Inside The Bills

Guards off market early

With Chris Kemoeatu and Brandon Moore both re-signing with the teams that released them the guard market is suddenly thinner at the top.

I was a bit surprised those two didn’t at least visit other teams to see what was out there.

G Kemoeatu sets market for guards

With Pittsburgh FA G Chris Kemoeatu re-signing with the Steelers (5yrs, $20M) he’s effectively set the market for guards in free agency. Kemoeatu was considered by some to be the best guard in the free agent pool, so other guards may not get much more than that, which is good news for the Bills.

Jets FA G Brandon Moore could conceivably be had for around $4M per season, which is considerably less than what Dockery’s average annual payout was, at least on the cap ($7M).

It also means that Kendall Simmons chances of going back to Pittsburgh are that much less likely.

Jets make offer to Pittsburgh G Kemoeatu

The Jets aren’t only looking on the defensive side of the ball. They’ve also made a contract offer to Steelers FA G Chris Kemoeatu. According to the NY Daily News the offer is $4M a year.

Kemoeatu is considered one of the best FA guards on the market. This contract offer is also an indication that the Jets are moving forward without considering re-signing Brandon Moore, who was released Thursday.

Moore is coming off a career year and would be a solid pickup for the Bills, and likely could be had for close to half the average annual salary of Dockery’s old deal.

C Saturday open to playing for Steelers

According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review Colts FA C Jeff Saturday, who turns 34 in June, is open to playing for the Steelers even if it means playing guard.

Truthfully what free agent wouldn’t want to play for the Steelers right now.

Saturday is not expected to re-sign with the Colts who are not long on cap space. The Steelers are expected to have a hole at guard if FA Chris Kemoeatu makes it to free agency, which is anticipated to be the case at this point.

I think Saturday is a legitimate option for the Bills in the pivot especially if Matt Birk moves closer and closer to re-signing with the Vikings.