The exact dollar figure is $89.03 million - that’s the amount of cap space the Buffalo Bills have to work with as they begin navigating a 2020 offseason that must yield playmakers and protectors for quarterback Josh Allen.

The Bills had their most successful season in two decades in 2019, but that success was spoiled when a second-half collapse against the Houston Texans led to a first-round exit after blowing a 16-point lead on the road in just the team’s second playoff game of this century.

There are holes to fill on Bills general manager Brandon Beane’s roster. He has nine draft picks but with so much money to spend he can also look to fill those holes on the free agent market. There are plenty of potential targets and NYUP.com gathered the Top 50 and broke things down a bit for you to argue why each player may be a fit for the Bills.

Let’s start at 50 and work our way to what should be the Bills’ top target in free agency.

50. Phillip Dorsett, WR, New England Patriots

AGE: 27

There was a lot of opportunity for Phillip Dorsett in New England this season with its lack of weapons but the five-year veteran didn’t wow with his numbers. He did have a career high five touchdowns. Dorsett could be an option if the Bills fail to lock up a few of the higher profile receiver free agents or even some in the second tier.

49. 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.

48. 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.

47. 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.

46. Leonard Williams, DE, New York Giants

AGE: 26

Bills fans have seen a lot of Leonard Williams the past few seasons and he’s been pretty inconsistent playing for a pair of two bad teams in the New York Jets and New York Giants. He gets pressure but his sack numbers leave a lot to be desired. He’s likely going to command a decent annual salary, which probably means the Bills should look elsewhere. But if he is even a fringe fit for Beane and company it could be an avenue to pursue if some of the higher end pressure rushers are off the market.

45. Robby Anderson, WR, New York Jets

AGE: 26

Robby Anderson spent four season 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.

44. 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.

43. 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.

42. 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.

41. Kareem Hunt, RB, Cleveland Browns (RFA)

AGE: 25

At first glance Kareem Hunt probably doesn’t seem like a culture fit with his off-the-field problems, but the Bills did reportedly do some due diligence when Hunt became available when he was with the Kansas City Chiefs. He showed in Cleveland this season that he can be a dynamic second runner and pass catcher out of the backfield. Pairing Hunt with Singletary would potentially be the best case scenario of any runners on the free agent market. He’s restricted though so the Browns would have to let him walk.

40. 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 flyer on him but it seems like a Kelvin Benjamin situation at this point. Buffalo needs a No. 1 receiver and Funchess isn’t pushing for that role if signed.

39. 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.

38. 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. If they strike out on some of the premier guys Quinn could be a solid backup plan.

37. 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.

36. 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.

35. Austin Ekeler, RB, Los Angeles Chargers (RFA)

AGE: 24

Austin Ekeler probably isn’t leaving Los Angeles because he’s a restricted free agent and the Chargers might let Melvin Gordon go. That’s why Ekeler is so far down this list. If he was up for grabs the Bills should pounce because he’s a speed back that would pair perfectly with Devin Singletary. He has 4.4 speed and scored 11 touchdowns combined in 2019 (three rushing and eight receiving).

34. Bud Dupree, LB, Pittsburgh Steelers

AGE: 26

Bud Dupree exploded as a pass rusher in 2019, going over 10 sacks for the first time in his career and helping set the tone for one of the best defenses in the league all season long. The Bills probably won’t spend the dollars it’ll take to get Dupree, who’s going to get around $17 million per season, but again, a pass rusher. You need one really good one.

33. 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.

32. 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.

31. Brian Bulaga, T, 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.

30. Tyler Eifert, TE, Cincinnati Bengals

AGE: 31

The Bills added former Bengals tight end Tyler Kroft last offseason but Tyler Eifert is the one that has the real upside. If Buffalo could add Eifert they could move on from Kroft, who was largely ineffective in 2019.

29. 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.

28. 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.

27. Byron Jones, CB, Dallas Cowboys

AGE: 27

The Cowboys have a lot of mouths to feed and if they give Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper big money, they may not be able to hang on to cornerback Byron Jones. The Bills would be swinging big if they took a run at Jones but he’d immediately make Buffalo’s cornerback duo arguably the best in the NFL.

26. Emmanuel Sanders, WR, San Francisco 49ers

AGE: 33

Emmanuel Sanders doesn’t seem like the perfect fit because he’s another small, fast receiver with slot experience. But if he’s available at the right price he did some nice things with San Francisco in his time there after a trade from Denver in 2019. The Bills can probably tab a few better options but Sanders wouldn’t be a bad backup plan if it comes at the right price.

25. James Bradberry, CB, Carolina Panthers

AGE: 26

With All Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White on the verge of signing a big deal after the coming season or beyond with the Bills, how much Beane is willing to allocate elsewhere at the position remains to be seen. The Bills have been funneling in undrafted free agents and veterans who don’t cost a lot opposite White the past few seasons. Going after a corner like Bradberry would be a move to solidify the defensive backfield. But with needs on the defensive and offensive lines, receiver, running back and potentially tight end, it’s hard to predict where Beane will choose to spend his money. Bradberry wants a big deal this offseason after a career high three interceptions in 2019.

24. 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.

23. 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.

22. Graham Glasgow, G, Detroit Lions

AGE: 27

Graham Glasgow is another lineman with position flexibility, playing center and guard during his four seasons with Detroit. Depending on the contract he’ll command, he could be a replacement should Quinton Spain sign elsewhere this offseason.

21. 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.

20. 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. Whichever team signs Clowney is going to have to break the bank and there’s just more value out there, especially in the draft.

19. Eric Ebron, TE, Indianapolis Colts

AGE: 27

Eric Ebron battled injury in 2019 before shutting it down for the season in late November. He should be an affordable high end tight end option after a monster year in 2018 that resulted in 13 touchdown catches. He’ll likely get an average annual salary of around $7 million, per Spotrac.com, but it’s going to be front loaded with little past the first year or a bit more guaranteed. For that price the Bills may want to entertain adding Ebron, who’s familiar with offensive line coach Bobby Johnson. The more weapons for Allen the better.

18. Derrick Henry, RB, Tennessee Titans

AGE: 26

Derrick Henry is coming off a dominant season and a playoff run where the Titans leaned heavily on their bell cow back to reach the AFC title game. Henry would be quite the tag team partner for Devin Singletary, but the price tag for his services is likely going to be astronomical. Henry had 1,540 yards rushing and 16 touchdowns in 2019. He averaged 5.4 yards per carry in three playoff games, totaling close to 500 additional yards. The Titans are expected to try and retain his services but if he hits the market it’s going to be interesting to see who targets the elite back.

17. 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.

16. Matthew Judon, LB, Baltimore Ravens

AGE: 28

Matthew Judon is about to get big time money - we’re talking between $15 and $17 million per season. His ability to rush the passer is something every defense craves and he’d be quite the addition to McDermott’s defense. Judon had 33 hits on the quarterback last season. the Bills edge rushers combined for 38. Going after Judon is the kind of move that teams only make if they feel they’re close - one player away, if you will. Beane said he never thinks that way so overspending to woo Judon to Buffalo doesn’t seem like the most likely scenario.

15. 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.

14. Brandon Scherff, G, Washington Redskins

AGE: 28

Brandon Scherff is arguably the top guard on the market so he’s going to get paid. He’s spent five long years in Washington and would probably love a fresh start with a contender. He may get franchise tagged so that second-year quarterback Dwayne Haskins can have some continuity but with a new regime in place they may look to go young across the board.

13. 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). If the Bills think Green and Cooper are too rich for their blood than Perriman would be quite the consolation prize.

12. Quinton Spain, G, Buffalo Bills

AGE: 28

In his first season with the Bills, left guard Quinton Spain was quite the upgrade. He was so good that he didn’t allow a single sack all season. He signed a one-year deal after four years in Tennessee and now is looking for a payday. The Bills may be able to work out a friendly deal because Spain fit so well and seemed to get along nicely in Buffalo. There is certainly upgrade potential on the market but locking up Spain makes a ton of sense for stability and continuity in front of Allen.

11. 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.

10. 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.

9. Hunter Henry, TE, Los Angeles Chargers

AGE: 25

The only reason Hooper is so much higher on the target list than Hunter Henry is because the Los Angeles Chargers tight end just can’t seem to stay healthy. He’s never played a full season in his four years with the Chargers after they selected him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. When he is playing he’s a dynamic pass catcher and would immediately form a top tier tight end combination with Bills’ Dawson Knox. At around $8 million per season he could be a cheaper option than Hooper and the back end of the deal will probably be even easier to get of for the team.

8. Jack Conklin, RT, Tennessee Titans

AGE: 25

Look what a dominant offensive line did for the Tennessee Titans during their run to the AFC title game. Bills right tackle Cody Ford is a bit of a project on the outside. He had some good moments and some frustrating times, particularly in pass protection, in 2019. Conklin is going to get big dollars and that contract is probably more than the Bills can stomach, even with all the cap space. If Beane decided to reach into the team wallet on the offensive line, Conklin could be a reason why.

7. Joe Thuney, G, New England Patriots

AGE: 27

It’s hard to figure whether Beane would be willing to spend north of $10 million per season on another offensive lineman one year after giving center Mitch Morse big money. Quinton Spain and Jon Feliciano were good in 2019 but Thuney is one of the best in the business and would immediately upgrade the Bills’ offensive line. Left tackle Dion Dawkins is going to command a new deal after next season so tying up too much on the line doesn’t seem in line with Beane’s approach. Still, Thuney is an elite player at his position and worth positioning him as such.

6. Anthony Castonzo, LT, Indianapolis Colts

AGE: 32

Don’t the Bills have a left tackle already? Yes. And Dion Dawkins was good in 2019. But the issue may be that Buffalo isn’t set at right tackle. Dawkins has plenty of position flexibility and getting a top tier left tackle would be a game changer for Allen. Castonzo was brilliant in front of Andrew Luck in 2018 when the Colts made a playoff run. Back then Bills offensive line coach Bobby Johnson was an assistant in Indianapolis and may be a reason Castonzo would consider a free agent deal with the Bills. This isn’t a necessity signing as much as it’s a luxury signing. Usually these types of players at such a vital position don’t become available. Castonzo is contemplating retirement but if he returns in 2020 the Bills should take a look.

5. 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.

4. 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 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.

3. Amari Cooper, WR, Dallas Cowboys

AGE: 26

Amari Cooper sits at No. 3 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.

2. Austin Hooper, TE, Atlanta Falcons

AGE: 25

The Bills have a promising young tight end in Dawson Knox but what’s wrong with the proposition that the rich can’t get richer? Buffalo needs to build around Allen and give him weapons at every position. Hooper is the type of tight end that doesn’t become available very often. He started just 10 games last season but put up eye-popping numbers, hauling in a career high six touchdowns on 75 receptions that went for 787 yards. He played in 13 total games total while dealing with an MCL injury. Hooper’s deal is going to come in around $9/$10 million per season but if just half or less is guaranteed it’s a deal that is quite advantageous for the Bills. They currently have Tyler Kroft under contract for two more seasons but can cut him and save $5.6 million. He was underwhelming in his first season with the Bills.

#BillsMafia continues to hold out hope that #Bills can get in the running for Yannick Ngakoue. Seems like he's as open as ever to the idea of a new home team. https://t.co/1wUG77Abpu — Buffalo Bills News (@billsupdates) January 22, 2020

1. Yannick Ngakoue, EDGE, Jacksonville Jaguars

AGE: 24

The Bills have some money tied up on the defensive line but it makes sense considering McDermott believes that’s where games are won and lost: at the line of scrimmage. Buffalo was a great defense in 2019 but the pass rush was inconsistent. Yannick Ngakoue has finished with at least eight sacks in his last three seasons. Ngakoue won’t come cheap. He’s expected to command a four- or five-year deal worth around $17 million per season, per Spotrac.com. But looking at this year’s Super Bowl teams, both the Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers paid big time pass rushers when they signed Frank Clark and Dee Ford to similar deals. The Bills must get after the quarterback more in 2020 and Ngakoue seems like the perfect fit to elevate the line’s ability to do so.

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