Could Bills RFA C Ryan Groy follow Robert Woods to the Rams?[
billswire.usatoday.com]
By: Robert Quinn
The Buffalo Bills lost their former second-round draft pick and No. 2 wide receiver Robert Woods to the Los Angeles Rams when the 2017 NFL free agency period began on Thursday, but he might not be the only player to seek greener pastures on the west coast.
Buffalo gave the lowest qualifying offer to center Ryan Groy, a restricted free agent, that would pay him $1.797 million for the 2017 season and would have the right to match any offer he receives. However, they wouldn’t receive any compensation if they decided against it.
On Friday, ESPN’s Adam Caplan reported that Groy, who is 26-years old and started seven games for the Bills last season when center Eric Wood suffered a broken leg, has received interest from four teams.
Adam Caplan ✔ @caplannfl
#Bills RFA G Ryan Groy has drawn interest from at least 4 teams, sources said. A few of them said they think he could come in and start.On Saturday, the Rams were rumored to be one of the teams said to have serious interest in the 6-foot-5, 320-pound lineman.
Former Bills offensive line coach Aaron Kromer is now in the same position with Los Angeles, so the connection is there and his familiarity with Groy makes sense.
Groy was solid in relief duty for Buffalo, posting a 97.7 pass blocking efficiency according to Pro Football Focus while not allowing a single sack, surrendering just 10 total pressures.
Mike Cahill @PF_Cahill
Lots of chatter about RFA C, Ryan Groy. Had a 97.7 pass blocking efficiency in 2016, no sacks, and his former Oline coach is w/ the Rams.His 79.5 overall grade ranked third among free agent centers, and his appeal is obvious for a Rams franchise that had one of the NFL’s worst offensive lines after investing two high draft picks in running back Todd Gurley and quarterback Jared Goff.
Buffalo would obviously like to keep Groy who provides quality depth behind Wood, but they’re lack of salary cap space could prove to be problematic.
If Los Angeles offers him significant money, he could be the second restricted free agent that the Bills lose in as many years, after failing to match the New England Patriots offer sheet to wide receiver Chris Hogan last offseason.
