The Buffalo Bills 2023 roster is set with only one notable exception— a projected move to add a quarterback to the practice squad after quarterback Matt Barkley was ruled out of last Saturday’s game. Barkley landed on injured reserve after suffering an elbow injury. With a waiver priority of 28, General Manager Brandon Beane and Head Coach Sean McDermott had to remain hopeful. Fortunately, Wednesday afternoon shook out about as well as could be expected.
The group brought back wide receiver Andy Isabella, who shined throughout the preseason. They also retained cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram, tight end Joel Wilson, and defensive tackle Eli Ankou. Perhaps more importantly, however, was Bean’s and McDermott’s decision to address two glaring needs: right tackle and middle linebacker.
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Bills Add Multiple Veterans To Round Out 2023 Roster
Germain Ifedi Welcome to the Best! Go Bills! #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/THmL7FEKyS
— Peej (@PjEvans29203566) August 30, 2023
Reports surfaced Wednesday morning that the Bills are set to sign offensive tackle Germain Ifedi. Ifedi was a first-round draft pick out of Texas A&M in 2016 and spent the first four years of his career with the Seahawks. He was released after the 2019 season and played his next two years with the Bears. In 2022, Ifedi was picked up by the Falcons as a depth piece but didn’t see much playing time due to their well-established front. Ifedi then played with the Lions during this preseason but did not make the roster and has now joined the Bills.
Pros
At 29 years old, Ifedi is 6’5″ and 338 pounds with 36″ arms and 10 ¾” hands. He carries a large, long, athletic build with an RAS (Relative Athletic Score) of 8.52 out of 10. An experienced player, Ifedi started 83 out of 102 NFL games over seven seasons, primarily on the right side.
What the Bills really get out of this signing is the ability to fill a significant need for depth at the right tackle position. They get a highly experienced, incredibly physical player who basically replaces their need for a swing tackle. They have Ryan Van Demark for depth on the left side. Ifedi has a great anchor and run-blocking abilities with a wide base and the ability to use his exceptional length.
Cons
Unfortunately, Ifedi has limited versatility. More significantly, however, is that penalties have plagued his career. He led the league in false starts and, at one point, averaged one penalty per 90 snaps— a high frequency. Despite the cons, Ifedi is a solid addition who is far more experienced than recently released offensive tackle David Quessenberry, and with the abrupt retirement of right tackle Brandon Shell, provides some profound ease for depth at the role, rounding out the Bills 2023 roster.
LB Christian Kirksey Added to Bills Practice Squad
Here's two minutes of @Matt_Bove and me on the signing and fit for Christian Kirksey on the Bills practice squad…. pic.twitter.com/8iRhm75PWC
— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) August 30, 2023
At 6’2″ and 233 pounds, linebacker Christian Kirksey has 32 3/8″ arms, 9 3/8″ hands, and an 8.02 out of 10 RAS. Kirksey was snagged out of Iowa in the third round of the 2014 draft by the Cleveland Browns, where he spent five seasons before going to the Packers in 2020. He played the last two years for the Texans and has started 94 out of 114 games in the NFL so far. Like Ifedi, he brings a plethora of experience. Additionally, his close relationship with safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer adds a nice layer of chemistry.
While he likely won’t start on the Bills 2023 roster, Kirksey is a considerable veteran addition to a position that has been a point of concern since middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds signed with the Bears. He is experienced at middle linebacker and could be a solid option if Tyrel Dodson fails to perform satisfactorily. His biggest downside is his overall durability. Kirksey had some injury issues over his last two seasons, but it should be noted that he’s been healthy as of late.
Kirksey still has to pass his physical, but assuming he does, he can be expected to add prominent depth and competition at middle linebacker to upgrade the status quo. He is familiar with Bills players and coaches and provides some relief for an ongoing conversation in Western New York. Kirksey is expected to be made official soon, leaving only that third quarterback hole to fill.
Bills Name 2023 Captains
Buffalo Bills announce 2023 team captains https://t.co/BGGefGKM0C
— Buffalo Rumblings (@BuffRumblings) August 30, 2023
On Wednesday afternoon, the Bills officially named their captains for the upcoming season. With only one new name on the list, seeing that the group’s core remains intact is refreshing.
2023 Bills Captains:
- Quarterback Josh Allen
- Wide Receiver Stefon Diggs
- Wide Receiver Gabe Davis
- Center Mitch Morse
- EDGE Von Miller
- Safety Micah Hyde
- Safety Jordan Poyer
- Linebacker Tyler Matakevich
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Main Photo: Junfu Han – USA Today Sports
