What do you all think it will cost to bring in Zach Brown? Would be a really nice addition if Miami can fit it in.
http://billswire.usatoday.com/2017/01/19/buffalo-bills-2017-nfl-free-agency-linebackers/
2017 NFL free agents: 5 linebackers Bills should pursue if Zach Brown walks
Both Brown and Alexander were late, bargain-bin free agent acquisitions, which goes to show that there are quality linebackers to be found throughout all stages of free agency.
Each player will become unrestricted free agents in March and will certainly command quite a bit more than the $1.85 million in combined salaries they earned in 2016. With roughly $30 million in 2017 salary cap space and over 20 unrestricted free agents for general manager Doug Whaley to make decisions on, the Bills may need to restock their linebacker corps again during the offseason.
Jelani Jenkins, Miami Dolphins
The Bills could pry an asset from their AFC East rival this offseason in Miami Dolphins linebacker Jelani Jenkins. Jenkins was a fourth-round pick by Miami in the 2013 NFL draft.
He’s an athletic outside linebacker who primarily played the weakside linebacker role throughout his tenure with the Dolphins. Jenkins showcased his talent in 2014 when he assembled the best season of his career, recording 110 tackles and 3.5 sacks.
Bills linebackers Preston Brown and Reggie Ragland are two very physical linebackers, but in McDermott’s defense, speed, range and coverage ability at the linebacker position is vital.
Both Brown and Ragland are listed at over 250-pounds and have displayed some deficiencies in coverage. With Brown and Ragland expressing deficiencies in coverage, Jenkins would be a great change-up at linebacker to deploy on passing downs.
In a division ruled by Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett, the demand for linebackers with a wide range in coverage is high, and although Jenkins has been inconsistent throughout his career, he’d be a welcoming addition to Buffalo’s linebacker core.
