The Buffalo Bills took a gamble on edge defender Joey Bosa in 2025. The 30-year-old defensive lineman had flamed out with the Los Angeles Chargers, struggling to stay on the field due to multiple injuries.
The bet paid off, as Bosa became the team's most effective pass rusher at times during the season. Unfortunately, his success likely means that the Bills won't be able to bring him back once free agency rolls around. Spotrac currently estimates that Bosa's market value will be around $13.7 million per year, a slight bump up from his one-year deal with the Bills. Without him in the building, Buffalo would likely need to add another starting-caliber edge rusher this offseason.
FanSided's Cody Williams has the perfect answer. In his recent mock draft, he paired Miami edge defender Akheem Mesidor with the Bills at the 26th pick. If Buffalo finds a way to make the pick work, fans wouldn't take long to forget about Bosa.
Bills replace Joey Bosa with Akheem Mesidor in latest 2026 NFL mock draft
Williams summed up the pick, saying, "Buffalo's defense needs more force up front, both against the run and the pass in terms of getting a consistent rush. Mesidor is well-built and well-rounded as an edge rusher and, while he might not have the ceiling as some of his draft class peers, if he's already near his ceiling, that's a damn good thing for the Buffalo defense."
Mesidor is about as pro-ready a prospect as any team will find in the 2026 NFL Draft. His combination of power and technique when rushing the passer is enough to put fear in the eyes of opposing offensive linemen. He would be an upgrade over Bosa in run defense, using his strong hands to consistently set the edge.
Many teams will be wary of Mesidor's age. At 25 years old, the Miami prospect is one of the oldest players in this draft class. It's a fair concern, but it should weigh less heavily for a team like the Bills. Buffalo is in the middle of its championship window, so it needs players that can help earn wins right now more than it needs long-term projects. If Mesidor can be a quality starter for the Bills from the moment he arrives, that's a win.
It'll hurt to lose Bosa if he signs with a different team, but Mesidor would certainly be a good consolation prize.