Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has his work cut out for him this offseason. Fresh off another disappointing playoff exit, Beane must prove that he can construct a roster that will get the franchise over the hump and back to the Super Bowl.
Though there are some logical moves, there are more questions than answers. In this series, we will take a look at each position group: the known entities, the pending free agents, and who we would love to see added. Today, we will focus on a group that will see small but noticeable changes: the offensive line.
The Buffalo Bills 2026 offseason playbook for the offensive line position
The known quantities
Though the position isn’t quite as set as the quarterback room, there are three positions set in stone. Tackles Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown (the latter of whom recently restructured his deal) will be back and represent one of the best duos in the league.
Brown was once again one of the best right tackles in the league despite fighting injuries and expects to be among the league’s best again. Dawkins will be 32 years old and had a slightly down year, but the Bills largely know what they have out of the pair.
The final lineman that will be back in a starting role is guard O’Cyrus Torrence. A beast in the run game, he still needs work as a pass blocker, but there are far worse options to have at the position.
Free Agents who could come back
There are two big names to worry about, and those are center Connor McGovern and guard David Edwards. Both were very good last season, and both are likely due for a substantial pay raise. Edwards signed something of a “prove it” deal and will now likely command a salary over $15 million per season.
McGovern, however, seems to be the one garnering actual discussion. His projected salary is anywhere from $12-$16 million per season, which makes it a challenge to bring him back. If he were to provide something of a hometown discount, the Bills could potentially make it work.
Preferred moves
The Bills have already made a crucial move, re-signing Alec Anderson to a one-year deal. This is important because it is more than likely that both Edwards and McGovern walk away. That would leave the Bills with Anderson and Sedrick Van Pran-Granger to battle for open spots.
The reality is the situation is that the Bills don't need to heavily invest in these two spots, especially given the more dire needs elsewhere on the roster. Josh Allen is one of the best quarterbacks in the league at handling pressure and avoiding the rush, so there isn't a need for one of the best in the league at either left guard or center.
Re-signing free agent Ryan Van Demark for a nothing deal seems likely simply for cheap tackle depth. If both Edwards and McGovern do go, a veteran free agent would be needed. If the Bills want something more certain than Anderson at guard, Isaac Seumalo from the Pittsburgh Steelers could be the play.
If not, someone like Sean Rhyan or Brett Toth (both of whom can play center and guard) could be a solid choice. They would add valuable veteran depth regardless of whether or not they take a starting role.
Bills Offensive Line Outlook for 2026
The most logical path for the offensive line seems to be finding starters at left guard and center from the group of Van Pran-Granger, Anderson, and a veteran free agent signing. Don’t be surprised if the Bills also use a late draft pick or two along the line to bolster depth and hope to find a cheap diamond in the rough, a la Brown.