The Buffalo Bills enter the new season with familiar expectations: winning another AFC East crown and, most importantly, overcoming the Kansas City Chiefs in the playoffs. Despite strong regular seasons, Buffalo has lost to Kansas City in four of the last five postseasons, including a 32–29 defeat in last January’s AFC Championship.
After restructuring payroll last year, general manager Brandon Beane focused on retaining the team’s young core this offseason. Six players signed extensions, including running back James Cook, who resolved a brief training camp hold-in. The offense remains mostly intact and adds free-agent receiver Joshua Palmer as a deep threat. Quarterback Josh Allen, last season’s NFL MVP, continues to lead a high-powered unit that ranked second in scoring despite no receiver surpassing 900 yards.
Beane directed most upgrades toward the defense, which forced 32 takeaways last season but struggled overall and gave up 30 or more points four times, including the playoffs. Six of nine draft picks went to defensive players. Free agency brought edge rushers Joey Bosa and Michael Hoecht, plus tackle Larry Ogunjobi. However, Hoecht and Ogunjobi will miss the first six games due to suspensions for violating the NFL’s PED policy. The secondary is unsettled, with Tre’Davious White sidelined by a recent lower-body injury and rookie first-rounder Maxwell Hairston also out with a knee injury. Safety competition remains open, as Cole Bishop and Damar Hamlin battle for a starting role next to Taylor Rapp.
New Additions
Bosa, Hoecht, Palmer, Ogunjobi, White, Hairston, rookie edge rusher Landon Jackson, WR Elijah Moore, LB Shaq Thompson, rookie DTs T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker, P Brad Robbins, and special teams coordinator Chris Tabor.
Key Departures
Edge Von Miller, CBs Rasul Douglas and Kaiir Elam, WRs Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins, P Sam Martin, and special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley.
Strengths
The Bills’ offense is among the league’s best, powered by balance and depth. James Cook tied for the NFL lead with 16 rushing touchdowns last season. The offensive line returns intact, while cornerback Christian Benford continues to emerge as one of the NFL’s top pass defenders. Linebackers Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano, if healthy, form a strong duo.
Weaknesses
Health is a concern for Bosa, who replaces Von Miller but has endured three injury-shortened seasons. Suspensions to Hoecht and Ogunjobi put pressure on younger defenders. The secondary, once a strength, now faces uncertainty due to injuries.
Training Camp Notes
Cook’s contract dispute ended with a four-year extension, but injuries remain a storyline. WR Khalil Shakir, Buffalo’s leading receiver last season with 76 catches and 821 yards, missed a month with a high ankle sprain but should return by Week 1. Curtis Samuel also missed time, raising questions about his future. Coach Sean McDermott kept Josh Allen out of preseason games for the first time in his eight years with the team, prioritizing his health.
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