The Buffalo Bills are in a state of flux, with significant roster turnover and a new coaching regime taking the reins. The NFL Draft, especially for a new staff, is a critical time. As they search for cornerstones upon which to assemble their own philosophy, they cannot miss.
The work has already begun, and they assume a strong foundation in the likes of Josh Allen. Still, Joe Brady's offense and Jim Leonhard's defense will be different beasts in 2026. Before the draft begins in earnest, there is more work to be done in free agency.
Why the urgency?
A vintage move, favored by Brandon Beane, is to pick up players to mitigate any needs before the NFL Draft. In patching roster holes, teams avoid broadcasting their wishes to the league on draft day. In picking up Tre'Davious White before the draft in 2025, Buffalo was able to select Maxwell Hairston. The urgency was gone, and any team with eyes on him wouldn't feel the need to jump Buffalo and get him. In order to draft not only well, but comfortably, holes needs patching.
Even then, there is no guarantee that the Buffalo Bills can get the players they want. Once the draft is complete, NFL teams will renew their efforts to sign free agents; The second wave of 'the frenzy' gets underway. Now, as free agency cools and the draft becomes the focus, Buffalo can get players at under-market value. With only $13.7m in salary cap space, that will suit them perfectly.
The guard issue
The first issue facing the Bills which needs covering before the draft is at guard. Following the retention of Alec Anderson on a one-year deal, he's expected to replace the outgoing David Edwards.
Yes, Buffalo has it's starter, but they no longer have depth. The only other guard on the roster now is Nick Broeker which is deeply unsatisfactory. The next issue is that both starting guards are in contract years. Ideally, the Bills can retain RG O'Cyrus Torrence on a sensible extension, but he's played excellently. His market will be very real indeed.
The Bills have to address the guard spot this offseason. In order to stay affordable through 2027 and beyond, the team has to either extend O'Cyrus Torrence or draft a future starting guard. If they plan to draft a future starter, they need a veteran now to make their prospect selectable in the draft. Picking up an affordable player like Brady Christensen, or extending Torrence would be enough to enter the draft comfortably.
Finding a wide receiver
Next, the Bills need to both improve and get cheaper at WR. Brandon Beane's large-scale investments in D.J. Moore, Khalil Shakir, and Joshua Palmer make for a pricy group. Before releasing Curtis Samuel, the Bills had the most expensive WR core in the league- It was also considered among the least talented. Adding a cheaper veteran to provide depth and variety allows them to find a WR in the draft without pressure.
It also delays the pressing issue of expense until 2027, where the salary cap increases again and a new group of WRs may be preferable. If they don't get the opportunity to find the WR they need this season, having a veteran addition already sitting on staff makes things manageable.
They have choices, but the best available and affordable option would be DeAndre Hopkins. He's expressed some frustration about usage in Baltimore, and is still a free agent after two weeks on the market. The Bills would have no obligation to actually use him if the right WR came up in the draft, but he removes the need and keeps things cheaper.
Desperate for linebackers
Possibly the most critical move remaining this offseason, a new linebacker pickup is mandatory. Jim Leonhard's 3-4 philosophy requires the use of multiple rangy outside linebackers; Players who can rush the passer, stop the run, and play coverage on any given snap.
The Buffalo Bills are already short on players in this mold, but they exist in multitudes. The linebacker core consists of Terrel Bernard in the middle, with Dorian Williams and Joe Andreessen on the outsides. That simply isn't enough men, let alone talent.
It's harder to take shape of a defense in a 3-4 formation, simply based on the versatility of play-calling, yet we know some things. Bradley Chubb will be primarily a pass-rusher, the same for Greg Rousseau and Michael Hoecht. That is quickly becoming an area of strength. Playing in space, however, understanding coverage? This is something that needs work.
There are still two linebackers the Bills let go this season who are unsigned, and possible return candidates: Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson. These two may not have found the market they were hoping for, but either one could play a significant role in this defense. At the least, one of the pair could be valuable as a mentor to a potential 2026 draftee.
If not, there are plenty of younger outside linebackers on the market who need a shot. If the player isn't found before the draft, it's certain they'll be there after.