Assessing the Buffalo Bills’ Biggest Roster Needs After the First Week of Free Agency
With the initial wave of NFL free agency behind them, the Buffalo Bills are now focused on finalizing their roster. While they entered the offseason without glaring weaknesses, there are still key areas that need attention. With available cap space and 10 draft picks, the Bills must decide where to prioritize their efforts.
6. Safety
The Bills have a group of safeties competing for starting roles, including Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, and rookie Cole Bishop. While serviceable, the unit lacks elite talent and depth. Hamlin was brought back on a one-year deal, but high-level safety play is a luxury rather than a necessity for the Bills’ success.
5. Linebacker
Matt Milano restructured his contract for just one more season, leaving uncertainty about the future of the position. With injuries keeping Milano out for much of the past two seasons, the team lacks proven depth behind him and Terrel Bernard. While Dorian Williams played well in 2024, the Bills need additional reinforcements to ensure stability at linebacker.
4. Defensive End
Buffalo extended Greg Rousseau before free agency, securing him as a key piece of their pass rush. However, Michael Hoecht, a new addition, will miss the first six games due to suspension. The team also brought in Joey Bosa and retained A.J. Epenesa, forming a strong group for now, but depth beyond 2025 is a concern. Drafting another edge rusher would help solidify the future of the position.
3. Wide Receiver
The Bills have been searching for reliable wide receivers for multiple seasons. While Khalil Shakir’s extension and the signing of Josh Palmer provide some stability, the team still lacks a dynamic receiving corps. Curtis Samuel has underperformed, and Keon Coleman’s role is still undefined. Adding another receiver through the draft would improve the unit’s long-term outlook.
2. Defensive Tackle
Defensive tackle has been a persistent issue for Buffalo. Ed Oliver is a consistent presence, but he cannot dominate games without help on the interior. The Bills need a powerful lineman who can absorb double teams, allowing Oliver to maximize his impact. This draft class offers several options that could strengthen the defensive front.
1. Cornerback
The most pressing need is at cornerback, where the Bills lack a clear starter opposite Christian Benford. Previous attempts to address this position, including drafting Kaiir Elam, have not worked out. Now, Buffalo must invest in young talent to solidify its secondary. While a veteran signing remains an option, the team must prioritize developing a cost-effective and dependable cornerback group.
With contract extensions for top defensive backs becoming increasingly expensive, securing a young, talented corner is crucial. At best, a new addition could elevate the defense; at worst, they could become a necessary replacement for Benford in the future.
Buffalo has the resources to fill these gaps through free agency and the draft. Strategic moves in the coming weeks will determine how well they position themselves for the 2025 season.
