The Buffalo Bills are entering a new era, but several big players are entering free agency instead. With big changes coming under Joe Brady, there are still several pending free agents we'd rather keep.
The Bills will undergo some player turnover, but not every goodbye needs to come to pass. These players are more valuable to Buffalo than nearly anyone they could bring in to replace them.
Pending free agents Bills cannot let walk out the door
C Connor McGovern
A large part of the Buffalo Bills offensive success with Joe Brady as OC was due to their consistent offensive line play. As head coach, Brady should try to keep the unit intact. Connor McGovern has been an excellent center since changing positions under Aaron Kromer's OL tutelage, and his connection with Josh Allen has been undeniable. McGovern was second to only O'Cyrus Torrence in offensive snap counts for 2025- A statement of consistency.
Buffalo does have a potential segue in place, as Sedrick Van Pran-Granger could take over, but the trust isn't there yet. McGovern is as essential to this run game as James Cook - Sign him before he hits the market.
LG David Edwards
There are rarely surprises on the offensive line - David Edwards was one such surprise. He outplayed the value of his contract, and would draw good offers if he made it to free agency. Still, it's in the Bills best interest to ensure that doesn't happen.
Edwards is second in total snaps for the Bills in 2025, one spot behind Torrence and one ahead of McGovern. The trio formed a truly elite run and pass-blocking group with top-tier chemistry. Cost providing, the full line should return for 2026 and beyond.
LB Shaq Thompson
When any other linebacker or nickel cornerback went down in 2025, the Bills relied on Shaq Thompson to answer the call. He did so dutifully, and with incredible energy and consistency. It's something of a theme with this list, consistency.
The idea to retain these players sits largely in the school of thinking the Bills have to keep a status quo. That status quo is changing with a new set of staff, but Thompson's retention would be as a starter- Call it a shakeup.
Though they have Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams for 2026, the new Bills defense will call for a heavier use of linebackers in assorted roles. Shaq Thompson has been excellent, and is cheaper than the median player on the linebacker market.
Taking a one-year deal to return to Buffalo, he would be ideally suited to working with a rookie out of the 2026 draft class. If the veteran is comfortable with the deal, he'd be the perfect man to retain for this upcoming season.
FB Reggie Gilliam
You may forget that Reggie Gilliam exists at times, but let it never be said he doesn't earn his keep. A key player on offense for the Bills in 2025, Gilliam is a forceful runner who takes defenders downhill and opens up space for Josh Allen, James Cook, or anyone else who happens to be following him.
Yes, having him on the field made the play calls a little obvious this season, but that's no fault of his. It's a testament to Gilliam's effectiveness that the opposition always knew what he was doing, and failed to stop him anyway.
Not many NFL teams carry a fullback anymore, but Gilliam is worth the roster spot. A great special teamer, and notorious on a tush-push, another one-year deal would keep things flexible.
WR Brandin Cooks
There are reasons to choose to retain an uncertain veteran receiver, signed late in the season, over a WR core loaded with middling players. When it came down to it, Allen trusted Brandin Cooks to make a play when the lights were bright. He was one of very few players on the Bills who could seperate downfield, and Allen needed that. With no guarantee they find another like him in free agency or the draft, keeping him is a solid option.
Perhaps the hire of Pete Carmichael Jr. as offensive coordinator helps bring Brandin Cooks back- They spent three incredible seasons together in New Orleans. If that isn't enough, the chance to chase a Super Bowl with Josh Allen is a hard opportunity to pass up.