3 Impending Bills Free Agents With the Most to Prove in 2020

The Buffalo Bills continue to improve their roster and are serious threats in the AFC this upcoming season. You better believe they'e the early favorites in the AFC east, too. Luckily for Buffalo, their major role players are locked in for the foreseeable future. However, there are some players who have to prove their worth this season before they hit the open market as free agents.

Here are three impending free agents on the Bills that need to have strong campaigns this year.

3. TE Tyler Kroft

Tyler Kroft gained some attention around the league back in 2017, his third year with the Cincinnati Bengals. That season, Kroft caught 42 passes for 404 yards and seven touchdowns. The Bills paid attention to the former Rutgers Scarlet Knight and red zone specialist, and signed him to a three-year, $18.8 million contract. His stint didn't start off well, as he broke his foot during team OTAs. He did play in 11 games last season, but recorded six receptions for 71 yards and one score due to taking a backseat to Dawson Knox. The Bills restructured his contract this offseason, making him a free agent next year. If he doesn't make strides in 2020, he won't earn a new deal from Buffalo and could have a slim number of suitors on the open market.

2. LT Dion Dawkins

Dion Dawkins entered the NFL with the expectation of him being a starting offensive guard. Yet here we are three years later, and he's quarterback Josh Allen's blindside blocker. Dawkins is a team captain, mostly due to his impressive play. Last season, he played 1,015 total snaps and allowed just four sacks. Additionally, he's recorded a "big man touchdown" in each of the past two seasons. If the offensive lineman wants to command a lucrative contract next year, he has to keep up the pace and continue to keep Allen upright. If he doesn't, his asking price won't be met by the Bills.

1. CB Josh Norman

Of course, we had to include new Bills cornerback Josh Norman. It's no secret that Norman is nowhere near the same player he was with the Carolina Panthers. He signed a lucrative contract with the Washington Redskins, and failed to live up to his paycheck. Last season, Norman allowed 31 completions on 46 targets for 444 yards and seven touchdowns. As a result of his poor play, he was relegated to the bench late in the season. Now, he looks to rebound with the Bills under head coach and former Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. If Norman improves in 2020, he'll earn another contract. If not, Norman's time in the NFL will likely reach its end.