The Buffalo Bills have had a relatively quiet free agency period so far. While many fans hoped for a big, splashy signing, the biggest move they have made so far came in a trade for WR D.J. Moore. Even still, those moves may have already solidified their status as contenders.
What general manager Brandon Beane has done so far is sign veterans to fill in the holes in his roster. Those additions have done more than that, however. In reality, they have given him far more flexibility when it comes to adding talent through the NFL Draft.
Needs remain but aren’t dire
Coming into the offseason, Beane had several things to figure out. What would the safety position look like outside of Cole Bishop? Would they add a noteworthy piece at corner after trading veteran Taron Johnson? How would they finally approach the issues at edge rusher? And what about the hideous-looking receiver room?
What Beane has done is quietly quite good. He signed veteran free agents at safety in C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone. He brought in Dee Alford to replace Johnson, potentially as a nickel corner. Moore was added to become the No. 1 receiver, and Bradley Chubb was signed as something of a middle-ground between Joey Bosa and Von Miller in hopes of finding a defining pass rusher.
Virtually all of these players will start or at least half a chance to play significant snaps. More significantly, it gives the Bills more flexibility with the remainder of the offseason. With the draft coming up, the Bills are down to just three picks in the first 126 selections. By making these signings, the Bills have a chance to do something more impactful rather than reaching for need.
Options are on the table
Picking 26th overall, the Bills have a shot at finding someone impactful but now are no longer confined by their needs. Receiver, edge rusher, linebacker, and safety all remain in play, giving the Bills a shot to take the best player available rather than reaching for need.
If they find a player that they love at any of the aforementioned positions, they also do not need to worry about thrusting them into the lineup from day one. Whoever winds up being picked with that premium selection will more than likely have veteran competition who can teach them.
Beane generally does well later in the draft, anyway, and can find depth along the lines and at defensive tackle with four picks in the final 55 selections. The Bills can then work on developing those younger players in a similar way to uncovered gems like Khalil Shakir, Christian Benford, and Matt Milano (Milano was a pick of the previous regime, to be fair).
Improved depth is crucial
As the Bills learned at linebacker, cornerback, receiver, and safety in 2025, depth is crucial. The Bills, on paper, seem to be giving themselves more options rather than a top-heavy approach that could become compromised in the event of an injury.
The Bills may not have any major impact moves up their sleeves but look like they could be improved in key areas. That – and having Josh Allen – will help to elevate them to contender status in the AFC.