Bills “Appear Legitimately Interested” In QB Paxton Lynch

A source close to Memphis QB Paxton Lynch tells Vic Carruci of the Buffalo News that the Bills “appear legitimately interested” in the quarterback prospect.

Last week, sources told Peter Schrager of FOX Sports that the Bills are “very much” in hunt to draft a quarterback this year, given that Tyrod Taylor and EJ Manuel are in the final year of their contracts.

Schrager added that the Bills have the No. 19 and No. 49 overall picks that they could use on a quarterback.

Buffalo has shown interest in a number of notable quarterback prospects including: Lynch, Connor Cook, Jared Goff, Dak Prescott, Cardale Jones and Kevin Hogan.

Beyond that, GM Doug Whaley hasn’t ruled out the possibility of them coming away from the draft with a young quarterback, so it shouldn’t come as a major surprise if they elect to use a high draft pick on the position.

The Bills and Taylor reportedly haven’t made much progress on a long-term contract, despite the fact that Taylor is clearly in line for a raise at some point, as he stands to make just $3 million for the 2016 season.

The problem is that the Bills’ don’t have a lot of cap space to work with and signing Taylor to an extension would come with a sizable pay increase. Plus, they haven’t given any serious indication that they’re convinced he can be their long-term option at the position.

For what it’s worth, we have Lynch going to the Jets at No. 20 overall in our most recent 2016 NFL Mock Draft, but it appears as though we may have to consider changing that.