WR Terrell Owens is the biggest name among Buffalo's nine unrestricted free agents.

The flamboyant Owens played last season on a one-year, $6.5 million deal. He said he's open to returning to Buffalo but would no doubt have to see what the front office does in the way of improving the line.

Coach Chan Gailey and his staff, meanwhile, have to decide if they can use Owens, 36, in their system.

Said GM Buddy Nix when asked about Owens' future: "It's up to the coach. We'll see if they think he fits. If he does, we'll go from there."

OFFSEASON STRATEGY

Buffalo's new front office and coaching staff inherited a relatively clean free-agent situation.

WR Terrell Owens, who has played out a one-year, $6.5 million deal, is the only star-power player on Buffalo's plate and his age (36) may make a decision to offer him a short-term contract a non-issue. However, Owens is a one-man marketing machine who would consider a return to Buffalo under new offensive-minded head coach Chan Gailey.

Meanwhile, if Aaron Schobel is serious about retiring and can't be talked out of it, Buffalo will be in the market for a proven pass rusher to play in a 3-4 scheme the team is switching to.

TEAM NEEDS

1. Quarterback: New coach Chan Gailey calls the NFL a quarterback-driven league and yet the Bills haven't had a 300-yard passer in 54 games. Ryan Fitzpatrick, Trent Edwards and Brian Brohm are his problem now. Or maybe not.

2. Defensive linemen: The Bills plan to switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme but their current personnel up front was recruited to play a 4-3. The team mostly needs a prototypical nose tackle.

3. Offensive tackle: Bills quarterbacks were sacked 46 times, fourth most in the league, as the team cobbled together nine different line combinations. Brad Butler's surprise retirement makes replenishing this position even more important.

MEDICAL WATCH
No updates.

FRANCHISE PLAYER
None.

TRANSITION PLAYER
None.

UNRESTRICTED FREE AGENTS

--DE Ryan Denney has been a capable backup pass rusher, but with millions wrapped up in starters Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay, the money's not there for him.

--LB Chris Draft was a valuable mid-year pickup, but with 11 seasons of wear he may not fit Buffalo's rebuilding model.

--DB Todd Johnson appeared in eight games before going on injured reserve. He's not a priority to be retained.

--OG Seth McKinney, an eight-year vet with 46 starts, was brought in for depth but couldn't stay healthy. He doesn't figure to be part of new plan.

--WR Terrell Owens, the future NFL Hall of Famer, put up decent numbers (55 catches, 829 yards, 5 touchdowns) considering the team's many line and quarterback issues. At 36, he still has plenty of gas left. The question is what will it cost to refuel the tank?

--WR Josh Reed has played all eight of his NFL seasons with the Bills and has 311 catches. He's a reliable slot target and should be brought back.

--SS/LB Bryan Scott earned six starts at weak-side linebacker when injuries struck. He has proven his versatility.

--OG Kendall Simmons, a former standout for Pittsburgh, has been plagued by injuries for two seasons. It remains to be seen if Buffalo's new Steelers' connections can secure him a job.

--LB Josh Stamer rejoined the team late in the season. He's a tough player who excels on special teams but Buffalo is likely to explore more affordable options than paying a six-year minimum.

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS (*indicates restricted because of uncapped year)

--*LB Keith Ellison (eligible for four-year tender numbers) has logged 38 career starts, but had his season cut in half last year due to a quad injury. He could be re-signed as a backup outside linebacker, but the team needs an upgrade and is in the market for three to four players.

--*QB Gibran Hamdan (eligible for four-year tender numbers) is worth the price as No. 3 or 4 man for training camp.

--*OG Richie Incognito (eligible for four-year tender numbers), a controversial but feisty blocker, brought some much-needed attitude to the team late in the year and should be a priority to retain.

--*TE Joe Klopfenstein (eligible for three-year tender numbers), a former Ram, could get another look as a depth player.

--TE Derek Schouman (eligible for three-year tender numbers) opened the year as the club's starter, but went down with a knee injury in Week 3. He's still a good prospect as a blocker.

--OT Jonathan Scott (eligible for three-year tender numbers) earned eight emergency starts in 2009, but the Bills will look for better depth talent.

--*FS George Wilson (eligible for four-year tender numbers), who successfully made the switch from receiver to defensive back under former coach Dick Jauron, is a team captain and locker-room leader who deserves a deal.

--*CB Ashton Youboty (eligible for four-year tender numbers), a former third-round pick, has not been able to crack the starting lineup, but has proven himself a capable nickel and dime player.

EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS

--LB Marcus Buggs will be coming back from major knee surgery and could be brought back as a depth player.

--LB Jon Corto, a hard-nosed hometown talent, appeared in all 16 games in 2009 and was a valuable special teams player. He should catch the eye of new special-teams coach Bruce DeHaven.

--OT Christian Gaddis appeared in one game. He's a depth candidate.

--RB Justise Hairston spent the entire year on injured reserve.

--TE Jonathan Stupar appeared in 15 games, catching five passes, and ranks as a good depth player.

PLAYERS RE-SIGNED: None.

PLAYERS ACQUIRED
None.

PLAYERS LOST

--OT Brad Butler (retired).

--TE Derek Fine (released).

--WR Justin Jenkins (released/failed physical).

--DE Jermaine McGhee (released/failed physical).

--LB Ashlee Palmer (released).

--C Marvin Philip (released/failed physical).

--DE Marcus Smith (released/failed physical).

--S John Wendling (released/failed physical).

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