The truth is...both are extremely important. With the NFL and players finally talking about a resolution to the lockout (sides are targeting a July 21 start to the season and July 28 kickoff to free agency), there is plenty of unsigned-veteran talent that could seriously upgrade the Bills current roster.
At the present time, Buffalo has shown full support for Ryan Fitzpatrick as the starting quarterback. The team is overstocked at wide receiver and running back is considered a strength. The interior of the offensive line appears solid, while the draft addressed potential holes in the defensive backfield and at one d-line spot.
But if the 2011 season were to start tomorrow, the Bills still have some serious weak spots that need to be taken care of. The offensive tackles lack experience and starting talent. Tight end is currently a waste of space on the football field. The defense still lacks a serious pass rush and the team remains soft in the middle against the run.
Over the next two weeks, I want to focus on some of the players that could help the Bills become more competitive, starting with tight end.
Current Roster:
David Martin, Shawn Nelson, Scott Chandler, Mike Caussin, Jonathan Stupar
To call this group "underwhelming" would probably be giving them too much credit. None of these guys are legitimate threats as pass catchers and none are better than average as blockers.
In all of his years as an NFL coach/coordinator, Chan Gailey has preferred to see his tight ends block most of the time. In fact, the only season a tight end ever caught more than 35 passes for Gailey was during his only year as offensive coordinator for Kansas City, when he inherited a roster with Tony Gonzalez.
Regardless, having another receiving threat could only help an offense that finished near the bottom of the NFL...again. This year's crop of free agents looked exceptional, but has dwindled in the last couple months. With Owen Daniels re-signing with Houston, Marcedes Lewis franchised by Jacksonville and Jeremy Shockey joining Carolina, I figure there are only two starting-caliber options left scheduled to hit the market...Zach Miller and Kevin Boss.Zach Miller, Oakland
Easily the best option at this position, Miller is equally good at run blocking and striking fear into opposing defenses as a pass catcher. And at only 26 years old, he also seems to be getting better each season and would be an excellent addition to the Bills roster.
As a Pro Bowler and the team's most consistent offensive weapon, the big question is whether the Raiders will be willing to let him walk (they might not have the ability to squeeze him under the salary cap). He's likely to command a pretty hefty contract.Kevin Boss, New York Giants
If the Raiders re-sign Miller (or if the Bills are unwilling to shell out the cash), Boss would be a very good consolation prize. Another multi-dimensional player with skills as a receiver and blocker, Boss stepped on the scene a few years ago when the Giants got rid of Jeremy Shockey.
Despite competing with several pass catching talents on New York's roster, the 27 year old managed to rack up over 500 yards and five touchdowns each of the last two years.
Others:
If the Bills aren't able to bring in Miller or Boss, they will have to settle for a one-dimensional player - probably one that lacks the ability to play 3-downs and is more suited as a rotational role.
Bo Scaife had some good years for Tennessee with Vince Young under center, and is a decent blocker. But as a receiver, he's nothing more than an occasional dump-off option.
Daniel Fells (St. Louis) and Dante Rosario (Carolina) have also shown talent as pass catchers, but wouldn't be huge upgrades over the Bills current group.
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