Buffalo Bills Links, 2/17: Bills set up for success in the long run

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Plus, how the Bills can afford to sign J.J. Watt.

The Buffalo Bills are coming off their first appearance in the AFC Championship game in 27 years, but there’s still work to be done by general manager Brandon Beane to close the gap on the Kansas City Chiefs and advance to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1993 season.

In today’s edition of the Bills daily links, we examine what next steps Beane and the Bills must take to not only win a Super Bowl but position themselves for a sustained run of success.

We also hear how members of Bills Mafia followed their team during this most unusual of NFL seasons, examine how creative the Bills will have to get with their roster if they want to sign free-agent edge rusher J.J. Watt, and discuss why finding a solid cornerback to pair with All-Pro Tre’Davious White is a top offseason priority.

We analyze the state of the safeties, learn about an edge rusher who could help Buffalo and be available with pick No. 30 in the NFL Draft, hear from owner Kim Pegula on Josh Allen’s MVP season and whether fans will be allowed back inside Bills Stadium next year, and much more.

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Bills Set Up for Success in the Long Run

The Thread: The Bills are close — very close — to winning the Super Bowl. Here’s what they must do next... - Go Long with Tyler Dunne
“What happened in Philly should be a lesson for GM Brandon Beane. Once the Bills pay Josh Allen, things get interesting. But follow these six simple steps, and the Bills will win for a long time,” writes Tyler Dunne.

In Buffalo, Bills Mafia tries (and fails) to keep it together as 2021 title dreams seem weirdly within reach - ESPN.com
The NFL’s most communal fan base had to celebrate mostly alone during an unexpectedly wondrous season.

Can the Bills Afford to Sign J.J. Watt?

Is it possible for the Bills to sign J.J. Watt? - Democrat & Chronicle
The Bills would have to do quite a bit of creative accounting but, if they can, J.J. Watt would be a huge boost to the Buffalo defense.

Bills would have many options for fitting J.J. Watt under salary cap | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
According to numerous media reports, a lot of teams are interested in the five-time, first-team All-Pro.

NFL free agency rumors: What will J.J. Watt’s contract look like with new team? - newyorkupstate.com
Teams have begun courting the five-time All-Pro pass rusher after release from Houston Texans.

Finding a No. 2 CB a Top Offseason Priority

Bills position series: Beyond Tre’Davious White, no sure thing at cornerback | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
What happens at No. 2 cornerback in 2021? General Manager Brandon Beane may be forced to look outside the organization in a year where salary cap space is going to be tight.

Bills need to find a cornerback to pair with Tre’Davious White this offseason – The Athletic
The Bills need to bolster their CB group heading into a season with Super Bowl aspirations. (Subscription required)

State of the Bills: Safeties

Bills position series: Contract extension should be in Micah Hyde’s future | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“In terms of collective talent, no area of the Bills is stronger than their secondary,” writes Vic Carucci.

Adding “Juice off the Edge” in latest Mock Draft

2021 NFL mock draft: Bills add ’juice off the edge’ in Daniel Jeremiah’s latest mock - newyorkupstate.com
Buffalo is in the J.J. Watt sweepstakes, but could look for some further talent off the edge early in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Kim Pegula Discusses Josh Allen’s Development, Fans in the Stands in 2021

Bills owner Kim Pegula excited to see Josh Allen and fans return next year - Democrat & Chronicle
“Bills owner Kim Pegula shares thoughts on Josh Allen, return of fans, and new stadium,” writes Sal Maiorana.

Kim Pegula expects limited number of fans to start Bills season but optimistic for more | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
“The NFL season opener is still seven months away, and Bills President Kim Pegula said she is optimistic that more fans will be allowed in the stadium for games next season..”

Odds and Ends

Die-hard Bills fan surprised by proposal at Bills Stadium on Valentine’s Day eve | Buffalo Bills News | NFL | buffalonews.com
Kristin Kominiarek wanted to take a photo outside of Bills Stadium with her new Bills flag. She got so much more.

Diehard Bills fan Shooter McGavin responds to Adam Sandler’s call out on 25th anniversary of Happy Gilmore (Watch) - newyorkupstate.com
Sandler hit the links on the 25th anniversary of the classic movie while Christopher “Shooter McGavin” McDonald showed that his short game was still among the best in the game.

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Contract projection for Buffalo Bills punter Corey Bojorquez - Buffalo Rumblings
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State of the Buffalo Bills’ roster: Specialists - Buffalo Rumblings
The Bills are in good shape here, with two out of three specialists locked up for 2021.

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Andre Roberts. Isaiah McKenzie. Someone new. What’s the plan?

Code Of Conduct: Is J.J. Watt worth signing by the Buffalo Bills? - Buffalo Rumblings
Is this a luxury or a necessity.

2021 contract projection for Buffalo Bills free-agent receiver/returner Isaiah McKenzie - Buffalo Rumblings
Last year, Isaiah McKenzie was a Restricted Free Agent, but instead of assigning him the RFA tender, the Bills re-signed him to a veteran minimum deal.

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A look at Buffalo’s gadget man.

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