The Buffalo Bills introduced new head coach Rex Ryan this week and he spoke confidently about the future of the franchise and moving forward he could look at Mark Sanchez or Brian Hoyer as free agent options at quarterback over starting EJ Manuel and this comes as the team will consider bringing back CJ Spiller as a free agent.
Ryan was hired earlier in the week and he was introduced by the Bills on Wednesday with the usual Ryan bluster, as he was confident about the team he was taking over. Ryan spoke about the potential of the Bills overall and also praised the defense, calling it one of the best in the league. According to ESPN.com, Ryan was asked about the quarterback situation in Buffalo at his press conference and whether Mark Sanchez could be a target for the team.
Ryan said that he would be "under consideration" after being asked about whether he wants to have a veteran to come in to compete with EJ Manuel. Doug Marrone was unable to develop Manuel into a consistent quarterback over his two seasons in Buffalo and now Rex Ryan will get the chance. The Bills have been described as being in a similar situation as the Jets were, as they both have second year quarterbacks that have struggled and strong defensive units.
Ryan will be hoping to get the Bills back to the playoffs and he inherits a team that finished 9-7 and that is significant for Buffalo after years of losing. Ryan had great success in his first two seasons in New York and Sanchez was his quarterback in two straight AFC championship games and now the two could be reunited. The Jets handled Sanchez completely wrong and if Ryan brings him to Buffalo, he could develop into a consistent option over Manuel.
Sanchez had a solid season while coming in for Nick Foles for the Eagles, passing for over 2,400 yards and 14 touchdowns. The Eagles missed the playoffs and while Sanchez said that he would be open to returning to Philadelphia, he may not turn down the chance to start. Greg Roman is coming in to take over the offense for Ryan and it comes after the two worked together on the Baltimore Ravens.
Ryan has some solid offensive personnel with Sammy Watkins, Robert Woods, Fred Jackson and Scott Chandler and the team also may bring back CJ Spiller in free agency. Manuel has the potential to be a solid quarterback, but he needs more time to develop and that is why it's likely Ryan brings in a veteran. Hoyer is also hitting the free agent market and could be a target if he doesn't sign back with the Browns.
The Bills come into the offseason after finishing 4-2 in the AFC East and they could be a surprise team next season if Ryan can add a consistent quarterback. Kyle Orton led the team last season, but he retired and the offense needs to do much better, as they ranked in the bottom half of the league in passing offense and rushing offense. The defense ranked in the top three in passing yards allowed per game and the team allowed just 106 yards on the ground per contest.