NFL analysts have been posting their immediate reactions to 2017 free agent signings around the league. Below, check out what they are saying about the Bills 2017 free agent class thus far.
Bleacher Report: 2017 NFL Free Agents: Grades For Day 1 Signings and Trades
Steven Hauschka to the Bills: — Buffalo had kicker issues last year, so something like this had to be done. Hauschka has had some problems with extra points, but at least he nailed 89.2 percent of his field goals last season. Grade: A
Pro Football Focus: Grading every deal of 2017 NFL Free Agency
By Sam Monson
FB Patrick DiMarco to Buffalo Bills
Grade: A
Patrick DiMarco has been arguably the best blocking fullback over the past two seasons. He was comfortably the best in 2015, and in the mix this past year. The Bills have obviously decided the fullback is a significant part of their offense, so DiMarco makes good sense to bring on board.
Sports Illustrated:NFL free agency grades: Analyzing the biggest moves of the new league year
QB TYROD TAYLOR RE-SIGNS WITH BILLS
GRADE: A-
Taylor is far from the perfect quarterback, but given the tough quarterback market right now, he'll work in Buffalo.
By: Kevin Seifert, NFL Nation
Favorite signing - Micah Hyde
With the 2017 free agency period officially open, here's a look at Buffalo's pickups.
Defensive back Micah Hyde caught my eye during a Green Bay Packers minicamp in 2013 and to me, he has been one of the NFL's most valuable and versatile players since then. Hyde said in a statement that the Packers never made him an offer, a surprising revelation for a team that almost always locks up its best players, but their loss is the Buffalo Bills' gain.
As a part-time player for the Packers, Hyde had eight interceptions, four sacks, six fumble recoveries and three punt returns for touchdowns. He can play cornerback or safety, functions well in blitz packages and has a clear nose for the ball. The Bills will expect him to be a full-time player, based on a five-year contract that includes $14 million in guarantees, but there is every reason to think Hyde can handle it.
I usually hate when coaches describe someone as "just a good football player," but that really is what Hyde is. He is the kind of "glue player" that every team needs. I can't argue with the Packers' decision to prioritize a pass-rusher (linebacker Nick Perry) over a defensive back, but Hyde leaves a multifaceted role that will be difficult for one player to fill.
QB Tyrod Taylor to the Bills: B
The Bills had very few options at quarterback besides Taylor. His expensive option wasn't the ideal scenario, which is why Buffalo restructured his contract. It was a good move for both sides as Taylor's deal was likely shortened, allowing him to potentially get another deal sooner. This is a good move by the Bills as they buy more time to see whether Taylor is worth a long-term deal.
Sports Illustrated: NFL free agency rumors: Recapping Day 1 signings, trades and cuts
By: Chris Burke
Micah Hyde
Solid pickup for the Bills here, even though it will fly a bit under the radar amid the 4 p.m. ET free agency craziness. Hyde started 11 games for the Packers last season and 33 during his four-year stint in Green Bay. He is a safety/slot hybrid weapon, and it's that versatility that really bolsters his value. The Bills were shy playmakers at both CB and S, so Hyde should have no trouble getting on the field.
