Buffalo Plus Podcast: What's NEXT for the BILLS? Free Agent TARGETS, O-Line and Dawson Knox DECISIONS

Date: March 3, 2026
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fates

Episode Overview

This episode of Buffalo Plus dives into key Buffalo Bills offseason storylines, with the trio analyzing free agent targets (especially at wide receiver), decisions on the offensive line, and the future of tight end Dawson Knox. With the NFL “legal tampering” period about to kick off and a busy combine behind them, the hosts share insider perspectives, explore roster construction philosophy, and debate the impact of recent rumors. The dynamic between Jenna, Mike, and Dan keeps the episode lively, personal, and informative for die-hard fans.

Key Topics & Insights

1. NFL Combine Recap and Offseason Transition

• The team returns from the NFL Combine, sharing stories and setting the stage for “legal tampering” (free agency) (07:04).
• Observations include shifts in Combine networking (less “bar talk”, more structured meetings) and personal anecdotes on travel fears and pilot encounters (01:01–06:56).

2. Wide Receiver Market: Free Agency & Trade Targets

• Discussion centers on reported Bills targets: Rashid Shaheed (Saints), Romeo Doubs (Packers), and potential big names like Mike Evans.
• Mike Catalana emphasizes cost concerns:
  “I think these guys, in theory, would be really good. Their issue is paying guys like that…. He’s not a star and he’s not cheap… Would he make it a better wide receiver room? Yeah, I think so. So would Shaheed.” (07:32)
• Dan Fates highlights draft over free agency for true WR1:
  “Free agency is not the place to look for a high impact wide receiver.” (09:47)
• The crew stresses that most elite WRs rarely hit the open market; impact requires a “multiple approach”—add both a veteran and a high draft pick for the best results (11:51).
• Jenna Cottrell advocates for depth and competition: “If you’re signing a free agent, that means you’re still drafting at one of the top three or four picks a wide receiver. There needs to be more talent, but there also needs to be a little bit of the bodies approach.” (11:51)

3. Mike Evans as a Fit for Buffalo

• The hosts debate whether Mike Evans would leave Tampa and if he’d fit in Buffalo both on-field and in the locker room.
• Dan Fates: “He’s a future Hall of Famer… Even when he missed two or three games, he still had a thousand yards… That’s the type of consummate pro.” (12:43)
• Mike Catalana: “I’d always wanted Mike Evans, that type of player on the Bills. I just think his skill set just works for them… and I don’t think the money would be crazy, especially a one-year type of deal.” (15:10–15:57)
• Jenna Cottrell pushes for a double-dip: “And I’m still saying that… it takes away the pressure that that receiver has to have the immediate impact.” (16:32)

4. Draft, Trade, or Stay the Course? Philosophies and Caution

• The group evaluates the merits of adding depth through draft picks versus pricey free agents.
• Comparison made to past examples:
  • Vikings trading Stefon Diggs for Justin Jefferson
  • Titans’ infamous A.J. Brown deal
  • Chargers (Josh Palmer) and Packers (Romeo Doubs) letting WRs walk without much resistance (24:17–24:39)
• Dan Fates tempers expectations on what free agency offers:
  “My expectation is not that they’re getting some number one guy… I really think that the number one guy will be—should be—drafted and not necessarily signed in free agency.” (22:13)

5. Dawson Knox Contract & Future

• Detailed debate on Knox’s current contract and the likely need to restructure, incentivize, or even move on after drafting Kincaid and Hawes.
• Mike Catalana: “He’s overpaid for what he is for this team. So they need to adjust that. I know they will. They’re going to do something with it. And I know he wants to stay. The question is, at what number is it?” (25:05)
• Dan Fates: “I’d like to see it, you know, with a ton of incentives… That’s where I would hope it ends up.” (26:54)
• Jenna Cottrell observes: “Honestly, when they even signed his. That contract, I was like, wow, that’s a big number. And then the next year, they drafted over him, obviously.” (26:46)
• Consensus: Knox probably returns, but not at his current pay, with a deal structure mirroring Matt Milano’s recent contract.

6. Offensive Line Decisions: Retaining Core or Turning the Page?

• Bills have big OL decisions, especially at guard (Edwards, McGovern) and center. The group questions whether replacements like Alec Anderson or rookie depth (Van Pran-Granger, Tylen Grable) are ready.
• Jenna Cottrell: “I just think Alec Anderson is a fiery, passionate dude… but I want my center to be calm, cool, collected…” (33:25)
• Dan Fates raises a key issue: “It is a delicate balance between being that backup… but when you’re consistently in there… it’s a different level of expectation and a different level of pressure.” (37:02)
• Faith in Aaron Kromer’s coaching is mentioned, but the need to maintain a “fastball” OL in front of Josh Allen is paramount.
• Expectation: Edwards may have priced himself out of Buffalo; McGovern is more likely to return; Torrence could be in line for a preemptive extension (38:34).

7. Combine “Stock Up/Down” & Interview Impressions

• The hosts debate the value of on-field Combine testing versus years of college production.
• Mike Catalana: “Let’s also be honest. We’re sitting there watching it. It’s in a sprinter’s stance… It’s a sterile environment…” (43:45)
• Notable moments include:
  • Defending players like Casey Concepcion for handling adversity in interviews/public settings with a speech impediment (40:53–41:27).
  • Lighter moments about media interactions, blocking people on social, and being recognized by fans.

8. Final Thoughts, Shoutouts & Upcoming Topics

• Quick, lighthearted off-topic discussions about self-checkouts, fans’ “meet and greet” experiences, and shoutouts to listeners and community members.
• Sneak preview of deeper O-line discussion later in the week and a promised “life advice” segment (48:27).

Notable Quotes & Moments

• Mike Catalana on WR Approach (07:32):
  "With a wide receiver, you either go big or you go small in free agency or trades. That's what I would like to see them do. The mid-level stuff doesn't work."
• Dan Fates on the nature of the WR market (09:47):
  "Free agency is not the place to look for a high impact wide receiver."
• Jenna Cottrell on team-building (11:51):
  "If you're signing a free agent, that means you're still drafting at one of the top three to four picks a wide receiver."
• On Dawson Knox (25:05):
  "He's overpaid for what he is for this team. So they need to adjust that." – Mike Catalana
• On combine overreaction (43:09):
  "How much do you factor in when you have somebody that has that much tape of an actual football game in their production? I don't put as much stock into that." – Dan Fates
• On Alec Anderson at center (33:25):
  "I just think Alec Anderson is a fiery, passionate dude... but I want my center to be calm, cool, collected. I just don't think that fits... I want someone even keel." – Jenna Cottrell

Timestamps for Key Segments

• Combine & Travel Anecdotes: 01:01–06:56
• Free Agent WR Targets & Market: 07:16–16:15
• Mike Evans Discussion: 12:43–18:30
• Draft vs. Free Agency Philosophy: 21:28–24:17
• Dawson Knox Free Agency & Contract Debate: 25:02–30:00
• Offensive Line Decisions – Edwards, McGovern, Anderson: 30:53–39:10
• Combine Testing & Player Interviews: 39:25–47:01
• Shoutouts and Listener Stories: 48:37–53:18

Tone & Style

The episode retains the easygoing, conversational style characteristic of Buffalo Plus, with a blend of sharp analysis, personal anecdotes, and banter. The hosts often challenge each other, keep each other honest, and reference inside jokes and past episodes, contributing to both the depth and entertainment value of the discussion.

Takeaways for Bills Fans

• The Bills wide receiver rebuild is likely to be a hybrid of a value veteran (possibly Mike Evans) and an early draft pick—don't expect a blockbuster WR1 to sign outright in free agency.
• The front office is under pressure to restructure expensive contracts like Dawson Knox’s while maintaining both offensive line continuity and cap compliance.
• OL continuity (especially at center/guard) remains a crucial offseason focus point; keeping McGovern is more probable than Edwards, and the team has less trust in untested depth than some fans may hope.
• The combine reinforces existing opinions more than it dramatically changes draft boards, but interview impressions and player mentality do matter to Bean & Co.
• Expect continued behind-the-scenes insight from Buffalo Plus as free agency approaches and more clarity emerges about the 2026 Bills roster.

For more, subscribe to Buffalo Plus and catch the pod’s deeper dives coming later this week!