East Notes: Bills, Giants, OBJ, Jets, Pryor

It’s okay to be optimistic about the 2018 Bills, Matthew Fairburn of The Athletic writes. While the offense lost a few key pieces, Fairburn argues that some change was probably needed after the passing offense finished 28th in Football Outsiders’ DVOA metric. With a new offensive coordinator in Brian Daboll and three new QBs in A.J. McCarron, Josh Allen, and Nathan Peterman, the Bills undeniably have shaken things up, even if there are some question marks.

The real reason of optimism, of course, is the defense, where they have added Tremaine Edmunds at linebacker plus Star Lotulelei, Harrison Phillips, and Trent Murphy on the defensive line. The Bills’ run defense was among the worst in the NFL last year, but they have nowhere to go up from here.

Here’s more from the East divisions:

• As the Giants ponder an extension for Odell Beckham Jr., former agent Joel Corry gave his thoughts on what a new deal might look like. He tells Paul Schwartz of the New York Post that a five-year, $95MM deal ($19MM average annual value) with up to $45MM guaranteed at signing should get the job done. However, he believe that OBJ would be better off betting on himself via a shorter deal. If he’s willing to take that risk, he suggests a three-year extension for about $55MM, with $40MM in guarantees.
• It feels like it’s all or nothing for Jets wide receiver Terrelle Pryor this year, Brian Costello of the New York Post writes. Signed to a one-year, $4.5MM contract this season, Pryor can be an interesting weapon if he’s healthy and offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates figures out creative ways to use him. If his second career ankle surgery holds him back, however, the deal could prove to be a mistake for Gang Green. The Jets are hoping that the moderate gamble pans out, particularly since Robby Anderson could be suspended to start the season.
• Will the Bills, Eagles, or Patriots sign Dez Bryant? Or do you think the Cowboys will shock everyone with a reunion? Click here to vote on where you think the wide receiver will land.