Niagara Gazette

‘Bernard was entering the final year of his rookie contract and it never seemed likely the Bills would let one of two team captains (along with Josh Allen) hit the open market.’

‘The Buffalo Bills have some holes to fill, particularly on defense and are expected to be active in free agency. It’s not a deep free agent class and many of the top cornerbacks are aging.’

‘The Bills are currently projected to be $9.731 million over the 2025 salary cap, according to OverTheCap.com. It’s not a massive number it was a year ago, though, and the Bills can easily get under the cap and have enough money to spend in free agency.’

‘The wrist injury shouldn’t be a lingering issue and Cooper showed his legs still have some juice. Free agency and the draft aren’t deep at receiver, so unless the Bills can swing a trade for someone like DK Metcalf, Cooper is a solid option.’

‘Sean McDermott has always been ahead of the curve in secondary play, long before he became the Buffalo Bills’ head coach.’

‘Greg Rousseau had three sacks and a forced fumble in a season-opening win against the Arizona Cardinals. After flickering for three seasons, it was the type of performance that would indicate the light was about to stay on.’

‘Beane was part of two Super Bowl teams in Carolina that had hulking defensive lines. The 2003 Panthers featured Kris Jenkins (335 pounds) and Brentson Buckner (335), while the 2015 squad had Kawann Short and Star Lotulelei, both of whom were 315.’

‘The NFL Players Association polled 1,695 players to provide information about their current teams. Players are asked to vote on nine categories — family treatment, cafeteria, nutritionists/dieticians, locker room, training room, training staff, weight room, strength coaches, team travel, head coach and owner.’

‘While the Buffalo Bills brass is getting to know their next potential crop of players, they locked up one they already have.’

‘Being good is no longer enough for many people. A Super Bowl is the only thing that can quench their thirst.’

‘The Buffalo Bills simply weren’t up to par on special teams. Sean McDermott was adamant about keeping the team’s special teams coordinator, Matthew Smiley, four days after the season ended.’

‘Sean McDermott is in Indianapolis to scout the next crop of players to enter the NFL. But his week started by discussing prospective rule changes.’

‘Defense is expected to be the talk of the offseason, specifically defensive line play. But the Bills also didn’t perform to their usual standard in the secondary in 2024 and the two groups are intertwined, especially in McDermott’s scheme.’

‘Brandon Beane might not have a restful offseason. Not only will his next 2 ½ months be consumed with the salary cap, draft and free agency, but the Buffalo Bills general manager also has to start looking toward the future. And five potential cornerstones in the coming year are set to enter free agency in 2026.’

‘The Bills struggled to stop the run, couldn’t get off the field after third down and were carved to bits by the Kansas City Chiefs in a season-ending playoff loss.’