3 Bills position groups that could become weak links in 2024

Every NFL team goes into a season with some sort of weakness on their roster. Whether it is one spot or multiple spots, fans have a general idea as to which unit is the weakest link. With the Buffalo Bills going under renovation with their roster this offseason, there are questions or even concerns about various position groups. Changes were made on both sides of the ball and there are still questions from last season as well.

We take a look at the three position groups on the Bills roster that could be a liability instead of an asset in 2024.

Cornerback

The Bills have had some struggles in the secondary the past couple of seasons due to injury. Tre’Davious White had two season-ending injuries in 2021 and 2023 and Kaiir Elam who was the Bills’ first round pick in 2022 has come up short of expectations. The Bills have relied on players like Christian Benford, Taron Johnson and Rasul Douglas who was a fantastic trade acquisition at the trade deadline last year.

Going into next season, Douglas and Benford are expected to be the starters on the outside with Johnson at the nickel. However, there is not a lot of depth behind them. If injuries were to hit the secondary once again, this group is in a vulnerable spot to be the team’s achilles if the next man up cannot hold their ground.

Wide receiver

The big storyline that has highlighted the Bills’ offseason is their massive overhaul at the wide receiver spot. Gabe Davis walked into free agency to the Jacksonville Jaguars and Stefon Diggs was traded to the Houston Texans for a 2025 2nd-round pick. Khalil Shakir is the only returning starting wide receiver from last year that caught a pass from Josh Allen. Buffalo drafted Keon Coleman in the second round of the NFL Draft and signed veterans Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Chase Claypool and Curtis Samuel. In addition, the Bills also have KJ Hamler and Justin Shorter on the roster. 

With a quarterback like Allen, the Bills offense is still a threat because of how Allen can elevate players around him. On the other hand, there is no big superstar receiver to throw to. Maybe Coleman develops into the number one or Shakir builds off his late season success from last year. 

Until this group can prove that they can help keep Allen at an elite level, there are more concerns than excitement for this unit.

Edge rusher

Out of the three position groups on this list, edge rusher is the least likely to be a liability but there still are some questions about what they can do to provide a consistent pass rush. Leonard Floyd led the Bills last year with 10.5 sacks, but he is gone. A.J. Epenesa had a breakout season on a contract year which earned him an extension with the Bills, but can he keep it up? Greg Rousseau has developed in his game each year but he has not had a season that has shocked us. Then there is Von Miller, who should (emphasis on should) return to his old form.

The Bills’ defense needs to provide pressure no matter what. With a new look secondary at corner and safety, the edge rushers are going to need to make life easier for the secondary. Not to mention, the Bills do not want to be in a position where they can’t create pressure and allow simple plays turn into big ones.