One of the biggest roster competitions that the Buffalo Bills had coming into this summer was in the trenches on the offensive line. For the past two seasons, the Bills have had the same five starters from left to right; Dion Dawkins, David Edwards, Connor McGovern, O’Cyrus Torrence, and Spencer Brown.
Both Edwards and McGovern were set to enter free agency, but the Bills managed to extend McGovern to a new four-year deal to keep him as their center. However, Edwards left and joined the New Orleans Saints on a four-year, $61 million deal. After having solid performances with the Bills the last two seasons, he definitely cashed in.
With his departure, the Bills needed to find his replacement. Prior to free agency opening, the Bills also managed to extend Alec Anderson to a one-year deal and he has plenty of versatility that the Bills were smart to not give up. However, the Bills also signed offensive lineman Austin Corbett which brought in competition for the left guard spot.
Bills had to bring in quality competition to solidify offensive line
When you have a quarterback like Josh Allen, the main purpose is to keep him protected. With Edwards leaving in free agency, the Bills needed to make sure that whoever won the starting left guard spot was going to fit nicely with the rest of the unit.
Well, after training camp and two preseason games, the Bills have reportedly named Alec Anderson as their starting left guard, per Alaina Getzenberg of ESPN.
The Bills have named Alec Anderson as the team’s starting left guard, per source.
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) August 25, 2026
The clear direction the top training camp battle has been headed with Anderson getting the job over veteran Austin Corbett.
Alec Anderson brings continuity to offensive line
Anderson has played across the Bills’ offensive line from center all the way to tackle since being with the team. He brings a different type of physicality that the unit needs, especially in the running game. He stepped in as a starting tackle when the Bills were playing the Pittsburgh Steelers last season, and he helped the Bills rush for 249 yards.
Continuity has always been important with the Bills, and seeing Anderson beat out Corbett for the starting jobs allows the offense to run at the tempo that it has been since Joe Brady took over as the offensive coordinator.
In addition, it’s also great to see that a starter has been named because now the unit is solidified and can get more reps together leading up to the regular season. Now we will have to wait and see what happens with Corbett and whether or not he will win a backup position or even just earn a roster spot in general.
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