The Buffalo Bills list of unrestricted free agents this year is smaller than the list of rumored potential coaches. The only free agent of significance is CB Antoine Winfield, and I expect him to be gone without much effort put forth on the Bills part.

In a recent radio interview, Bills GM Tom Donahoe stated that he expects to have about 47 players under contract when free agency starts, and that the Bills will be $7-8 million under the cap. Considering the current needs of the Bills that are unlikely to be addressed through the draft, it seems remote that Winfield will be back with the Bills, at least at the salary he is seeking. However, the market should be a buyers market for cornerbacks with stars like Champ Bailey and Charles Woodson eligible for free agency this year, so Winfields asking price could come down.

The other unrestricted free agents for the Bills are:

Sammy Morris (RB): Sammy had a rough year, fighting through injuries. At one point he was dominating on special teams and he is the captain of that unit. The backfield will be too crowded for Sammy to survive next year, and there are cheaper backups already on the roster. Syonara, Sammy!

Sam Gash (FB): Question: How does Sam Gash not make the Pro Bowl? Answer: Play for Kevin Gilbride's offense. Gash, who once made the Pro Bowl despite having zero carries one year, is a warrior and a monster of a blocker. If the Bills new coach commits to the run, Gash is worth bringing back. But if you need to save the money, you can let Gash go and commit to...

Philip Crosby (FB): A younger, cheaper version of Gash. If the Bills don't mind losing Gash's veteran presence and leadership they could save about half a million bucks here.

DaShon Polk (LB): Played on special teams and goal-line situations. He would be worth bringing back if he is willing to stay in a backup role.

Keith McKenzie (DE): McKenzie didn't see the active roster until week twelve, and once he hit the field he played well. He was disappointed with his playing time, and rightly so. If he gets another offer, he will bolt. He would be worth re-signing if he's willing to stay.

The Bills restricted free agents are as follows:

Marques Sullivan (OT): Sullivan came to camp as the starting right guard, lost his job to Mike Pucillo, was inactive most of the year, then started the last four games at left tackle when Jonas Jennings was injured. Experienced line depth is hard to come by, so he should get an offer.

Ross Tucker (OG): Tucker filled in for Mike Pucillo the last five games and played better than Pucillo. Should get an offer.

Joe Burns (RB): Good special teamer. Should be the Bills third back on the depth chart next year behind Henry and McGahee.

Dominique Stevenson (LB): Nothing like a seventh round pick from Tennessee sticking around for three years...it warms my heart! Solid special teamer and depth linebacker. He will receive an offer.

Ron Edwards (DT): Edwards was on IR most of the year. If he's healthy he will be tendered an offer.

Travis Brown (QB): He will be the backup next year and the Bills will have a rookie from day one in the draft as the number three QB. No more Alex Van Pelt to kick around any more!

Overall, a pretty easy time for Mssrs. Donohoe and Modrak, leaving them free to focus on other peoples free agents and the draft. Incidentally, the Bills have granted the Dolphins permission to talk to Modrak about their soon to be created GM job. Let's hope he stays here.

Up next: what the Bills need to do in the offseason.