile offensive weapon. He lined up in the backfield and at wide receiver, making him a tough cover.
Patterson finished the season with 618 rushing yards and six touchdowns. In the passing game, he had 52 receptions for 548 yards and five touchdowns. Patterson’s versatility would make him an elite offensive threat for Allen and the Bills’ offense.
Their offense is already potent, with a great connection between Allen and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. However, their run game has been a weakness at times. Devin Singletary and Zack Moss have been inconsistent, which makes bringing in the veteran a ton of sense.
Multiple teams will likely be interested in him, but Buffalo should make a strong offer.
2. Tight end Rob Gronkowski
Rob Gronkowski is one of the best tight ends and the market and would be a perfect fit. Gronkowski has plenty of championship experience, and with Tom Brady retiring, he could move on to a different team.
Joining the Bills would be a logical choice for the 32-year old, as he could compete for more Super Bowl titles.
Gronkowski had a good season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, catching 52 passes for 802 yards and six touchdowns. While Buffalo has a great young tight end in Dawson Knox, they could create a top-tier two tight end set by signing Gronkowski.
His playoff experience and being a red-zone threat would help the Bills’ offense reach the next level.
1. Cornerback Rasul Douglas
One of the biggest needs for the Bills to address is cornerback. In a loaded AFC with multiple high-level offenses, adding another reliable option would be vital.
Rasul Douglas was a crucial signing for the Green Bay Packers last season, as he emerged as a great cornerback. Although he doesn’t have the name recognition of a star, he is a true playmaker on the defensive end. Last season, Douglas had five interceptions, including two pick-sixes.
The Bills have a top-tier corner in Tre’Davious White but could use a reliable second corner. All of the top contenders in the AFC have great offensive units, which makes defense an even bigger priority. The Chiefs exploited Buffalo’s defense with passes from Patrick Mahomes to Tyreek Hill and Travis Kelce.
Cincinnati represented the AFC in the Super Bowl last season behind Joe Burrow’s play with a trio of good receivers. Douglas will be hard for Green Bay to retain, and Buffalo should give him a contract offer.
The Bills have some decisions to make as free agency is coming up, and it will set the course for their success next season.