Bills Finally Get Serious About Protecting Allen
For years, it felt like the Buffalo Bills were playing a dangerous game with Josh Allen. They’d invest heavily in skill positions, draft a receiver in the first round, sign a big-name pass rusher – all good moves, mind you. But the offensive line? It always felt like an afterthought, a patchwork job that relied on Allen's superhuman ability to extend plays and escape trouble. This offseason, something's different. The signings of veteran offensive linemen Austin Corbett and Lloyd Cushenberry III on Thursday signal a shift.
Look, Allen took 23 sacks last season, which isn't the worst number in the league, but it masks a lot of the pressure he faced. Pro Football Focus graded the Bills' offensive line as the 20th best in the NFL for 2023. That's just not good enough for a team with Super Bowl aspirations and a quarterback making $43 million a year. They needed to get serious, and it looks like they finally are.
Corbett's Return to the AFC East
Austin Corbett is a familiar face to anyone who's followed the AFC East. He spent his rookie year with the Cleveland Browns in 2018 before being traded to the Rams, where he became a solid starter. He then signed a three-year, $26.25 million deal with the Carolina Panthers in 2022. He's played both guard and center, and that versatility is a huge plus for Buffalo. The guy started 17 games for the Rams during their Super Bowl LVI-winning season. That kind of experience, especially in big moments, is invaluable.
Thing is, Corbett missed almost all of last season with a torn ACL, playing only four games. That's a concern, sure, but the Bills got him on a one-year deal worth up to $3 million. If he returns to form, that's a steal. He’s a proven commodity when healthy, a guy who can anchor a guard spot and provide some much-needed stability. He’s also a good run blocker, which will help James Cook and the new-look Bills running attack.
Cushenberry: A True Center Upgrade
Now, Lloyd Cushenberry III is the big one. The Bills haven't had a consistent, high-level center since Eric Wood retired in 2017. Mitch Morse was fine, but he was always battling injuries and never quite lived up to the contract. Cushenberry, on the other hand, is a legitimate upgrade. He started all 17 games for the Denver Broncos last season and was PFF's 10th-highest graded center in the league. He signed a four-year, $50 million deal, which tells you what the Bills think of him.
This isn't just depth. This is a foundational piece. Cushenberry allowed only one sack and 16 pressures in 669 pass-blocking snaps last year for the Broncos. That’s the kind of protection Allen dreams about. He’s only 26 years old, too, so he’s entering his prime. This move signals that the Bills are not just patching holes; they’re building for the future up front. It’s about time they invested serious capital in the interior of that line.
A New Philosophy Up Front?
For too long, the Bills seemed to prioritize athleticism and scheme versatility over sheer brute force and consistent pass protection on the offensive line. They've tried to make do with mid-round picks and reclamation projects. That strategy, while sometimes yielding decent results, has ultimately left Allen scrambling more often than he should. These signings, particularly Cushenberry's substantial contract, show a shift in philosophy. They’re bringing in guys who can consistently win their one-on-one battles.
This isn't just about protecting Allen; it's about opening up the entire offense. A stronger interior line means better run blocking, which makes play-action more effective. It gives Allen more time to go through his progressions, instead of bailing out of the pocket after two seconds. My hot take? These two signings, more than any wide receiver or defensive end, are the moves that will finally push the Bills past the AFC Championship game and into the Super Bowl.