After losing to the Kansas City Chiefs in last year's AFC Championship game, the Bills now hold a 0-4 record against them in the playoffs. Every year, the Bills have come closer to knocking them out, but it's come down to either one or two more plays they didn't make.
With the addition of rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston and defensive end Joey Bosa to step up their game, there are also multiple players still on the team to showcase their talents and make a name for themselves.
Let's examine how these four under-the-radar names could make a difference in changing the Bills' fortunes in the playoffs.
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Javon Soloman (DE)
With an already deep rotation at the edge rushing position, Solomon is looking to make the case to be a replacement for Von Miller as a situational pass rusher. The 6-foot-1-inch, 247-pound defender is still on his rookie contract and has two mentors in Greg Rousseau and Bosa to take him under their wings.
Look for Solomon to earn some valuable time in camp early, with rookie defensive end Landon Jackson placed on the PUP list. With one man down, it's always next man up, and this will prove if Solomon is that guy to make the final roster on cutdown day.
Darrick Forrest (S)
The focus in Buffalo with the safety position will always be on Damar Hamlin, Cole Bishop, and Taylor Rapp, but there is one new addition that has yet to be mentioned. Forrest is looking to return to form in 2025, after having a strong 2022.
At 5 feet 11 inches, 200 pounds, Forrest had four interceptions and 88 tackles while playing with the Washington Commanders in 2022. However, he suffered an injury in 2023, which prevented him from fully recovering. Following an organizational change in 2024, he was released in free agency, and the Bills subsequently picked him up.
The goal with Forrest is to have his injuries behind him, so that he's ready to perform at 100% and make the roster, contributing when his name is called. The 25-year-old may not be on the field in Week 1, but don't be surprised if he achieves a position sooner rather than later.
Jordan Hancock (CB)
There's a reason why teams like the Bills and so many others in the NFL try to hit on their later round picks as much as their first three round picks. With a 17-game season and more injuries, lots of rookies drafted in Day 3 of the 2024 NFL draft ended up becoming starters during the season.
Hancock is proof of why he's no ordinary fifth-round pick. First, it's a passing league, and teams can never have enough corners in the NFL. Last season with the Ohio State Buckeyes, the 6-foot-1-inch, 194-pound lockdown corner deflected eight passes, forced two fumbles, and demonstrated his physicality with 48 tackles.
Additionally, if Maxwell Hairston works out in the first round, they could have another Christian Benford late-round gem, as Hancock is another speedy, man-man cover corner.
Ty Johnson (RB)
With James Cook grabbing all the headlines with his play and contract situation and Ray Davis impressing at moments in his rookie season, the important running back in the room may be Johnson. The 5 feet 10 inches, 210-pound running back just signed a 2-year extension, meaning he still wants to be a Buffalo Bill and help this team win a Super Bowl.
More importantly, he plays a role in the passing game, averaging five yards per carry and racking up 300 yards receiving. While he's not an every-down back like Cook, he's much better as the pass-blocking running back, whereas Cook is always taken off the field during these situations.
Additionally, the 2-year deal for Johnson is a team-friendly agreement that will help them determine how to address Cook's contract situation in 2026. This way, Cook can finish playing on his rookie contract and deal with the money later, without having to miss any games.