Ranking the 5 Bills players under the most pressure in 2021
The Bills are poised for another successful run in 2021. Still, that doesn’t mean it will come easy and it does not guarantee every player will preform well. Some are under pressure to preform next season or their future could be in doubt.
With that, here are five Bills players under the most pressure in 2021:
DE Jerry Hughes
Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes. (AP Photo/John Munson)
Jerry Hughes will easily be the most productive players that's on the list. However, father time is undefeated. At 32, Hughes is entering the final year of his contract. But still, at 32, pass rushers do find positive play in their mid-30s. The longest tenured Bills player currently, if Hughes does play well in 2021, there is absolutely good reason to extend him. But if he doesn't, his age, combined with the younger players behind him, could see his time in Buffalo come to an end.
CB Levi Wallace
Bills cornerback Levi Wallace . (James P. McCoy/Buffalo News via AP, Pool)
At the No. 2 cornerback spot it's either going to be Levi Wallace or Dane Jackson as the starter in 2021. That'll be the most highlighted training camp battle this summer. But Wallace has the pressure. He's the incumbent, not to mention he's only playing under a one-year deal.
Bills defensive tackle Harrison Phillips . (AP Photo/Brett Carlsen)
Harrison Phillips is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Unfortunately all the pressure has to do with an injury. Early in 2019, Phillips flew out of the gate and played very well. A few games in he tore his ACL which usually takes a while to heal. The first year after. a player usually isn't back to their full self. So in 2021, is he? His play next season will weigh heavy on his NFL future.
OL Cody Ford
Bills offensive guard Cody Ford, Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports'
Speaking of injuries, Bills offensive lineman Cody Ford hasn't really stayed healthy in his career either. Even as a rookie he played through injury, but unlike Phillips, Ford hasn't really had very positive play at any point of his career. Ford has been moved around the offensive line to find which spot is best for him... which isn't the best sign. The jury is still out on Ford and the Bills have some solid depth on the offensive line as well such as Ike Boettger and Forrest Lamp. If Ford struggles, he could be replaced in the lineup next season.
TE Dawson Knox
Dawson Knox #88 of the Buffalo Bills . (Photo by Jamie Squire/Getty Images)
Easy pickings here. Dawson Knox is still the Bills' starting tight end on the depth chart, but if he does not preform in 2021, he will likely be replaced. Knox has to see some improvement in his hands next season or else finding a tight end might be the top thing on Buffalo's to-do list in a year from now.
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