The Buffalo Bills have been one of the more active teams when it comes to addressing some areas of their roster before the official start of free agency.

The legal tampering period starts on Monday and teams can officially sign players on Wednesday - that is as long as plans stay in place with the recent coronavirus pandemic.

Buffalo agreed to terms on a one-year deal with free agent cornerback Josh Norman on March 9 and NYUP.com was first to report the team’s plan to re-sign guard Quinton Spain on March 12.

Spain’s signing is an important one because it likely means the Bills are out of the high-end offensive line free agent market. If you notice below, most of the high-profile offensive linemen no longer appear on the target list. Spain’s re-signing indicates a high level of confidence by the team in Spain’s ability at left guard and Cody Ford’s potential on the outside at right tackle. That doesn’t mean the Bills still won’t look to add on the offensive line, but a big time signing is probably less likely. Oh, but there’s still one target in the Top 10 that makes sense.

After those two deals and the team’s restructuring of tight end Tyler Kroft’s deal to eliminate the third year and bring this year’s number down, the Bills currently have about $78 million in cap space, per Spotrac.com.

The two positions the Bills are likely to target in free agency are edge rusher and wide receiver. There are plenty of options below, including some linebackers that could be candidates to replace Lorenzo Alexander.

Some notable names like Yannick Ngakoue and Matt Judon have been removed from the list after they were franchise tagged by their team.

Listen to NYUP.com’s Matt Parrino on WGR 550 as he breaks down some of the big questions surrounding the start of free agency w/ host Nate Geary.

1. Everson Griffin, DE, Minnesota Vikings

AGE: 32

When Everson Griffin was terrorizing quarterbacks in 2017 en route to a career-high 13 sacks, he was one of the elite pass rushers in the game. His last two seasons haven’t been as good but there are some contributing factors. He dealt with a mental health issue early in 2018 and returned in 2019 to start 15 games for a Minnesota defense that underperformed. The contract is probably going to be reasonable considering Griffen’s age and drop off in production. Well, a drop off in sack numbers. He still had 24 pressures which ranked 11th in the NFL. Early reports were that Minnesota was keen on bringing him back but recent reports indicate he may be testing the market. The Bills could sign him and cut Trent Murphy loose to save roughly $9 million. The Bills have Jerry Hughes returning and he’ll likely be healthy next season. Plus on the inside they have Ed Oliver who will be able to build on some big moments from his rookie season. Griffin just seems like the biggest impact free agent possible for the Bills. There’s also the option of restructuring Murphy’s deal to keep him as part of the mix should the Bills not retain Shaq Lawson.

2. Christian Kirksey, LB, Cleveland Browns

AGE: 27

Kirksey has become the apple of Bills Mafia’s eye the past week ever since Cleveland let him go. He played college ball at Iowa with Bills safety Micah Hyde and safety Jordan Poyer played with him in Cleveland. He could be the perfect replacement for Lorenzo Alexander. Kirksey’s ability to cover, rush the passer and play multiple positions make him an ideal fit for Buffalo’s defense. He’s only played nine games the past two seasons so he likely won’t be commanding a big multi-year deal. The Bills can bring him in on a cost-effective deal and help him figure things out when it comes to staying on the field.

3. D.J. Reader, DT, Houston Texans

AGE: 25

Aaron Wilson from The Houston Chronicle reported earlier this month that the Bills are one of three teams high on Reader. It makes sense after what the interior defensive lineman was able to do against Buffalo’s o-line in the playoff game. Reader could replace Jordan Phillips, who’s expected to command the kind of dollars on the open market to price him out of Buffalo. Reader is a beast against the run and could create quite the dynamic pairing with Oliver in the middle of the defense.

4. Breshad Perriman, WR, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AGE: 26

Talk about a breakout season. Actually it was really only a month when Tampa Bay’s Breshad Perriman had his coming out party. Mike Evans and Chris Godwin were out with injury and Perriman performed like a legit No. 1 receiver in their absence. No free agent receiver with at least 20 catches last season averaged more yards per reception then Perriman (17.9). Green and Cooper would be higher if they were more attainable, but both are expected to either be re-signed or tagged in Cincinnati and Dallas. Perriman would be quite the consolation prize. If Perriman doesn’t want to come to Buffalo, a nice backup option could be Minnesota’s Laquon Treadwell on a super cheap deal.

5. A.J. Green, WR, Cincinnati Bengals

AGE: 32

It seems like A.J. Green has been connected to the Bills for years, or at least he’s been a fan favorite target for years while wasting away in Cincinnati. He didn’t play a snap in 2019 while dealing with a foot injury and that’s the rub with Green: if a team signs him can he stay healthy? He’s played all 16 games just one season out of the last four. He’ll likely come at a much more affordable price tag than Amari Cooper and for half the years. Under the right circumstances (a two year deal around $19 million that has an out after a season) he could be the ideal fit for the Bills, who can then turn around and still attack the position in the draft. When healthy Green is a bonafide No. 1 receiver with six seasons of 1,000 yards or more and three seasons with double digit touchdowns. The Bengals are likely to tag Green before he has the chance to hit the market. The Bengals want all weapons available for expected No. 1 overall pick Joe Burrow.

6. Shaq Lawson, DE, Buffalo Bills

AGE: 25

Bills defensive end Shaq Lawson had the best year of his career and it came in a contract year, making him an interesting option on the free agent market. He had 6.5 sacks and was the Bills’ best run defender on the edge. Of the Bills’ big three free agents, Lawson makes the most sense to bring back. Losing his juice and production in both areas of the game would be a blow unless the Bills can replace him with a big time pass rusher. Lawson should stay under eight figures per season, where his teammate Jordan Phillips may get reach that number on the market. Lawson has posted several times over the past week in the lead up to free agency. His latest post seemed to indicate that he’s working toward a deal to return to Buffalo. It may also just have been a nice goodbye. We’ll see.

7. Brian Bulaga, RT, Green Bay Packers

AGE: 31

Brian Bulaga actually started 16 games for the first time since 2016 this year but he was banged up in the playoffs. He missed the Packers’ Divisional Round win vs. Seattle but was able to return for the Conference Title game. Bulaga has been a fixture in Green Bay and probably isn’t leaving but if he hits the market the Bills are going to love his veteran leadership and what he’ll bring to the room. Plus he’d be an upgrade at right tackle.

8. Robert Quinn, DE, Dallas Cowboys

AGE: 29

Robert Quinn turned in his best season in a while, totaling 11.5 sacks with the Cowboys. He hadn’t gone over 10 in a season in four years and now stands to get rewarded. He’ll be one of the more affordable pass rushers available at around $11-$12 million annual salary and the Bills need pass rushers. Quinn is at the top of the list when it comes to finding edge rushers if the Bills don’t re-sign Lawson.

9. Jason Pierre-Paul, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AGE: 31

Tampa Bay apparently wants to bring back pass rusher Jason Pierre-Paul, but if the two sides can’t work out a deal he may be a player the Bills can look at for additional help on the edge. He posted 8.5 sacks in just 10 games in 2019 and continues to be a force against opposing passers.

10. Linval Joseph, DT, Minnesota Vikings

AGE: 31

The Vikings released Joseph to get some cap relief right before the start of free agency. The 10-year veteran will turn 32 during the 2020 season and probably isn’t a longterm solution for a team looking to upgrade at the interior of their defensive line. But considering Joseph’s drop off in snaps last season (he played 51 percent after posting 70, 67, and 64 percent the previous three seasons), he’ll be a nice rotational piece if the price is right. He brings pocket crushing pressure and push and both would be a nice add for the Bills, especially considering they’re likely to lose Jordan Phillips.

11. Demarcus Robinson, WR, Kansas City Chiefs

AGE: 25

If you haven’t heard much about Kansas City’s Demarcus Robinson it’s because he’s stuck behind a pair of No. 1-caliber receivers: Tyreek Hill and Sammy Watkins. When Hill was out earlier this season Robinson made some noise and has turned in a nice season ahead of becoming a free agent. He caught 32 passes for 449 yards and four touchdowns. The Bills are going to have some options if they choose to target receivers in the second and third tier. Robinson could be an interesting addition if they don’t get one of the top three pass catchers.

12. Mario Addison, DE, Carolina Panthers

AGE: 32

While Addison is no spring chicken, he gets it done on the field when he’s rushing the passer. He’s posted at least nine sacks per season the last four years and he’ll likely be in a more affordable tier of edge rusher than the four listed above. He’s played more than 65 percent of the snaps the past three seasons and could see his production spike even more if he could turn it up at around 50 percent of the snaps in Bills coach Sean McDermott’s defense.

13. Daryl Williams, T, Carolina Panthers

AGE: 28

The Bills seemed linked to Daryl Williams during the free agent process last offseason and after some struggles at right tackle in 2019 it may be time to revisit a potential arrangement with Williams. He started 12 games for the Panthers last season and could come at an affordable rate compared to some of the other tackles on the market. He’s had injury concerns over the course of his career but the Bills seem to like to take players in that situation.

14. Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys

AGE: 25

Amari Cooper sits at No. 14 because it’s a bit of a pipe dream that A) He’d become available considering the Cowboys traded a first round pick to the Raiders to acquire him, and B) The Bills would be willing to shell out the cash. He’s going to get around $20 million per season and, while he’s a talented receiver, that’s a high price to pay for a receiver who’s never caught more than 83 passes in a season and who’s never registered double digit touchdowns. With a receiver class that’s as deep at the 2020 draft class is, wisdom suggests passing on a big contract in free agency and looking at a more affordable deal and targeting a playmaker or two in the draft. Cooper isn’t expected to hit the market but, for now, he’s scheduled to be a free agent. He’s too good not to have on this list.

15. Tajae Sharpe, WR, Tennessee Titans

AGE: 25

At 6-foot-2 and with 4.55 speed, Tajae Sharp would bring some size and speed with him to Buffalo. He’s another one of the second tier receivers that could be an under the radar gem for the Bills. Sharpe didn’t have a ton of opportunities in Tennessee this season behind rookie breakout star A.J. Brown and holdover Corey Davis. He finished with 25 catches for 329 yards and a career high four touchdowns.

16. Jadeveon Clowney, EDGE, Seattle Seahawks

AGE: 27

It’s amazing, for as good of a pass rusher as Jadeveon Clowney is and has been in his career, he’s never recorded double digit sacks in a season. He played 13 games in Seattle after getting traded from Houston and had just three last season. The Bills probably aren’t going to pay a free agent pass rusher $20-plus million, and Clowney is in line for that kind of pay day. But he would drastically change the dynamic of the Bills’ line.

17. Matt Breida, RB, San Francisco 49ers (RFA)

AGE: 24

San Francisco 49ers running back Matt Breida flashed all his talent in 2019 but a penchant for coughing up the football could have him on the outside looking in to a crowded backfield. Raheem Mostert has been the breakout star of the playoffs and the 49ers signed Tevin Coleman to a free agent deal last offseason. That could mean the team is ready to let Breida play elsewhere. The Bills could be a perfect landing spot for him so he can work in tandem with Devin Singletary.

18. Emmanuel Ogbah, DE, Kansas City Chiefs

AGE: 26

Ogbah’s season was cut short in 2019 with a pectoral injury, but before it did he had 5.5 sacks in 10 games. It was the best season Ogbah had since his rookie year in Cleveland. The former second-round pick is likely to be pretty affordable and he’s used to playing in a rotational role. The Bills need to shore things up on the ends with Trent Murphy and Jerry Hughes getting older and Lawson potentially set to leave town. Ogbah could be a nice option.

19. Jordan Howard, RB, Philadelphia Eagles

AGE: 25

Bills running back Devin Singletary was good in 2019 but Bills coach Sean McDermott was adamant that teams need two running backs to be effective as an offense. Frank Gore likely won’t be back and veteran Jordan Howard could be a solid replacement because of his running style, toughness, and experience. His stop in Philadelphia wasn’t a very good one - outside of a 96-yard outburst against the Bills in Week 8 - but he’s just two years removed from one of his two 1,000-yard seasons.

20. Dennis Kelly, OT, Tennessee Titans

AGE: 30

The Bills have Ty Nsekhe on the roster as an elite swing tackle but he’s getting up there in age (35) and hasn’t been able to stay healthy. The Bills can get out of his contract if they find an upgrade and Kelly has been nothing but solid for the Titans in the same role in recent years. He has position flexibility and falls into the pot of players that the Bills have shown a penchant for targeting: affordable, versatile free agents.

21. Devin Funchess, WR, Indianapolis Colts

AGE: 26

The Carolina connection always keeps Devin Funchess in the conversation but he’s been largely ineffective in the NFL. The Bills could take a low-cost flyer on Funchess, who brings size (6-foot-4, 235 pounds) to a wide receiver room that’s mainly made up of smaller, quicker players.

22. Carl Nassib, DE, Tampa Bay Buccaneers

AGE: 26

Nassib is an under-the-radar option that could be a nice add for the Bills. He stands 6-foot-7 and has produced in a limited role the past two seasons in Tampa Bay. He had 6.5 sacks in 2018 and 6 sacks in 2019. As an affordable option a few tiers down from the Clowney’s and Griffen’s, Nassib could be a nice plug-and-play option.

23. Kenyan Drake, RB, Arizona Cardinals

AGE: 25

Bills fans are familiar with this former Miami Dolphin, who took full advantage of a move out west last season via trade to jump start his career. Drake’s production in eight games with the Cardinals was the closest he’s come to his rookie year performance that had many believing he was a future feature back. He ran a 4.45 40-yard dash at the combine and has the kind of breakaway speed that would pair perfectly with Bills breakout running back Devin Singletary. Drake averaged 5.2 yards per carry with the Cardinals and his eight touchdowns in eight games was one less than he had totaled his entire career in Miami. Drake is likely to cost around $6 million a season, which could be a bargain for the Bills.

24. Rashard Higgins, WR, Cleveland Browns

AGE: 25

Rashard Higgins popped a bit in 2018 with over 500 yards receiving and four touchdowns but was the lost receiver in 2019 once Odell Beckham Jr. got to town. He’s an unrestricted free agent with loads of talent and at 6-foot-1, 200 pounds he could be a nice option at receiver for the Bills.

25. Xavier Rhodes, CB, Minnesota Vikings

AGE: 29

Rhodes is two years removed from All Pro honors and being a major player in the conversation for the NFL’s best cornerback. The Vikings released him right before the start of free agency to clear some cap space after a 2019 season that was disappointing, even more because of Rhodes’ resume. Rhodes gave up four touchdowns when targeted last season, had no interceptions, and allowed a passer rating against of 123.8. He’s probably not going to get the kind of money that would preclude the Bills from vying for his services. The team did add Josh Norman but adding another former top corner to compete for the No. 2 job opposite of Tre’Davious White is intriguing.

26. Gerald McCoy, DT, Carolina Panthers

AGE: 32

If Jordan Phillips leaves via free agency, Gerald McCoy could fit right in. He played for Sean McDermott mentor Ron Rivera last year in Carolina and would bring quite a presence on the interior of the Bills d-line in a rotation and at times next to Ed Oliver.

27. Bradley Roby, CB, Houston Texans

AGE: 28

Bills fans should be familiar with Bradley Roby because he almost had two interceptions off Allen in the AFC Wild-Card match up. He’s quite a man defender and even though the Bills play mostly zone his skill set would be quite an upgrade at the No. 2 cornerback position. Roby is likely going to get upwards of $8-$10 million per season, likely pricing him out of Buffalo’s range. But getting a reliable No. 2 cornerback should be a priority for Beane and company.

28. Melvin Gordon, RB, Los Angeles Chargers

AGE: 27

When Melvin Gordon began his hold out ahead of last season many Bills fans started clamoring for Buffalo to make a move to trade for the disgruntled ball carrier. He’s likely in line for a contract that would pay him roughly $11 million per season over about four years. That’s crazy money to have tied up in a running back that would be over 30 by the time the deal ends. But Gordon is a playmaker that can impact games when running the ball and catching the ball. If his demand dips into the single digits it would be worth a conversation at One Bills Drive.

29. Kamalei Correa, LB, Tennessee Titans

AGE: 25

Correa is a nice fit to replace Lorenzo Alexander, who retired after last season with the Bills. Correa can rush the passer (had five sacks in 2019) and he even played 49 percent of the special teams snaps last season.

30. Markus Golden, DE, New York Giants

AGE: 29

Golden recharged his career last season with the Giants and posted double-digit sacks (10) for the first time since 2016. He’s expected to get north of $10 million on the market so the Bills will have to evaluate last season and make sure he’s a precise fit for that kind of money.

31. Kyler Fackrell, LB, Green Bay Packers

AGE: 28

Fackrell had just one sack last season on the heels of a 10-sack effort in 2018, but he could be a nice piece to add to replace some of the production lost with Alexander’s exit. He played just 40 percent of the snaps last season and could fill a role with the Bills if the price tag isn’t super high.

32. Joe Haeg, OG, Indianapolis Colts

AGE: 27

Haeg played at least two snaps in 11 games last season but didn’t start a single one. He’s a depth option but has a ton of flexibility.

33. Chris Thompson, RB, Washington

AGE: 29

Pretty simple here: Thompson can’t seem to stay healthy and Buffalo has become a haven for these types of players. He’s a homerun threat and could pair nicely with Devin Singletary.

34. Nelson Agholor, WR, Philadelphia Eagles

AGE: 26

Last season was one to forget for Agholor, who’s production fell off a cliff. After more than 60 catches, 700 yards and four touchdowns in 2017 and 2018 (including career-high eight touchdowns in ’17), Agholor had just 39 catches for 363 yards and three touchdowns in 2019. The Eagles needed a receiver to step up but Agholor could never get on the same page with quarterback Carson Wentz. This wouldn’t be a sexy signing but giving Agholor a low-cost deal could give the Bills another piece to add to the puzzle of competition at training camp if a better option doesn’t present itself.

35. LaAdrian Waddle, T, Buffalo Bills

AGE: 28

The Bills were high on LaAdrian Waddle after they signed him last offseason away from the New England Patriots. A training camp torn quad injury derailed his first season and now he may be back in the mix in 2020. He has swing tackle potential and will provide some competition if re-signed.

36. Kevin Johnson, CB, Buffalo Bills

AGE: 27

Bills cornerback Kevin Johnson was good at times in 2019 and probably is a candidate to return in 2020 as the team’s No. 2 cornerback. He’s going to likely be searching for a multi-year deal and it’ll be interesting to see if the Bills liked what they saw enough in 2019 to extend him with Levi Wallace still on the roster (who started all 16 games) and nine draft picks.

37. Kyle Van Noy, EDGE/LB, New England Patriots

AGE: 28

This would be a costly deal and we all saw what happened with another high profile free agent that left New England last season (Trey Flowers) and underperformed for the contract. Van Noy is a nice player that can do multiple things, but paying the kind of money he’ll cost for the chance he doesn’t live up to it outside of New England is a gamble.

38. Michael Brockers, DT, Los Angeles Rams

AGE: 29

If the Bills can’t sign Jordan Phillips or get another defensive tackle at a reasonable price, Michael Brockers could be in play. He had just three sacks last season but his 63 total tackles were a career high. Playing next to Aaron Donald, Brockers helped more in the run game. He could be quite a force next to Ed Oliver.

39. Kenny Wiggins, G, Detroit Lions

AGE: 31

Kenny Wiggins has been mostly a backup piece for the Lions but he almost fits the mold of a Jon Feliciano from last season: an unheralded free agent who could potentially land on the Bills’ radar. Wiggins can play guard or tackle and has 38 career starts in seven NFL seasons.

40. Damon Harrison, DT, Detroit Lions

AGE: 31

At one time Harrison was one of the best interior defensive linemen in the league when it came to stopping the run. Depending on the contract he’ll get on the market, he could be a nice option to help bolster the Bills’ run defense.

41. Carlos Hyde, RB, Houston Texans

AGE: 29

Hyde was good against the Bills in the Texans playoff win over Buffalo. He’s a veteran now that played in several offenses and brings a nice skill set to the table as a secondary piece in the backfield.

42. Michael Schofield, G, Los Angeles Chargers

AGE: 29

More position flexibility comes with G/T Michael Schofield, who started 66 games in five seasons between the Denver Broncos and the Chargers. Schofield played every snap for the Chargers in 2019.

43. Mackensie Alexander, CB, Minnesota Vikings

AGE: 26

Alexander was arguably the Vikings most consistent secondary players in 2019.

44. Jamie Collins, LB, New England Patriots

AGE: 30

Jamie Collins brings pass rush ability and stuffed the stat sheet in his return to New England in 2019. He’s likely going to re-sign there but his penchant for forcing fumbles and his well-rounded game could be a nice addition to a Bills defense that’s looking to replace Lorenzo Alexander.

45. Dante Fowler, LB, Los Angeles Rams

AGE: 26

It was a bit of a letdown of a season for the Los Angeles Rams but Dante Fowler had a career year, finishing with 11.5 sacks and earning himself a big payday. Fowler took the Rams’ defense to the next level after arriving from Jacksonville last season. Once Fowler joined forces with Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald, his game went to the next level. Pairing Fowler with Bills interior lineman Ed Oliver could be quite a dynamic pass rushing duo for McDermott and his defense.

46. Andrus Peat, G, New Orleans Saints

AGE: 26

Andrus Peat is a versatile offensive lineman who’s playing in the Pro Bowl after a strong 2019 campaign. He’s played every offensive line position in his NFL career except center and would add some experience and size if the Bills were to target him to free agency.

47. Jordan Phillips, DT, Buffalo Bills

AGE: 27

Jordan Phillips had a career season and the Bills love what he brings in the locker room. But Ed Oliver is the three technique of the future and Phillips is going to command some significant dollars. The Bills probably won’t be in that market to pay big money for a backup interior defensive lineman. Phillips could get a big deal somewhere else but if it doesn’t materialize the Bills will surely look to discuss a new deal at a reasonable price.

48. Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets

AGE: 26

Robby Anderson spent four seasons in New York always on the verge of breaking out. It never really happened, whether it was injuries or other factors. Now he’s up as a UFA and the Bills could actually use a pass catcher with his size and speed (he’d be Buffalo’s tallest receiver). Even though this free agent class isn’t very deep or even top heavy, Anderson could be a bit of an afterthought. The Jets will likely try and keep him but if he chooses to leave there might be some interest from the Bills considering they probably won’t have to break the bank to sign him.

49. Stephen Weatherly, DE, Minnesota Vikings

AGE: 25

The former seventh round pick played just 38 percent of the snaps last season while collecting three sacks for the season. He’d be a low cost option for the Bills.

50. Thomas Davis, LB, Los Angeles Chargers

AGE: 36

Davis will turn 37 this month but he didn’t show signs of slowing down last season, playing an eye-popping 83 percent of the snaps in L.A. The Carolina connection is there and he could be a nice add to the linebackers room to help replace Alexander’s leadership.

READ MORE

What re-signing Quinton Spain means for Cody Ford, Josh Allen, other Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills restructure TE Tyler Kroft’s contract (report)

NFL Rumors: 3 reasons why former Browns LB Christian Kirksey is perfect Lorenzo Alexander replacement for Bills