1. Extension for Josh Allen possible despite restrictive salary cap
If the COVID-induced salary cap for 2021 remains at $175 million, the Bills and every other team in the NFL will have some tough decisions to make regarding their rosters as just about every NFL club was projecting the cap to be between $210 to $215 million before the world was overcome by the coronavirus pandemic and league revenues took a sizable hit.
After a season that vaulted Josh Allen into the league MVP conversation, the subject of a contract extension for Buffalo's quarterback has been suggested by outside observers. While there's no doubt that the Bills have plans to lock up their franchise QB long term in the near future, with a restrictive cap and many other considerations this offseason concerning the Bills roster, it's a wonder if Buffalo can make such a financial commitment right now.
When asked if a contract extension for Josh Allen could be executed this offseason despite a restrictive cap, GM Brandon Beane believes it is possible.
"I think we can make something fit," Beane said in an appearance on WGR Sportsradio 550 Thursday. "Without getting into how we would do it, we could make it fit. There are ways that we can do it. We'll have to be creative with it for sure based on our current cap situation, but I definitely think it could be done."
Allen is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2021. The Bills do have a fifth-year option, which would extend the quarterback's contract an additional year. The league deadline on exercising a fifth-year option is May 3rd.
2. Stefon Diggs flirts with league history
By now most Bills fans know that Stefon Diggs set single-season franchise records for receptions and receiving yards for Buffalo this past season. His reception and receiving yard total also led the league this year.
What you may not know is Diggs came close to setting a league record for most receptions in a season counting the regular season and the playoffs together.
In 2019, New Orleans WR Michael Thomas set the league record for most receptions (regular season and playoffs) with a total of 156.
Diggs, who had 127 alone in the regular season, had 14 receptions through the first two rounds of the playoffs and added another six in the AFC title game to finish with 20. The combined total of 147 came just nine receptions short of tying the record set by Thomas a season ago.
Buffalo's top wideout is now tied with Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison, who had 147 receptions in the regular season and playoffs back in 2002.
Antonio Brown (2015 – 143 receptions) and Wes Welker (2011 – 141) round out the all-time top five in total receptions in a year counting playoffs.
3. Beane laments Frazier being passed over
Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier appeared to be a finalist for the Houston Texans head coaching job as he was invited to Houston for a second interview in person a day after Buffalo lost the AFC Championship game to Kansas City.
But on Thursday, the Texans formally announced that David Culley would be named as their new head coach. Culley, who was a former quarterbacks coach for the Bills under Sean McDermott (2017-2018), became the oldest first-time head coach in league history at age 65.
Bills GM Brandon Beane however, felt bad for Buffalo's Assistant head coach and defensive coordinator getting passed over for the position.
"That Leslie Frazier got passed over is a shame," said Beane. "I know a lot of people talk about Eric Bieniemy and I'm sure he's going to be a really good coach, but I'd put Leslie Frazier up against most any of them and really shocked that he didn't get that Houston job when he went back for the second interview.
"So I'm not sure what they were looking for but we're excited to get Leslie back, it's a win for the Buffalo Bills to get him back, but at the same time I feel bad for him I think he's earned that right. He's done a great job for four years and to see him get passed over it's hard because I know how bad he wanted the opportunity. But he'll come back, he's such a pro. He'll get dialed back in and he'll be ready to get us going here and '21."
