There are some changes that the Buffalo Bills have made this offseason that should (hopefully) make their roster better than what it was last year. At the same time, Buffalo’s roster was very impressive considering the roster losses they had last offseason. Now, Buffalo is looking to reload for 2025 but actually reach and win the Super Bowl.
Every offseason heading into events like free agency, NFL Draft, and training camp, players are always looking out to see what their teams do that could ultimately affect them and their careers. Players could be seeing their teams bringing in their replacement, whether it’s immediate or down the road.
Then there are players who head into the 2025 season without much worry, up until the season starts because then they will need to perform at a high-level in order to potentially be back on the team next season. The Bills have four players that are in that type of situation where they need a big 2025 season due to the fact that they are on expiring contracts.
4 Bills who need big time 2025 seasons
EDGE A.J. Epenesa
It was a bit of a rough start to A.J. Epenesa’s career with the Bills, but he eventually turned it around in the last two years of his rookie contract. Before free agency last season, the Bills managed to sign Epenesa to a two-year extension that would bring him back as a very reliable rotational edge rusher.
Over the last three years, Epenesa has been averaging 6.5 sacks per season and he didn’t miss a single game last season (the only time he’s played a full season). Now he is going into another contract year with the Bills in 2025.
With Buffalo extending Greg Rousseau to a massive four-year, $80 million deal, they are hoping that he is the answer to Buffalo’s pass-rush inconsistency. The Bills also brought in Joey Bosa to bring a boost to the pass rush. Bosa and the Bills might just be a one-year duo, but Epenesa was drafted by the Bills so it would make sense as to why he should want to be with the Bills beyond 2025.
S Damar Hamlin
The Bills surprisingly were able to bring back safety Damar Hamlin to a one-year deal despite him having interest from other teams. Last year with the Bills, Hamlin took advantage of stepping into the starting role and he proved his worth on the backend of the defense.
Even though the Bills have Taylor Rapp and Cole Bishop as their expected starting safeties, bringing back Hamlin is great for competition. In addition to Hamlin, the Bills also signed Darrick Forrest from the Washington Commanders who can make a push to be a starter as well.
With Hamlin specifically, it’s only a one-year deal but Rapp is going into the second year of a three-year deal with the Bills. Assuming that Hamlin is on the active roster, he has some pressure on him to produce once again to potentially earn another contract with the Bills.
LB Matt Milano
The Bills and Matt Milano agreed on a pay cut that saved the Bills some money ($3.6 million) and it also took a year off of Milano’s deal, making him a free agent after the 2025 season. As far as the $3.6 million, Milano is able to earn that money through incentives.
It’s been a rough couple of years for the former All-Pro linebackers. He’s had two major injuries the last two years where he missed significant time. In his absence, the Bills have found hidden gems in Terrel Bernard, as well as Dorian Williams who is a fantastic run-stopper. Unless Milano has a super strong 2025 season with missing time, his tenure in Buffalo could be up.
EDGE Joey Bosa
The Bills made a huge splash with the signing of Joey Bosa, agreeing on a one-year deal after he spent the last nine seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. Bosa comes to Buffalo as a replacement for Von Miller, who was a huge disappointment for the Bills the last three seasons.
Bosa, much like Miller, has missed time recently and quite frankly, the Bills are taking on another risk. At the same time, Bosa is younger and more of a ferocious bull-rusher compared to Miller.
Whether Bosa is just going to play in Buffalo for one season or is looking for another contract from them, he will need to show that he can stay on the field a majority of the time and that he can still be a huge difference-maker for any team. This deal with Bosa is a high risk/high reward for the Bills and we are hoping that it pays off.