The Buffalo Bills face a pivotal offseason as they look to improve their roster and performance in the upcoming 2025 NFL season. Despite a successful 2024 campaign that saw quarterback Josh Allen secure his first NFL MVP award, the team has yet to make a Super Bowl appearance with Allen at the helm. Key challenges include overcoming playoff struggles against the Kansas City Chiefs and addressing various roster and salary cap issues.
In 2024, the Bills ranked 25th in quarterback contact percentage, with opposing defenses pressuring Josh Allen on 19.7% of plays. Additionally, the team placed 20th in sack percentage at 6.1%. These statistics highlight vulnerabilities in the offensive line that the Bills must address to protect their star quarterback. Furthermore, Bills receivers averaged just 2.2 yards of separation on throws of 10 or more air yards, ranking them tied for fifth fewest in the league. This lack of separation underscores the need for enhancements in the receiving corps.
Although Josh Allen's MVP performance was a bright spot, the Bills' postseason struggles, particularly against the Kansas City Chiefs, have been a recurring theme. Since 2020, Buffalo has managed only one playoff victory against their AFC rivals. The Chiefs' dominance has compelled the Bills to consider strategic adjustments to overcome this hurdle.
Head Coach Sean McDermott emphasized the importance of building a well-rounded team rather than focusing solely on defeating one opponent.
"You never want to build your team to beat one team. In fairness to the Chiefs, you never really know it's going to be them every year. Although it has been them," – Sean McDermott
The Bills face financial constraints as they are projected to be over the salary cap limit. Consequently, General Manager Brandon Beane and his team must make strategic decisions regarding player contracts and potential trades. Beane acknowledged the complexity of these decisions.
"We got a lot of work to do on where we need to allocate resources, whether it's extending guys, signing a free agent, or draft allocation," – Brandon Beane
To create more cap space, the Bills must restructure certain deals and possibly look at renegotiating contracts with key players. The team also holds eight picks in the upcoming draft, presenting an opportunity to bolster their roster with young talent.
In recent drafts, Buffalo has invested in offensive skill positions, using a first-round pick on tight end Dalton Kincaid in 2023 and selecting wide receiver Keon Coleman with the 33rd overall pick last year. Coleman experienced a slow return from a right wrist injury and has room for improvement heading into the new season.
Defensively, the Bills must fortify their line, particularly at the defensive tackle position. They brought in veteran help last season with the signings of Quinton Jefferson and Jordan Phillips but need to ensure consistent pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
McDermott highlighted the significance of a strong defensive front.
"A really good defense starts up front. Winning games, winning the line of scrimmage is critical, and I felt like we did that at some times this year, not enough," – Sean McDermott
The team also faces decisions concerning their secondary. Kaiir Elam, a first-round pick in 2022, has struggled with penalties and remains in a backup role. Additionally, the Bills must decide on the future of defensive back Rasul Douglas, who will be 30 when the season begins.
To remain competitive, Buffalo needs to exploit every available resource, whether through draft selections or free-agent acquisitions. With strong leadership from McDermott and Beane, along with strategic roster moves, the Bills aim to construct a comprehensive team capable of achieving postseason success.
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