After more than a year of trying to reach a new agreement with their two-time Pro Bowl left tackle, the Bills realized the unrealistic contract demands of Jason Peters were not going to change. So Buffalo decided to cut bait trading the mercurial offensive lineman to Philadelphia.
The Bills received three undisclosed draft picks – two in 2009 and one in 2010.
Now armed with two more selections for the upcoming draft Buffalo is in a very powerful position to address some of their positional holes, which now includes offensive tackle.
However, Buffalo does have options. One is to move right tackle Langston Walker to left tackle to replace Peters. The club did as much in last season's opener when Peters' training camp holdout prevented him from being ready for the Week 1 matchup with Seattle. Walker performed admirably in his absence in a 34-10 victory.
Left to fill the void at right tackle could be second-year offensive tackle Demetrius Bell or veteran Kirk Chambers. The offensive staff is very high on Bell, who is a very athletic young prospect that developed quickly in his first year in the practice setting.
Buffalo first inserted Jason Peters into the offensive lineup back in 2005 at right tackle, so it's not outlandish to think they might not take a similar approach with Bell.
The other option is to replace Walker on the right side with a top draft choice. With the 11th pick, Buffalo stands a good chance of landing one of the top four offensive tackles in the draft. With the top pick they acquired from the Eagles they could possibly land a premier right tackle.
Buffalo now has nine total draft choices in next weekend's draft affording them great flexibility should there be a prospect that slips that they are eager to land.
