The Buffalo Bills were one or two on-target throws from quarterback Josh Allen from going to the AFC Championship Game. Yet still, doubters were circling the team like buzzards to a wounded animal. But their speculation about a Bills fall-off is premature.
The simple fact of the matter is that the Bills have already taken measures to contend against the best of the best in the AFC in 2026. While there is still work to be done, particularly on defense, the Bills should be there to challenge the New England Patriots for the AFC East crown once again.
The D.J. Moore Trade
The biggest splash that the Bills have made before the start of the new league year is the acquisition of receiver D.J. Moore from the Chicago Bears. The Bills landed him and a fifth-round pick in 2026 for a second-round pick in 2026.
Though Moore had the lowest production of his career in terms of yards and receptions, the underlying numbers are more eye-opening. He posted his second-best yards per target (8.0) and explosive-play per target rate (22.4%) in the last five seasons.
He is also reuniting with Joe Brady, under whom Moore had his best seasons in 2020 and 2021. With Justin Fields as his primary quarterback in 2023, he posted career-highs in yards (1,364) and touchdowns (eight). Sure, his numbers have been down the past two seasons, but there are myriad factors involved, like inconsistency at quarterback, a shifting offensive scheme, and a greater dependence on young receivers.
The addition of Moore gives the Bills a legitimate No.1 receiver for the first time since Stefon Diggs left town. It is precisely the kind of addition that will take pressure off Allen, allowing him to do more damage to opposing defenses.
Solidifying the Offensive Line
Spencer Brown, Dion Dawkins, and Cyrus O’Torrence, three-fifths of one of the best offensive lines in football, were virtual locks to return. The Bills recently announced that they’ve come to terms with center Connor McGovern, bringing more stability back to the line.
Getting McGovern back is huge as the Bills attempt to improve an offense that leaned too heavily on Allen in 2025. Keeping continuity with one of the best offensive lines in football is a major step toward that goal.
Now, the Bills have to make a decision about 2025 starting guard David Edwards. He is more than likely too expensive to bring back, which leaves the Bills with several options – Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Alec Anderson, and a potential late-round pick to compete for the starting left guard spot. Whoever doesn’t win will be a quality backup option for a line that has been consistent for years.
There are Still Questions to Answer
While the Bill shave addressed two important issues early on, questions remain if they are going to get over the hump and finally make it to the Super Bowl. It is more than likely that general manager Brandon Beane makes another significant addition at receiver after the group’s failings in 2025.
Then there is the matter of the defense. New defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard runs a completely different scheme than former coach Sean McDermott, which means substantial change is on the horizon. We have already seen it with the trade of Taron Johnson to the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Bills feel confident that they have some significant pieces on defense and will have the chance to add a few more through the draft. It will be up to Beane to get the most out of his draft capital and limited cap space to give Leonhard what he needs to improve a defense that has consistently been the team’s Achilles heel.
Even still, the Bills are in excellent shape as the league year is set to kick off. If they can find better answers at linebacker, edge rusher, and safety, there is no reason to believe they can’t seriously contend in the AFC once again.