The first day of the NFL’s legal tampering period was filled with lots of breaking news of signings, trades, and releases across the league. Phones were constantly going off and news was being released nonstop. It’s one of the most exciting parts of the offseason as it’s the first big step towards the 2025 season.
The Buffalo Bills made two solid signings in wide receiver Josh Palmer and defensive end Michael Hoecht, both from the Los Angeles teams. Both players received three-year deals and are now coming out to Orchard Park to join the defending AFC East champs.
While Bills fans should be excited about these signings, there are three of their 2025 opponents who had great improvements after the first day of the tampering period. We’ve identified three teams that the Bills will face next season who will look different for the better.
Which 2025 Bills opponents improved the most so far?
New England Patriots
Right within the AFC East, there is no question that the New England Patriots will look different for the better, atleast on defense. Under new head coach Mike Vrabel, the Patriots could rise up as one of the best defensive units in 2025. They have gone out and signed players like DE Harold Landry, CB Carlton Davis, LB Robert Spillane, and acquired the biggest name of free agency in DT Milton Williams in a shocking fashion.
In addition, they also stole a Bills’ fan-favorite in Mack Hollins, bringing him to New England on a two-year deal to help with the development of Drake Maye. The Patriots still have some work to do on offense, but their defense is looking scary.
Carolina Panthers
Much like the Patriots, the Carolina Panthers were extremely busy with the defensive side of the ball. First off, they made their star cornerback Jaycee Horn the highest paid cornerback in NFL history with a 4-year, $100 million deal before free agency opened up. Since then, they have gone heavy on defense.
They have brought defensive line help with signing former Chiefs defensive tackle Tershawn Wheaton, who had a career year last season with the Chiefs. Carolina then brought back cornerback Michael Jackson, signed a very underrated safety in Tre’Von Moehrig, signed a linebacker in Pat Jones II to help with a pass rush, and then added more defensive line help with Bobby Brown III from the Rams.
Carolina is looking to improve their defense to help support the offense and take some pressure off of Bryce Young.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
The best move the Buccaneers made was re-signing their well-respected veteran wide receiver, Chris Godwin to a three-year, $66 million deal despite suffering a season-ending ankle injury last year. Godwin is the perfect complimentary player to Mike Evans and it helps keep continuity with Baker Mayfield.
Tampa Bay also brought back their longest-tenured player in linebacker Lavonte David, who still has some motor left in him. The offensive line also stays intact as offensive guard Ben Bredeson returns to the Bucs. However, one of the first moves of the day was the Buccaneers signing edge rusher Haason Reddick who is extremely talented, but had some character issues last year when he was traded to the New York Jets.
It’s a high risk-high reward payoff for Tampa if Reddick can become the player he once was.