Bills Fortify Trenches: McDermott Gets His Guys Up Front
The Buffalo Bills made it clear this week they weren't content to run it back with the same offensive line. Signing veteran interior linemen Austin Corbett and Lloyd Cushenberry III on Thursday signals a serious push to protect Josh Allen and jumpstart a run game that sputtered at times last season. Corbett, coming over from the Carolina Panthers, inks a three-year deal worth up to $20 million. Cushenberry, formerly of the Denver Broncos, gets a four-year, $50 million contract. These aren’t just depth signings; these are investments in the foundation of the offense.
Corbett, a former second-round pick by the Browns in 2018, brings a wealth of experience, having started 79 games in his career, primarily at guard. He spent three seasons with the Rams, winning Super Bowl LVI in 2022 as their starting right guard. His 2023 season in Carolina was cut short by an ACL injury, limiting him to just four games. But when healthy, he’s a reliable, physical presence. Cushenberry, on the other hand, played every snap for the Broncos last season, earning a 67.4 overall PFF grade, a career-high. He’s started all 57 games he’s played since being drafted in the third round in 2020. That kind of ironman reliability is exactly what the Bills need after injuries plagued their line last year. Remember, Connor McGovern missed a game, and Mitch Morse battled through a few dings himself.
Shoring Up the Interior
Here's the thing: Buffalo's offensive line play in 2023 was… fine. They ranked 13th in run block win rate and 10th in pass block win rate, according to ESPN analytics. But "fine" isn't going to cut it when you have Super Bowl aspirations. The run game, which averaged 130.1 yards per game (7th in the league), often felt inconsistent, especially in short-yardage situations. Adding Cushenberry, a true center, immediately creates competition for Morse, who signed a two-year extension last offseason. Morse, 31, has been a solid leader, but his play has dipped slightly, and the concussion history is always a concern. Cushenberry, at 26, is entering his prime. This isn't just about a backup; this is about upgrading the starting five.
Corbett’s arrival, assuming he’s fully recovered from the ACL, gives the Bills flexibility at guard. David Edwards, signed last offseason, underperformed at times, and Ryan Bates was just traded to the Bears for a fifth-round pick. Buffalo now has Corbett, McGovern, and O'Cyrus Torrence, who had a solid rookie season, all vying for two guard spots. That's a good problem to have. Real talk, the Bills haven’t consistently had this much proven talent and depth on the interior line in the McDermott era. Their 2022 unit, featuring Rodger Saffold and Ryan Bates, was probably the closest, but even then, it felt like there were fewer high-ceiling options.
A New Philosophy Up Front?
Look, Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott have always prioritized continuity and character. These signings fit that mold. Corbett and Cushenberry are known for their professionalism and leadership. But it also feels like a slight shift. For years, the Bills have invested heavily in skill positions and the defensive line. Now, they're pouring significant capital into the interior offensive line, an area that often gets overlooked. $70 million combined for two interior linemen speaks volumes. It suggests a belief that protecting Allen and establishing a more dominant ground game is paramount to getting over the hump.
My hot take? Cushenberry starts Week 1 at center, and the Bills move on from Morse. The cap savings would be significant, and the youth movement up front would be complete. This team needs to be nastier in the trenches, especially when the weather turns ugly in Orchard Park. These moves make them exactly that.
The Bills are sending a clear message: they’re not just reloading; they’re re-fortifying. Expect a more physical, more consistent offensive line in 2024, and watch Allen reap the benefits with more time in the pocket and bigger running lanes.