The Buffalo Bills have found themselves at the center of scrutiny after receiving an F-minus grade, the lowest possible, for team travel in the 2025 NFL Players Association's (NFLPA) report cards. The report, released on Wednesday, ranked the Bills 32nd out of 32 teams in the category of team travel, highlighting inefficiencies and player dissatisfaction. Despite this setback, the Bills' overall report card placed them 23rd out of 32 teams. They did not receive a grade lower than a C in any other category.
Players have expressed frustration with the team's travel arrangements, a sentiment echoed in both this year's and last year's surveys. Complaints have centered around seating arrangements, with players noting that coaches and other staff receive first-class seating, while players are relegated to smaller seats. This dissatisfaction was reflected in the survey conducted during the 2024 season, which resulted in the team being ranked last in travel efficiency.
The team's general manager, Brandon Beane, addressed these concerns at the NFL scouting combine on Wednesday. Beane explained the team's approach to seating, acknowledging the limitations they face in accommodating all players with first-class seating.
"Unfortunately, you can't put every player up there, which could lead some to be frustrated," Beane stated.
The report cards were based on anonymous surveys of players, but the NFLPA has not disclosed how many players from each team participated. Beane emphasized that the team strives to prioritize player comfort on outbound flights.
"We put a lot of our players up [in first or business class] on the outbound [flights], we don't put as many on the return because depending on when we get back, some of the coaches are up there working on breaking down this film, getting ready for the next week," he explained.
Communication between players and management has been encouraged by leadership councils led by Head Coach Sean McDermott. These councils aim to maintain open dialogue regarding issues like team travel.
"So, that would be the most constructive way, for us, would be, so we could have that dialogue and explain this is the biggest plane we can get and it's only going to fit so many people up front." Beane added.
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