The Buffalo Bills entered the offseason with a lot of questions to answer. Through veteran additions and an impactful trade, they have done enough to firmly establish themselves as the favorites in the AFC East in 2026.
While they still have some things to address in the upcoming NFL Draft, there is one name on the roster who could be facing a crossroads in his young career. The Bills were once high on Arkansas’ Landon Jackson, but their opinion may have shifted.
How he progresses and contributes to the Bills’ Super Bowl goals will likely determine his future with the club. That pressure is internal and will likely be stoked if the Bills add a high-end EDGE piece in the NFL Draft, but Jackson’s future is in his own hands.
Buffalo Bills hoping to see Edge Landon Jackson turn the corner in Year 2
Injury Challenges
When he was drafted in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, many felt that the Bills had a steal in the Arkansas edge rusher. He had produced at a high level in a tough SEC conference, and his combine stats only seemed to back up what everyone was seeing.
He had a severe ankle injury during his senior season as well as two ACL tears prior to being drafted. For those reasons, it may not have been shocking to see his season ended early due to a knee injury in Week 10.
Jackson had been limited to just three games before suffering that injury. Given his history, it has to be concerning for the Bills going forward. If he suffers another major setback, it could be the kiss of death on his career in Buffalo.
Scheme Change Could Unlock Jackson
If there is one player who could benefit from the shift to a 3-4 scheme under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, it is Jackson. He projected as a strong-side defensive end in a 3-4 thanks to run-game dominance in college and a set of pass rush moves that continue to develop.
He has a fantastic combination of power, size, and technical skills that should make him an impact player. He also has the ability to be versatile to Leonhard’s scheme, especially if the plan is to mix up packages and not so much have a “base” 3-4.
Jackson was vaunted coming out of college for his length, power, relentless motor, and refined technique. If he can return fully from injury and take to the new scheme, he could be a breakout candidate and difference-maker.
There Will Be Heavy Competition
The team has invested in the position, signing veteran edge rusher Bradley Chubb to a three-year deal. There is also a high likelihood that the Bills add to the position in some capacity through the draft, whether it be with a premium pick or with a project later on.
Jackson will need to elevate his game regardless of the moves made. He has a lot to prove after a largely disappointing rookie season, and a return to health would be a good place to start. He will have to make an impact in training camp or it could become clear quickly that he is on his last legs with the organization.