This offseason brought major changes to the Buffalo Bills’ organization. With Sean McDermott’s firing and the release of players from the old regime, the team will be vastly different next season.
But has the team done enough to remain Super Bowl contenders?
They’ve made some surprising moves this offseason, but none have made them significantly worse overall. The draft is coming up, so more moves will follow. However, the offseason has certainly kept the Bills in Super Bowl contention so far.
Joe Brady Highlights a New Coaching Staff
After their overtime playoff loss to the Denver Broncos in the 2025 Divisional Round, the organization shocked many by firing longtime head coach Sean McDermott.
Just eight days later, the team finalized a deal naming former offensive coordinator Joe Brady the next head coach.
Brady brought in experienced offensive and special teams coordinators Pete Carmichael and Jeff Rodgers. He then filled out his staff with first-time NFL defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who had interviewed with many other teams.
The hires aren’t flashy, but players on the team have nothing but kind words about Brady.
In a March 27 interview with Yahoo Sports’ Andrew Siciliano, Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins said: “He’s the vibe that our locker room has and needs.” Dawkins added, “We’re not in military uniforms like McD, which is also a great way of coaching. It’s just a different course for your team.”
The Bills had significant success under their former head coach, but Joe Brady was a much-needed change. A team that competes every year, as the Bills have, can’t be satisfied with a disappointing playoff loss each season.
While the verdict on Brady is still out until he actually coaches in the HC position, there have been upgrades in every coordinator role. This, along with the culture change, is exactly what the team needed.
If the Bills don’t compete for a Super Bowl this year, it won’t be because of their coaching staff.
Moore and Chubb Mark a Roster Overhaul
Much like the hiring of Joe Brady, acquiring D.J. Moore and Bradley Chubb likely wasn’t the fans’ first choice heading into the offseason. However, they’ll contribute far more to the team than some give them credit for.
They mark a complete overhaul of the core Sean McDermott once built on the roster.
With the departures of Taron Johnson, David Edwards, Cam Lewis, and Reggie Gilliam, it’s clear that general manager Brandon Beane wants to let Joe Brady bring in his own players.
Former Buffalo Bills players Matt Milano, A.J. Epenesa, Tre’Davious White, Jordan Phillips, and Jordan Poyer are also among the long list of longtime McDermott players who remain unsigned.
It’s still a long way from now until the 2026 NFL season starts, but this many former Bills being free agents sends a clear message. This is a new era of Buffalo Bills football, and a new culture will take shape.
To reign in this new era, Brandon Beane and Joe Brady brought in several new players, including Moore and Chubb. Among their key signings so far are C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Dee Alford, and Geno Stone.
The teams will add to their offseason through the draft later in April and will likely fill the remaining roster holes via post-draft free-agent signings.
Things may not be flashy, but the Bills have done more than enough during their roster overhaul to remain contenders. Buffalo isn’t done yet, so there could be even more to look forward to in the near future.
Where Do They Go From Here?
While the Bills have had a great offseason so far, there’s still more work to be done. That will become clearer once the draft is over, but it’s never too late to look for improvements to the roster.
The team brought in short-term safety help with Gardner-Johnson and Stone, but should look to draft a younger option in the early rounds.
They could also use their first-round pick on a wide receiver or trade back to acquire a player at another position of need, such as guard or linebacker.
The possibilities are endless heading into the draft. However, without a second-round pick, it would likely be in the team’s best interest to trade back and acquire multiple picks on day two of the draft.
This would allow them to avoid spending money on a first-round pick, fill more roster holes with younger players, and add depth at positions of need.
To remain a contender for a long time, moves like this are necessary. Maintaining the longevity of the Bills’ success and continuing to build strong teams around star quarterback Josh Allen needs to be the team’s top priority.
It remains to be seen what the team will do in the 2026 NFL Draft, but as things stand, they remain Super Bowl Contenders.
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