Needs for next year

[Fan in Chicago]

2 hours ago, Simon said:

 

I'd cover that for you any day, but I don't believe for a second you'd punch an innocent horse instead of just wrangling the guy sitting on it.

Unless the guy is Eddie-O

[RangerDave]

5 hours ago, GASabresIUFan said:

The Bills have 40 players under contract for next season (Cost: 265 Million)

 

Offense (17)

QB (2) - Allen, Trubisky

RB (2) - Cook & Davis

TE (2) - Kincaid & Knox

WR (3) - Coleman, Shakir and Samuel

OL (8) - Brown, Clayton, Dawkins, Grable, Edwards, Torrence, McGovern, SVPG 

 

Defense (21)

DT (3) - Oliver, Jones, Carter

Edge/DE (4) - Groot, Miller, Epenesa, Solomon

LB (6) - Bernard, Spector, Milano, Andreessen, Ulofoshio & Williams

CB (5) - Johnson, Benford, Elam, Ingram & Codrington

DB (1) - Lewis

S (2) - Bishop & Rapp

 

Specialists (2) - Martin and Bass

 

Dead cap (with 3 deals on void years - Smoot, Douglas & A Johnson) - 11.1 million approx

 

So what do we need?

 

On offense - 2 WRs, 1 depth TE, 1 depth RB, at least 2 OL (Anderson & Van Denmark?).  Gore vs Johnson for 3rd RB?  Re-sign Amari?

 

On defense - At least 3 DE/DT, maybe a starting CB and depth at safety.  Hamlin re-sign?  

 

I'm sure Ferguson will be back as the long snapper.

 

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/overview/_/year/2025/sort/cap_total

I am always in awe at how you assemble facts and details.  You are very detail oriented and I thank you for it.  🍺

[Virgil]

15 minutes ago, TPS said:

Actually, I just remembered that AJE only got a 2-year deal, so there is a need.

 

Just imagine a Chris Jones or Watt on this team that can line up anywhere and wreak havoc alongside Oliver and Groot.  My god...

[GASabresIUFan]

4 minutes ago, Virgil said:

 

Just imagine a Chris Jones or Watt on this team that can line up anywhere and wreak havoc alongside Oliver and Groot.  My god...

Here is a possible Von Miller replacement who might fall into our laps in the 1st rd this coming draft.  Say hello to Jalon Walker.

https://georgiadogs.com/sports/football/roster/jalon-walker/8140

 

Has been compared to the Jets/Saints longtime star Damario Davis

Edited November 19 by GASabresIUFan

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Gone will be Gilliam, Cooper, Miller, Jones, Douglas, Milano, Elam, and Morris. McGovern or Edwards could be the surprise cap casualties. 

 

I know people want to believe Milano can come back but he will be 30 years old in March.  His game is built on speed not power. It will be a sad day but he like White will be cut due to injury.

 

I'm not sure about Dawkins.  He's still playing well.  He has his good and bad moments.  Probably not bad enough to move on from but also OT would seem like a need on day 2.  Bills have nice depth on OL. They may decide to move on from either McGovern or Edwards to try and save some money and get the younger cheaper players on the field. 

 

WR is going to be tough.  Cooper on a 2 year deal with a 3rd year option would be ideal.  Bills will probably be out bid though.  My guess is they look to the free agent market for a guy that is not a top 5 but is someone who maybe is in the 15-20 range.  

 

Look for Bills to extend at least three of the following Shakir, Benford, Rousseau, or Bernard.  All are under contract for 2025 but my guess is they figure out a way to keep all four on the roster while extending three of them. I wouldn't even be shocked if they extended one of them this week.  

 

As for the draft, look for a heavy and this time needed investment in the defense.  Look for them to take a DT, DE, CB in the first four rounds.  The other pick will either be a WR or OT.  In the late rounds, a Punter, developmental QB, a safety, and a LB makes sense. 

[clayboy54]

How come nobody’s replacing Bass?

[78thealltimegreat]

They seem to need help on D as the O seems set. Luckily this is one of the deepest defensive drafts in awhile.
If we follow what Brandon has done in the past he usual drafts a couple guys he sees in person so I’d keep an eye on a guy like Shamar Stewart of Texas A&M who seems like a prototype Bill cause he can play all over the DLine. 

[BillsFanForever19]

Needs aren't just what we need to improve on what we have this year. It's also who we retain and who we don't. And who we cut for cap space. Free Agents include:

 

CB Rasul Douglas

WR Amari Cooper

WR Mack Hollins

S Damar Hamlin

DT Austin Johnson

DE Dawuane Smoot

DE Casey Toohill

RB Ty Johnson

FB Reggie Gilliam

 

So we're either going to need to bring back Douglas or find another Starting Caliber Outside CB. Same with Cooper. We'd need another stud to go along with Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Curtis Samuel or we're going to be back where we were before we traded for him. 

 

I'd imagine this will be Von Miller's last year. In conjunction with Dawuane Smoot and Casey Toohill being Free Agents - we'll need to get at least a couple DE's in here to go along with Greg Rousseau, AJ Epenesa, and Javon Solomon. With Austin Johnson being a Free Agent and Daquan Jones underperforming, 1-Tech DT is also going to be a need.

[Ridgewaycynic2013]

1 hour ago, Miyagi-Do Karate said:

This is classic battered bills fan syndrome. Right when week 12 hits, start looking to the offseason and those priceless comp picks!! 

I thought comp picks were found to be illegal once Belichick left New England. 🤔

[Comebackkid]

besides the obvious...   a strong draft and hit on atleast one elite talent.   one elite d line man to take over a game when we need it 

would pay huge dividends.   and elite (very good)  receiver that can take the top off the D and be a game changer.

 

Bills have drafted some good players but to many times we have had to pay big money for someone elses used talent.  

 

[gonzo1105]

I try to look beyond the next season and what needs we might have in Free Agency and the draft

 

QB- Obviously Allen is locked in and knowing the Bills history I expect them to keep a veteran on the roster whether Trubisky or another guy. I'd like to see them add a young developmental guy but I'm not sure this is the draft to do it as its a pretty weak QB draft in my early analysis. Free Agency- Veteran Backup Draft: None

 

RB- They have Cook locked in until 2026 and Ray Davis will be on year 2 of the his rookie contract. Ty Johnson is a free Agent but the Bills seems to like him quite a bit. I would think they wouldn't add a guy in the draft but Beane and their front office has an affinity for drafting Running Backs so never say never. Free Agency- Re-sign Ty Johnson Draft- Late Round/UDFA

 

WR- Next year's roster has Coleman, Shakir, Samuel under contract. Hollins and Cooper are free agents. Wont even bother getting into the Hamlers/Shavers of the world. Think that Cooper is going to walk to be honest and I think they try to bring back Hollins on a reasonable contract. Think they take a look at the cheaper end of the free agent market and add a guy fairly high in the draft. Probably with one of their first 3 picks to add another boundary guy. Free Agency- Re-sign Hollins Draft- First two Rounds

 

TE- We will have Kincaid back and we will have Knox back to his contract being structured the way it is. Morris is a Restricted Free Agent and I don't believe they will tender him due to him being an UDFA and the fact he's not worth 3 million. The Bills could work a new contract out with him for less but I think he walks for a more prominent opportunity. Need a guy who can block and think they will draft one in the mid to late rounds. I do not think Davidson is a long term option despite some people really liking him on this board. Draft: Mid to Late Round Prospect

 

OL- Not going to spend a lot of time here. The Bills have their entire starting 5 under contract with only David Edwards being on the last year of his deal. The Bills will have Grable/VandeMark back as well as Gouriage/Van Pran, and Anderson. Don't expect a Free Agent add here and if they do add a guy in the draft it will be late most likely at the Guard position Draft: Late Round Prospect/UDFA

 

DE- Separating out the Dline positions here because these are going to need some work. At DE we have everyone except for Smoot under contract for next year but Rousseau/Epenesa are Free Agents in 2026 and Von Miller is obviously old and can be a cap casualty in 2026 as well. We have Solomon as the Von Miller replacement but Rousseau and Epenesa are going to need extensions or replacements Free Agency: Re-Sign Smoot/Toohill or add Mid Level Free Agent Draft: Early to Mid round 

 

DT- The Bills have Oliver, Jones, and Carter under contract for next year and have a multitude of Free Agents at the position including Austin Johnson. Jones is also a free agent in 2026 and is on his last legs. Carter looks to be a player and Oliver isn't going anywhere so we are looking at at least two new adds to this position. Free Agency: Multiple Mid Level Free Agents for Depth Draft: Early to Mid Round prospect

 

LB- Bills have Milano, Bernard, and Williams under contract as well as youngsters Ulofoshio and Andreessen. Morrow is a free agent but that isn't really a loss at all. I would expect them to add a low level Free Agent for depth and competition and they will most likely draft a guy late in the draft just because LB's are valuable ST's guys. Free Agency: Low Level Free Agent Draft: Late Round Prospect

 

CB- Bills have Benford, Elam, Johnson under contract and also have depth guys like Lewis and Ingram who will be back. Douglas is a free agent and I expect him to get a contract that the Bills do not want to pay. I think the Bills will add a mid level guy who can start in a pinch and also draft a guy or two since Elam will almost assuredly not going to get the 5th year option and Benford is a Free Agent in 2026. Free Agency: Mid Level player who can start or be depth Draft: Two prospects(One early and One in the mid/late rounds)

 

Safety- Bills have Rapp, Bishop under contract and Hamlin as a Free Agent. The Bills have Lewis as a possible Safety option on the roster next year as well but I expect the Bills to add to this position more for depth. I think Hamlin leaves for more money than the Bills want to pay. Free Agency- Mid Level guy who can start/depth Draft: Mid Round Prospect

 

Special Teams- Bass and Martin are both under contract for next year and I expect them to be the kicker and punter. Can't see the Bills use a resource on either of these positions in the draft. Ferguson is a Free Agent and I'll be interested to see if the Bills bring him back. I'd say its likely but his snaps have been worse this year particularly on Field Goals. Draft: Late Round/UDFA comp for Bass and Ferguson.

 

I'd expect a really heavy defensive draft next year something like this:(Pure guessing obviously)

 

1st Round- DE

2nd Round- CB

2nd Round- WR/DT

4th Round- WR/DT

4th Round- Safety

4th Round- CB

5th Round- DT

6th Round- TE

6th Round- OL

6th Round- QB/RB/Safety

 

 

[Flipnmi]

6 hours ago, GASabresIUFan said:

So what do we need?

 

On offense - 2 WRs, 1 depth TE, 1 depth RB, at least 2 OL (Anderson & Van Denmark?).  Gore vs Johnson for 3rd RB?  Re-sign Amari?

 

On defense - At least 3 DE/DT, maybe a starting CB and depth at safety.  Hamlin re-sign?  

 

I'm sure Ferguson will be back as the long snapper.

 

https://www.spotrac.com/nfl/buffalo-bills/overview/_/year/2025/sort/cap_total

The O-Line is pretty much set for 2025 barring injuries. In addition to the signed guys, Anderson & Van Demark are both ERFA's so it's a lock that they both will be back. Gouraige and Edwards will be offered futures contracts and very likely to return as well. Clapp may look for a better opportunity to make a 53, but that's probably the only loss. This is already a very deep and talented group, so any OL draft pick will need to be a bargain that Beane just can't pass on.  I expect that they will just add a few UDFA's to fill out the camp roster. The wildcard could be Beane getting a trade offer for someone like Van Demark that fills one of the D-line needs. 

 

Edited November 19 by Flipnmi

[khlax3]

1 hour ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

I know people want to believe Milano can come back but he will be 30 years old in March.  His game is built on speed not power. It will be a sad day but he like White will be cut due to injury.

It is always possible but I doubt they cut Milano next year. Cutting him would cost the bills an additional 1.1 million in cap space. 

[Ethan in Cleveland]

5 minutes ago, khlax3 said:

It is always possible but I doubt they cut Milano next year. Cutting him would cost the bills an additional 1.1 million in cap space. 

I hope he can come back and play great.  He was a legit All-Pro.  It would be a massive boost and he is a perfect player for our community.   

[Mr. Wonderful]

Best WR free agent on the market- it's the smart move and Beane's plan all along.  Next find a DE game wrecker.  

[GASabresIUFan]

3 hours ago, clayboy54 said:

How come nobody’s replacing Bass?

His dead cap is 3.06 million if cut and only 4.57 to keep.  If you cut him and sign a "better" kicker, I'm not sure we come out ahead on the cap or on the field.  

 

As to Milano - Dead Cap - $17,253,000.  Cap hit if on the roster 16,122,000

 

As to Knox - Dead Cap - $16,972,000. Cap hit if on the roster 14,068,000

[NickelCity]

Who are the top cut candidates in terms of cap savings?

[Spiderweb]

14 hours ago, Magox said:

We need DT's, massive ones at that.

 

We need for Cole Bishop to take over one of the positions and if they don't believe he's the answer (which I believe he will be), they need to upgrade at that position.

 

We will have James Cook for another year but he won't most likely be retained afterwards because of needing to sign Rousseau, Bernard, Benford and Shakir and unfortunately I don't believe Cook will make the cut.

 

We will need to get another CB or two.  I love Rasul Douglas, but there just isn't enough money to bring back everyone and replacing him will be paramount, specially with the prospect that Kaiir most likely won't be returning (which I think he should).   I'm thinking CB will be one of the premium top 3 draft choices.

 

DE/IOL/TE could be picks as well.   I think Knox's contract is untenable with all the people that need to be signed.  DE, the same in that Von Miller could end up being cut, my preference is that he plays one more year considering that he has playing at a good level.   IOL would be good to have for depth purposes.

Nice with just one exception. Von Miller is not playing well. He's reduced to a one trick pony and he's no longer able to excel at it. Bad contract......

Edited November 19 by Spiderweb

[khlax3]

8 hours ago, NickelCity said:

Who are the top cut candidates in terms of cap savings?

There is not much from a cut perspective. 
 

Von would save 8.5 million (17 million is post 6/1)

 

Tribusky would save 2.5

 

most of cap savings will come from extensions or restructures 

[Magox]

4 hours ago, Spiderweb said:

Nice with just one exception. Von Miller is not playing well. He's reduced to a one trick pony and he's no longer able to excel at it. Bad contract......

 

Disagree completely, his added presence has been noticeable and huge to this team.    Honestly, I couldn't disagree with you more.