Bills bet on the future: 2024 changes paves way for big 2025 offseason

Every offseason there is roster turnover, it's inevitable and some years we see big names released. Such is the case this offseason, with Tre'Davious White and Jordan Poyer, most notably. In free agency, Buffalo lost Gabe Davis, followed by trading Stefon Diggs. The team also cut long-time starting center Mitch Morse as a salary cap casualty. The wide receiver room looks vastly different this season as well, with Khalil Shakir as the only receiver to have caught a pass from Josh Allen in a regular game.

At first glance, 2024 looks like a rebuilding season with all the missing pieces and new faces. However, the offensive line returns four of five starters. Shakir is still around, as is Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid. James Cook and Ty Johnson return as well. On the defensive side, most of the front returns, with Von Miller looking more like himself as of late at OTAs. Matt Milano will return from injury Terrel Bernard is a rising star linebacker, and both starting corners will be back too. The Bills will be fine, and they will be in a much better place in 2025, as a result of the moves this year.

Buffalo Bills potential 2025 free agents

The Bills' free agent list for 2025 isn't nearly as daunting as it was this offseason. There are a few key players, but Buffalo can get them locked up this season with extensions. The biggest of the free agent names is right tackle Spencer Brown. I see Beane getting an extension done during this season though. Other names include Mack Hollins and Reid Ferguson. The list also includes several free agents that Buffalo signed to one-year deals this offseason, such as Marquez Valdez-Scantling, La'el Collins, DaWuane Smoot, and linebacker Nicholas Morrow. For a full list of Bills pending free agents next year, check out this article, "Projecting the future of the Buffalo Bills 2025 free agents".

Potential NFL free agents in 2025

The 2025 class of free agents is an impressive group. According to Spotrac.com, the available receivers could be Tee Higgins, Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, Chris Godwin, Brandin Cooks, and Diontae Johnson. If it's pass rush help the Bills might be looking for next season, the options include Khalil Mack, Haason Reddick, and Matt Judon. Maybe Buffalo needs help at safety. If so, Budda Baker and Justin Reid could be options. There will be offensive linemen too. Whatever position the Bills need to upgrade next year, there could be someone on the free agent market to do just that. With a few contracts restructured next year, Buffalo could have well over $30 million in cap space, allowing them to spend on a big name.

Buffalo Bills 2025 NFL Draft outlook

Should everything remain unchanged, Lance Zuerlein of NFL.com projects that the Bills will receive two compensatory picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. One for the loss of receiver Gabe Davis, and another for Leonard Floyd. If this plays out, Buffalo will have ten picks in next year's draft. Where the Bills end up picking in the 2025 draft is anyone's guess, but likely in the 20s again. Who knows, maybe the Bills will pick number 32 because they won the Super Bowl this year.