The Buffalo Bills have made significant strides this offseason as they aim to maintain their position among the elite teams in the NFL following an impressive run to the AFC Championship Game last season. Currently navigating through the first wave of NFL free agency, the Bills have taken steps to keep many of their productive players in the fold, all while addressing critical gaps in their roster as they prepare for the upcoming 2025 season.
According to NFL.com lead draft writer Eric Edholm, the Bills dropped to fourth place in his NFL Power Rankings after the initial week of free agency, though he noted that they remain one of the top five teams in the league. Edholm highlighted the smart offseason strategies employed by the Bills, particularly re-signing key players during a time when the free-agent market is relatively thin. He remarked, “The Bills were off to a smart start to the offseason, re-signing core players during a down year for free-agent talent.”
One of the pivotal moves was the extension of quarterback Josh Allen, who signed a six-year, $330 million contract that not only solidified his future with the team but also granted the organization flexibility to pursue additional talent. In his assessment, Edholm stated that “Josh Allen’s new contract offered enough additional immediate flexibility to spend a little more,” praising their ability to strengthen the defensive line with the addition of three players: Joey Bosa, Michael Hoecht, and Larry Ogunjobi.
However, not all news was positive for the Bills, as both Hoecht and Ogunjobi will face six-game suspensions for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. Edholm expressed caution regarding these signings, stating, “Bosa isn’t the rusher he once was, and his health is a concern.” The losses of Hoecht and Ogunjobi at the start of the season pose potential setbacks for a team that aspires to contend for the top seed in the AFC against formidable foes like the Kansas City Chiefs.
Before their free agency ramp-up, the Bills parted ways with former Super Bowl MVP Von Miller, who had grown costly for the team. This move allows the team to pay Bosa and Hoecht, aiming to replace Miller’s six sacks from last season with new talent in an effort to bolster their pass rush. In addition, the Bills traded cornerback Kaiir Elam to the Dallas Cowboys after the young player struggled to meet expectations since being selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
The re-signing of defensive end Gregory Rousseau to a four-year, $80 million extension further emphasizes the Bills' commitment to maintaining a competitive defensive line. Rousseau’s deal, which has $49 million guaranteed, reflects his importance as a core player following a career year in 2024 where he was the team’s most productive pass rusher.
Beyond their signings, the Bills also added receiver Josh Palmer and running back Damar Hamlin, looking to furnish their roster with depth that complements Allen's vision. Palmer signed a three-year deal worth $29 million, while Hamlin's one-year contract totals around $2 million. Additionally, linebacker Darrick Forrest joined the team on a one-year deal, further fortifying the Bills' secondary.
Edholm noted how Buffalo’s consistent playoff appearances over the last six years could limit their early selections in the draft. Accordingly, he stated, “Even for a team that has made the postseason six straight years, that leaves Buffalo awfully thin early in the season. I thought at one point that the Bills had more draft flexibility, but now I wonder if they don’t have to go defensive line in Round 1.” The Bills will have the 30th pick in the upcoming draft, and the challenge remains whether they can find an impactful player in a later selection.
The offseason will also see the Bills continue to shape their roster ahead of training camp. General manager Brandon Beane expressed the importance of building the team through the draft, development, and retaining their key contributors. As the Bills approach the grind of the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how they fill the void left by Miller, Hoecht, and Ogunjobi’s suspensions, and how they manage to leverage their new roster structure to foster another deep playoff run.
As the Bills gear up for the 2025 NFL season, questions abound about how their defensive line will perform, especially in light of the suspensions and the overall strength of their roster. The Bills remain a compelling contender with Allen at the helm, but the early part of the season may prove challenging as they navigate the potential impact of missing key players amidst their quest for championship glory.
