Podcast Summary: Buffalo Plus – "Will Beane be Bold with Bills this off season?"

Date: February 24, 2023
Hosts: Mike Catalana, Jenna Cottrell, Dan Fetes

Overview

This episode examines the critical 2023 offseason for the Buffalo Bills, centering on the pressure facing General Manager Brandon Beane. The hosts discuss Beane’s roster decisions, the team’s trajectory after recent playoff exits, and whether bolder moves are needed to leapfrog AFC rivals. The conversation highlights potential trades, free agency decisions, positional needs, and how the tone of leadership has shifted as expectations rise for the franchise.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Pressure on Brandon Beane

• Most Pressure Yet:
  • Mike Catalana asserts it's Beane's most pressurized offseason, not due to job security, but because the Bills "don't want to look like you've got this quarterback and you've plateaued as a franchise" (01:52).
  • Beane must now let go of key players, make contract decisions, and potentially shake up the roster in pursuit of sustained greatness.
• Quarterback vs. Everything Else:
  • Dan notes the pressure in finding a franchise QB (Josh Allen) was even greater (02:55), but concedes expectations are higher now with a star QB already in place.

Quote – Mike Catalana (01:36):
"I think this is the most pressure on him he's had since he's been the team's general manager...Taking a really good team and making them great."

2. Roster Construction and Contracts

• Spinning Plates:
  • Both hosts use metaphors about juggling multiple crucial tasks simultaneously—Beane has to manage pending free agents, underwhelming draft picks, and cap space.
  • The Bills have to face tough decisions, unlike earlier years where retaining talent was easier.
• Comparisons to Rival Moves:
  • Chiefs’ trade of Tyreek Hill is cited as an example of a bold move that paid off, suggesting the Bills might benefit from similar risks (11:28).

Quote – Dan Fetes (11:44):
"There could be some move that, in the immediacy of it, we go, 'What are they doing?' But maybe next offseason we'll say, 'That move really freed this up.'"

3. Candidates for Change: Ed Oliver, Gabe Davis, and More

• Potential Trades:
  • Ed Oliver's future is debated; Mike suggests trading him for draft assets, especially if the Bills look to re-sign Tremaine Edmonds (15:57).
  • Discussion expands to Gabe Davis, whose lack of a breakout season may deter a long-term deal (18:10).
  • The crew unanimously agrees trading Stefon Diggs is highly unlikely due to cap implications and his contract status (13:21).
• Defensive Line Shakeup:
  • The hosts contemplate a wholesale revamp, even though the D-line has struggled beyond Von Miller's contributions (21:20).

4. The Tremaine Edmonds Situation

• Should the Bills Keep Edmonds?
  • Jenna and Mike advocate investing in Edmonds as a foundational piece, especially if the secondary changes with Jordan Poyer likely departing (27:03).
  • Dan is skeptical Edmonds stays, given contract negotiations have stalled and predicts slim odds if it reaches the tampering period (30:40).

Quote – Jenna Cottrell (30:40):
"If we get to free agency tampering period, when no deal is done...I would say pretty small. I would say, like, maybe 15% [chance Edmonds returns]."

5. Offensive Needs and Trade Scenarios

• Acquiring Weapons for Josh Allen:
  • Dan pushes for adding a proven wide receiver, mentioning T. Higgins and Hunter Renfrow as ideal fits (22:30).
  • Mike notes the most impactful wide receiver acquisitions lately (Diggs, Brown, Hill) have come via trade, not free agency (25:04).

Quote – Mike Catalana (25:04):
"Look at all the wide receiver moves that have been made, including the Bills with Diggs. It’s a lot of trades, a lot of teams going...I do trust Beane in that."

6. Draft Philosophy and the Combine

• Draft Flexibility:

  • The hosts note that, unlike 2022, the Bills now have several spots lacking depth and could justify selecting almost any position except quarterback (34:16).
  • Draft decisions should prioritize best player available over short-term needs due to injuries and quick roster turnover in the NFL (36:31).

• Combine Insight:

  • Jenna is eager to hear Beane's tone in Indianapolis, hoping for more candor about the pressure and plan than in the post-season press conference (37:54).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Pressure and Leadership:

  “Allen increases the pressure. The great move of picking Allen only ramped up the pressure…” – Mike Catalana (05:22)

• On Bold Moves:

  “You may be taking one step back to hopefully take two steps forward.” – Mike Catalana (15:57)

• On Defensive Line Overhaul:

  “I’m talking about starting over almost on the defensive line...ripping up the pages and starting over, shipping out Ed Oliver, getting rid of some of those guys.” – Dan Fetes (21:20)

• On Draft Philosophy:

  “Everything changes so fast. Contracts, injuries—in this league...it’s best player. Because if that guy is there, you got to take him.” – Mike Catalana (36:31)

• On Beane’s End-of-Season Tone:

  “It was so uncharacteristic, in my opinion, the end-of-the-year press conference. ...where everybody else is, like, we’re not fine. And so I do get that sense. I want to see that shift back to Beane of, we got to get back to the drawing board.” – Dan Fetes (40:07)

Timestamps of Important Segments

• 00:43 – 06:55: Pressure on Brandon Beane and finding the franchise QB
• 10:35 – 14:01: Breaking up roster continuity and bold move scenarios (incl. Ed Oliver, Diggs)
• 15:38 – 22:22: Defensive line struggles and possible trade/retooling
• 22:30 – 25:04: Searching for new offensive weapons (T. Higgins, Renfrow)
• 25:04 – 28:26: Draft and trade history, wide receiver acquisition philosophy
• 28:26 – 32:22: Tremaine Edmonds’ future and contract logistics
• 34:00 – 38:54: Combine preview, draft strategy, potential positional targets
• 39:21 – 41:29: Desire for Beane to acknowledge pressure, accountability in drafting
• 41:29 – 43:28: Aftermath of the Bengals loss, emotional state of the team and fanbase

Summary Flow and Tone

The conversation is lively, candid, and sometimes playful, mixing insider knowledge, humor, and honest debate. Mike’s measured takes contrast with Dan’s confidence and Jenna’s balanced perspective. The trio delivers not just updates but context, with plenty of metaphors (“spinning plates,” “borders of the jigsaw puzzle,” “ripping up the D-line pages,” etc.) and real talk about the stakes of the offseason.

Conclusion

This episode distills the uncertainty and opportunity of the Bills’ 2023 offseason. It’s clear the status quo isn’t enough; big, bold decisions may be necessary for Buffalo to take the next step. Whether Beane can execute those moves, let go of fan favorites, and back his franchise QB with the right supporting cast remains the central question—and a source of anticipation heading into the combine and free agency.

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