Despite how the Buffalo Bills season ended, they saw a lot of success from their young players. Whether as starters, or rotational players, the Bills roster is set up very well from the top down. A lot of credit goes to general manager Brandon Beane for how well he’s drafted in the later rounds and helped develop their own players.
Now, the Bills 2025 roster may look a little different, with more of their depth players getting more looks next season. So, let's look at several players who proved they deserve a bigger role.
Running back Ty Johnson
Johnson came to the Bills in 2023 and played in 10 games in his first season. He gave the Bills plenty to be excited for in 2023, followed up by an impressive 2024 campaign, totaling 213 rushing yards, one touchdown, 284 receiving yards, and three touchdowns.
The Bills saw tremendous success from their backfield this year, including James Cook and rookie Ray Davis. For the first time in the Sean McDermott era, the Bills have a successful run game, and they would be hard-pressed not to bring Johnson back for 2025 and keep this rushing attack going.
Safety Cole Bishop
Bishop proved to be a big part of the Bills’ defense as the season progressed. He made four starts and totaled 40 tackles, two passes defended, and one forced fumble in the regular season. The playoffs are when we saw a much improved Bishop, however. Bishop started against the Chiefs and totaled 10 tackles, and showed better ball instincts than previously.
With Damar Hamlin becoming an unrestricted free agent in March, the Bills likely will need to find his replacement. Whether or not Hamlin is back on the roster, Bishop deserves the opportunity to start in 2025.
Defensive tackle DeWayne Carter
The Bills drafted Carter in the third round just a year ago. Buffalo’s depth at the position has made it a struggle for Carter to get on the field, but when he has he’s made the most of it. Carter totaled 14 tackles and made an impact in the run game with five tackles for loss. Playing in 11 games and starting in three of them, Carter saw 42% of the defensive snaps.
Now with a full off-season under his belt and likely less competition on the defensive line, Carter’s reps should increase and he’ll see a larger role with the team. The Bills currently have four defensive tackles under contract for 2025, those being Ed Oliver, Daquan Jones, Zion Logue (reserve/future), and Carter.