The Bills are set to host free agent center Russell Bodine today and tomorrow, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (via Twitter). Buffalo has a major need at center following Eric Wood‘s retirement.
Bodine, of course, is not an ideal replacement. Although he has started all 64 possible games since entering the league as a fourth-round pick of the Bengals in 2014, he has not been overly effective. In 2017, he graded as a bottom-10 center, per Pro Football Focus.
But he is young, durable, and has significant starting experience. Indeed, the Bengals previously expressed interest in retaining his services, and Cincinnati head coach Marvin Lewis said several months ago, “Russell’s been, physically, mentally a tough football player for us. He was installed there as a rookie and he’s done nothing but continue to grow and get better and frankly grow into a guy you can count on to help lead the football team. I feel really good about him. So hopefully we’ll be able to get that done.”
Bodine did not crack PFR’s original list of top free agent interior lineman, but now that top centers like Ryan Jensen and Weston Richburg have signed with new clubs, Bodine will start to attract more interest. Buffalo also has Ryan Groy on the roster as a potential Wood replacement.
When are you people going to get it through your heads that the Bills no NOT have a major need at center. Ryan Groy will be the starting center. If anything they are just looking for depth.
If my team has Ryan Groy as its No. 1 center, I consider my team to have a major need at center.
This bromance has really blossomed since week 17. Bengals and Bills just need to merge already.
The bengals bills saga continues, I wish they took Andy suckalton from us instead aj because he started this
Draft a Center in 2nd or 3d.
They matched Rams offer for Groy last year & he can start w rookie backup.
It would be the best move if the season if the Bills can get Bodine. For the Bengals….