This offseason for Brandon Beane was all about improving the defense for the Buffalo Bills, which has been a weaker unit for the last couple of seasons. Whether it was because of injuries piling up or just lack of talent, Beane showed his vision for what he wanted to do to improve and he delivered.
The majority of Beane’s moves that were made were on defense, with a little bit of sprinkle of offense. Some of the notable names that the Bills brought in this offseason include DE Joey Bosa and CB Maxwell Hairston. Buffalo also brought back CB Tre’Davious White, who spent the 2024 season with the Rams and Ravens.
There are a lot of names that the Bills have added to this roster, and it should make for an exciting 2025 season. At the same time, due to the additions that Beane made, there are four players that might be overlooked despite them having the opportunity to provide a real impact this upcoming season.
These Bills might not be getting enough notice...
RB Ty Johnson
The Bills re-signed RB Ty Johnson to a two-year deal to return to the backfield committee of him, Ray Davis, and James Cook. All of the focus has been on Cook this offseason, but for contract drama which has been draining. Now granted, Cook is the most talented in the room but Johnson proved to be a fantastic third-down back for the Bills.
Last season, Johnson averaged over five yards per carry (213 yards on the ground) and added 284 yards through the air along with three touchdowns. We always talk about how up until the arrival of Cook, the Bills had lacked a true rushing attack outside of Josh Allen. Well, Johnson provides a ton of value as a versatile running back.
DB Jordan Hancock
I’m putting the Bills’ 5th-round rookie on this list simply because I firmly believe he was a steal for the Bills. Coming out of Ohio State, Jordan Hancock showed that he is a versatile cornerback who plays well from the nickel spot. He can blitz off the line or help with the deep coverage down the field.
Last year with the Buckeyes, Hancock started in 14 games and finished the season with 48 tackles, 8 pass breakups, and 2 forced fumbles. If he gets an opportunity to get onto the field in meaningful minutes, he just might be able to show that he is a diamond in the rough.
DE Javon Solomon
Heading into the 2025 season, Javon Solomon has a little bit of a disadvantage due to the edge rusher room being packed. Guys like Greg Rousseau and Joey Bosa will be the presumed starters in Week 1, but it’s the rest of the rotation where Solomon might have an uphill battle. He will be competing with players like A.J. Epenesa, Michael Hoecht, and Landon Jackson.
However, Solomon is only entering the second year of his rookie deal so I would be absolutely shocked if he doesn’t make the final roster. Not to mention, in the games he did manage to get onto the field last season, he took advantage of his opportunity. He racked up two sacks, six quarterback hits, and 13 total tackles.
If an injury pops up in the edge rusher room, that’s where Solomon can show that he deserves to be on the field rather than just in a simple rotation.
S Darrick Forrest
While the biggest name that the Bills signed in free agency was Joey Bosa, fans should be paying attention to safety Darrick Forrest, who the Bills signed from the Washington Commanders. He had a solid second-year season in 2022 (4 interceptions, 88 total tackles) but then some injuries popped up and then Washington went under a revamp in management and on the coaching staff.
Forrest was destined to leave Washington after 2024, but he is still young enough to bounce back and he is a hard-hitting safety that is being overlooked badly.
Everyone is talking about how Damar Hamlin/Cole Bishop and Taylor Rapp will be the starting safeties for the Bills in 2025. I wouldn’t lock that in just yet. Forrest is the type of tone-setter that the Bills need on the backend of the defense. He reminds me a lot of Jordan Poyer, who was and still is a fan-favorite for the Bills.