Buffalo Bills News & Rumors

Samuel, 28, worked with Brady during the latter’s first season as Carolina’s OC. The former second-round pick eclipsed 600 receiving yards in each of the past two seasons, profiling as more of a slot/gadget weapon than an outside option. ESPN’s Open Score metric rated Samuel as a bottom-20 wideout last season, but the Ohio State alum is known for short-area production. However, the Bills relied on Shakir in this role late last season. It will be interesting to see how the team uses the third-year player and veteran FA addition together.

A Chiefs cap casualty, Valdes-Scantling drew interest from multiple teams. He struggled for most of last season before making some crucial contributions — including two long-range grabs against the Bills — in the playoffs. MVS sustained a neck injury and may not be ready for Week 1. This obviously hurts the ex-Packers and Chiefs deep threat’s roster chances, as he was viewed as a bubble player recently.

Despite carrying a lower profile and making fewer career starts (60-27), Hollins consistently played ahead of Valdes-Scantling in camp. Set to turn 31 in September, Hollins has surpassed 250 receiving just once in his seven-year career. It would be odd for the Bills to give Hollins a key role, but he appears a roster lock. The Bills also worked out Corey Davis recently, adding intrigue to a group that does not seem full yet. This is an area to monitor ahead of November’s trade deadline.

Allen has not missed a game due to injury since his rookie season, but he has run into health issues over the past two seasons. This makes the Bills’ backup plan curious, as Trubisky has generally inspired little confidence since being a defining QB bust. The Bills rostered Trubisky in 2021 and quickly brought him back following the Steelers’ release. Trubisky beat out Mason Rudolph for Pittsburgh’s QB2 gig last season and received the first crack when Kenny Pickett went down. The former No. 2 overall pick lost the job and watched Rudolph excel down the stretch. Trubisky, 30, averaged just 5.9 yards per attempt last season, lost both his starts and finished with a 4-5 TD-INT ratio.

Moving away from one of this century’s best safety duos, the Bills added Edwards after his Chiefs one-and-done included part-time starter duty. This came after Julian Blackmon visited. The former Buccaneers contributor started in the Chiefs’ four playoff games, replacing an injured Bryan Cook, and the veteran played nearly every defensive snap in Kansas City’s Super Bowl win. For his career, Edwards has made 28 starts and snagged nine interceptions.

The Bills met with ex-Jet Foley Fatukasi and showed interest in Arik Armstead and Malcolm Roach. Armstead took a big Jaguars offer, reuniting with ex-49ers GM Trent Baalke. Buffalo added Johnson at a much lower rate. Johnson, 30, spent the past two seasons with the Chargers. The former Titans second-rounder has been something of a late bloomer. After making 13 starts through five seasons, he has logged 42 over the past three.

Beane proclaimed this free agency period would not feature splashy Bills additions. Excepting Samuel, the eighth-year GM stuck to his word.

Re-signings:

• DaQuan Jones, DT. Two years, $16MM ($10.5MM guaranteed)
• A.J. Epenesa, DE. Two years, $12MM ($6.56MM guaranteed)
• Taylor Rapp, S. Three years, $10.63MM ($3.68MM guaranteed)
• David Edwards, G. Two years, $6MM ($2.95MM guaranteed)
• Cameron Lewis, CB. Two years, $3.1MM ($1.13MM guaranteed)
• Ty Johnson, RB. One year, $1.29MM ($668K guaranteed)

Epenesa has a chance to move into Buffalo’s starting lineup, ahead of one of the greatest edge rushers in NFL history, following Leonard Floyd‘s 49ers defection. The former second-rounder has started just four games and has never topped 41% usage on defense. With Miller a wild card, the Bills will need Epenesa to unlock another level. The Iowa alum produced the same pass rush stat line (6.5 sacks, 10 QB hits) over the past two seasons. The Bills have him back on a low-middle-class rate and will hope for more, with Miller potentially in his final year with the team.

The Bills missed Jones for most of last season. Enjoying a quality start before suffering a torn pec, Jones managed to score an eight-figure guarantee at 32. Not re-signing Jordan Phillips or Linval Joseph, Buffalo will again ask Jones to anchor its interior run defense. Run stop win rate placed Jones sixth among D-tackles in 2022, and he remained effective as an Ed Oliver complement despite a 61% snap rate. With Jones out of the picture for much of last season, the Bills dropped from fifth to 15th against the run from 2022-23.

Edwards at $3MM per represents a borderline steal. Prior to a concussion-marred 2022 and working as a Bills swingman on a near-veteran-minimum contract last year, Edwards started every game for the Super Bowl-winning Rams. The former fifth-round pick also moved into Los Angeles’ starting lineup under now-Bills O-line coach Aaron Kromer. PFF ranked Edwards as a top-30 guard in 2020 and ’21; for what it’s worth, the advanced metrics site graded his 194 2023 snaps immaculately, ranking no guard higher. Even if Edwards cannot come too close to replicating that small sample size-based placement, this could still be a bargain for Buffalo.

Notable losses:

• Kyle Allen, QB
• Gabe Davis, WR
• Tyrel Dodson, LB
• Leonard Floyd, DE
• Poona Ford, DT
• Damien Harris, RB (retired)
• Deonte Harty, WR (released)
• Nyheim Hines, RB (released)
• Micah Hyde, S
• Dane Jackson, CB
• A.J. Klein, LB (retired)
• Linval Joseph, DT
• Shaq Lawson, DE
• Tyler Matakevich, LB
• Mitch Morse, C (released)
• Latavius Murray, RB
• Siran Neal, CB (released)
• Jordan Phillips, DT
• Jordan Poyer, S (released)
• Tim Settle, DT
• Trent Sherfield, WR
• Tre’Davious White, CB (post-June 1 cut)

Just as the Packers’ David Bakhtiari injury “what if?” loomed over their early-2020s teams, White’s Thanksgiving 2021 ACL tear keeping him out of the divisional-round shootout in Kansas City may well have denied the Bills a Super Bowl berth. Like Bakhtiari, White’s injury woes lingered to the point he could no longer live up to his contract.

The Bills, who chose White after picking up an extra first-rounder from the Chiefs in the 2017 Mahomes swap, received good value early. White became a two-time All-Pro and anchored Buffalo’s CB corps, but following the ACL tear, he missed 35 games. White, 29, will count more than $10MM in dead money across the next two years.

A bigger loss comes elsewhere in the secondary. The rare seven-year starting safety duo, Hyde and Poyer — part of McDermott’s first Bills free agency class — were instrumental in the team snapping a 17-year playoff drought and becoming an AFC power. Given midlevel deals as first-time free agents in 2017, each signed a more lucrative contract. Hyde did not receive a third deal from Buffalo — though, the suddenly safety-depleted team has not ruled out one more pact — and the club dropped Poyer’s from the books, leading the latter to Miami.

Both players are now 33; the Bills certainly received their prime years. The initial Hyde and Poyer pacts represent top-flight free agency steals, and the Bills never needed to venture into eight-figure AAV territory to extend either. Both overdelivered. While there have been better position groups in Bills history, not too many top what this safety pair accomplished during its time together.

Floyd continued his post-Chicago surge in New York. The former Aaron Donald wingman has been one of the decade’s most consistent pass rushers. He has posted between nine and 10.5 sacks each year from 2020-23 and tallied between 18-22 QB hits each season. Adding Floyd as part-Miller insurance proved vital for the Bills, as they soon needed a true starter due to Miller’s diminished ’23 form.

The 49ers poached Floyd to complement Nick Bosa; the ninth-year vet used his one-year, $7MM Bills deal to score a two-year, $20MM contract ($12MM guaranteed). While Epenesa (soon to be 26) is six years younger, the Bills will take a risk by losing a durable, dependable edge. Of course, having Miller and Oliver’s contracts on the books present some limitations.

Buffalo’s 2019 Morse addition also overlapped with the team’s Beane-McDermott-era climb, as the former Kansas City second-rounder elevated his game to become a dependable Dawkins sidekick up front. Morse made a Pro Bowl and only missed six games in that five-year span. The Bills gave him two deals around the same rate (four years, $44.5MM and then a two-year, $19.5MM pact in 2022). That said, the Mizzou alum has sustained six documented concussions as a pro. The 32-year-old blocker will continue his career in Jacksonville, though his history of head injuries will unfortunately be an area to monitor regarding his future.

Davis and Morse can bounce Jacksonville restaurant ideas off one another — depending on the ex-Bills-turned-Floridians’ off-field rapport, of course — with the former signing with the AFC South team shortly before the center committed. The Bills will either miss Davis’ downfield chops, or the former auxiliary weapon will see his numbers impacted by Allen no longer targeting him.

Davis’ camp reminded suitors of the former fourth-rounder’s Buffalo success by pointing out the WR2 led the NFL in average depth of target, first-down rate and touchdown rate among WRs from 2020-23. Davis scored 33 TDs in that span, highlighted by his four-score performance against the Chiefs in the 2021 divisional-round epic. While the Bills might miss Davis, Allen’s skills stand to create another version at some point.

Draft:

• Round 2, No. 33 (from Panthers): Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State) (signed)
• Round 2, No. 60: Cole Bishop (S, Utah) (signed)
• Round 3, No. 95 (from Chiefs): DeWayne Carter, DT (Duke) (signed)
• Round 4, No. 128: Ray Davis (RB, Kentucky) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 141 (from Giants through Panthers): Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (C, Georgia) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 160 (from Packers): Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB, Washington) (signed)
• Round 5, No. 168 (from Saints): Javon Solomon (EDGE, Troy) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 204: Tylan Grable (T, Central Florida) (signed)
• Round 6, No. 219 (from Packers): Daequan Hardy (CB, Penn State) (signed)
• Round 7, No. 221 (from Panthers through Titans and Chiefs): Travis Clayton (T, England) (signed)

With the draft coming three weeks after the Bills traded the second-most productive wide receiver in team history, the four-time reigning division champs brought an obvious need to Detroit. How they went about filling it presents big-picture questions, as the effort involved a few other teams. One such transaction stands out.

The Bills hosted Xavier Worthy on a “30” visit and met with Xavier Legette. On draft night, though, the made the scrutinized decision to trade down from No. 28 overall, passing on the Texas speedster. More significantly, Buffalo allowed its January nemesis to acquire him. The Chiefs are taking a gamble they can get by with a sub-170-pound speed merchant, but Worthy’s career will be tied to the Bills’ decision.

Buffalo also passed on this draft’s other high-end WR Xavier, giving the Panthers No. 32 (Legette). The Bills moved up 38 spots, collecting third-round real estate, in the Worthy trade and climbed up 59 (for early-Round 5 space) in giving the Panthers Legette. This set up the Coleman move to start Round 2.

Shakir and Samuel will play big roles post-Diggs, but the Bills are counting on Coleman after he produced modest success in college. Transferring from Michigan State, Coleman did not eclipse 800 receiving yards in a season with the Spartans or Seminoles. He also lumbered to a 4.61-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. Though, the 6-foot-3 weapon’s top speed of 20.36 mph in the Combine’s gauntlet drill led all receivers over the past two years. Already submitting memorable interviews as a pro, Coleman is coming off an 11-touchdown season. Allen offered his approval after scouting wide receivers as well.

Buffalo’s decision atop its draft came down to trade offers, as the Patriots attempted to move up for Worthy as well. Given the Chiefs’ staunch postseason deterrence efforts, it is risky to provide them draft help at this juncture — especially considering the Patriots’ recent struggles. Of course, it is not known the difference in the clubs’ proposals.

The Pats ended up making their WR splash with Washington’s Ja’Lynn Polk at No. 37. He and Coleman figure to face off for years to come, while the Bills will naturally hope Worthy does not rearm the Chiefs to a frightening degree. Buffalo is believed to have shown interest in Deebo Samuel. If the 49ers extend Brandon Aiyuk soon, the Bills may be able to revisit a Samuel trade in 2025.

Mike Edwards may be asked to start early — though, the Bills have run into injury trouble at safety — Bishop will be where the Bills want this position to settle soon. The Utah product has not gotten much practice work in due to an early-camp injury, but plans will still be in place for him to team with Rapp. Edwards and Damar Hamlin are not signed for 2025. A second-team All-Pac-12 safety in 2023, Bishop was strong against the run (21.5 career tackles for loss) and as a blitzer (7.5 sacks in three Utes seasons). He will have big shoes to fill in coverage, however, with few teams possessing the capabilities the Bills recently had at safety.

Carter earned first-team All-ACC acclaim last season but was more productive in 2022, when he registered 5.5 sacks and tallied 11 TFLs. Carter also posted 4.5 sacks in 2021, and he was consistently disruptive at the line of scrimmage. The 302-pounder batted down 11 passes from 2021-23. Obtained via the Worthy trade, Carter will settle in behind Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones for the time being. He could be a key supplementary rusher early.

Other:

• Promoted Bobby Babich to defensive coordinator, named interim OC Joe Brady to full-time position
• Picked up DE Greg Rousseau‘s $13.39MM fifth-year option
• Added Ronald Curry as QBs coach, Jahleel Addae as CBs coach
• Bears hired D-line coach Eric Washington as defensive coordinator
• Did not retain senior offensive assistant Mike Shula
• LB Matt Milano sustained biceps tear
• Signed 13 UDFAs, Olympic wrestling gold medalist Gable Steveson

The Bills prioritized continuity at their coordinator positions, retaining Brady and promoting Babich. Brady’s offense leaned more on the run game, and while Allen did not curb his turnover issue following Ken Dorsey‘s firing, the Bills did fare better in the win column with the former Panthers OC calling the shots. The Bills have ranked as a top-six offense in each of the past four years, owing more to Allen’s prodigious talents than the play-caller. Considering the Bills only interviewed one other candidate — Buccaneers QBs coach Thad Lewis, satisfying the Rooney Rule — they did not appear interested in ditching another OC.

Forcing out Leslie Frazier and calling the shots in 2023, McDermott is considering handing the play sheet to Babich. The younger of two Babiches to work for the Bills in recent years, Bobby drew DC interview requests from the Dolphins, Giants and Packers. Babich has been on the Bills’ staff since 2017, being Hyde and Poyer’s position coach for four seasons before coaching linebackers over the past two. Father Bob Babich, a former NFL DC, had coached Buffalo’s LBs from 2017-21. The production of Buffalo’s safety tandem, along with Milano’s 2022 All-Pro season, garnered Babich interest elsewhere.

The Bills have routinely put up high defensive rankings in the regular season, being in the top four in scoring four times since 2019, before crumbling in the playoffs. Last season’s undoing — against a Chiefs offense that had been oddly shaky all season — may have been less on the coaches, as injuries sidelined roughly half the team’s starting defense. This included Milano, who missed most of last season with a severe leg injury. Despite making it back in time for training camp, the All-Pro LB faces another lengthy rehab timetable due.

Milano’s biceps injury may not keep him out all season, but even if he returns late, the Bills are not getting much return on their recent extension (two years, $28.33MM). The 2017 fifth-rounder turned 30 this offseason, and although no guarantees are on his deal beyond 2024, a 2022 restructure will make it pricey to move on next year. It would cost the Bills $17.2MM in dead money (while generating no cap savings) to cut Milano in 2025. The team has its top linebacker signed through 2026, but the converted safety is no longer dependable. Dorian Williams, a 2023 third-rounder, will have the first shot at replacing him as a three-down player post-Dodson.

While Rousseau only totaled five sacks last season, he set career-highs in TFLs (12) and QB hits (18). The 2021 first-rounder ranked 41st in pressures as well and has batted down four passes in each of his three seasons. The Bills will continue to work with the Miami alum, who is now their top edge rusher with Floyd gone and Miller’s form uncertain. Rousseau will probably need to get home more often to prop up this year’s Bills pass rush, but Oliver’s presence will continue to help the cause.

Top 10 cap charges for 2024:

1. Josh Allen, QB: $30.36MM
2. Von Miller, DE: $15.15MM
3. Matt Milano, LB: $12.44MM
4. Dion Dawkins, LT: $11.51MM
5. Ed Oliver, DT: $9.73MM
6. Taron Johnson, CB: $8.45MM
7. Dawson Knox, TE: $7.73MM
8. DaQuan Jones, DT: $4.5MM
9. Tyler Bass, K: $4.42MM
10. Connor McGovern, C: $4.16MM

Allen’s presence should keep Bills championship windows open throughout his prime, but the team will test its quarterback with the rearranged receiving corps. Buffalo does return a strong offensive line and has James Cook on a rookie deal through 2025, providing some cover for the superstar QB.

The two agonizing divisional-round losses to the Chiefs have provided a roadblock, denying Super Bowl-caliber teams. Buffalo has continued to respond from postseason defeats well, earning No. 2 seeds in 2022 and ’23. More questions abound regarding the Bills’ capabilities this year, and the team will need to navigate the Dolphins once again and what should be (QB health permitting) a more imposing Jets outfit. Allen and his remaining veteran supporting cast still make the AFC East run through Buffalo, but the margin for error — both in the division and in the AFC — should probably be considered slimmer this year due to the events of this offseason.