Offseason Buzz: Bills Eye Speed at WR, Patriots Rally Behind Campbell, and Harbaugh Reflects on Lamar’s Next Chapter
As the NFL offseason kicks into gear, a few storylines are already heating up - and they’re worth a closer look. From the Bills exploring deep-threat options for Josh Allen, to the Patriots standing behind a young tackle after a rough Super Bowl outing, and a familiar voice reflecting on Lamar Jackson’s journey in Baltimore - there’s plenty to unpack.
Buffalo Bills: Searching for Speed to Stretch the Field
The Bills know what they have in Josh Allen - a quarterback with a rocket arm and the ability to push the ball downfield like few others in the league. What they need now is someone who can consistently get behind defenses and make those deep shots count.
That’s where a name like Rashid Shaheed comes into play. The Seahawks wideout is set to hit free agency, and his elite speed could be exactly what Buffalo’s offense needs.
It’s the kind of pairing that makes sense on paper: Allen’s vertical prowess meets Shaheed’s ability to take the top off a defense. That combination could open up the offense in ways we haven’t consistently seen since the peak of the Stefon Diggs-Allen connection.
Another intriguing option? Alec Pierce of the Colts.
While not quite the burner Shaheed is, Pierce brings size, vertical ability, and could complement the Bills’ current pass-catching core. With Khalil Shakir emerging as a reliable option and Dalton Kincaid carving out a role as a dynamic tight end, Pierce could slide in as a physical outside presence who thrives in contested catch situations.
On the financial side, James Cook continues to solidify his place in Buffalo’s plans. His 2026 salary - $4.41 million - became fully guaranteed on February 12. It’s a clear sign the Bills are committed to their young running back, who’s shown flashes of being a true three-down threat.
New England Patriots: Will Campbell Gets a Vote of Confidence
The Super Bowl was a rough night for Will Campbell, who gave up 14 pressures in a game that left many questioning whether he’s ready to be the Patriots’ long-term answer at left tackle. But one voice that carries serious weight in New England circles isn’t ready to give up on him just yet - and that’s Dante Scarnecchia.
The legendary former offensive line coach didn’t mince words when asked about Campbell’s future.
“I’m not firing this guy,” Scarnecchia said. “I’m putting him right back where he was.”
That’s not blind loyalty - it’s based on what Campbell showed through most of the season. Scarnecchia pointed out that for the first 12 games, Campbell held his own. The late-season struggles, including the Super Bowl, came against some of the league’s top pass rushers.
“Did he suddenly get bad?” Scarnecchia asked.
“I don’t know. But I know that the quality of players he was going against was really good.
You can’t discount that.”
Scarnecchia emphasized that the Patriots will go through their usual deep-dive - breaking down tape, evaluating technique, and looking at any potential injury issues that may have affected Campbell’s play.
“Is it the quality of the player? Is it the loss of technique?
Is he injured? All of that is going to be studied ad nauseam.”
Bottom line: Campbell’s Super Bowl performance raised eyebrows, but he’s still in the team’s plans - and he’s got one of the most respected voices in Patriots history in his corner.
Baltimore Ravens: Harbaugh Reflects on Lamar’s Growth - and What Comes Next
The Ravens have been a perennial contender since drafting Lamar Jackson in 2018, but the Super Bowl has remained just out of reach. Still, there’s no denying the impact Jackson has had on the franchise - and John Harbaugh knows it better than anyone.
Now head coach of the Giants, Harbaugh took a moment to reflect on his time with Jackson and what the future might hold for the former MVP.
“I’m proud of Lamar, proud of what we accomplished together,” Harbaugh said. “We were so close, we were right there and couldn’t quite get it done.”
That’s not just nostalgia - it’s recognition of how far Jackson has come. From questions about whether he could thrive as a passer, to leading one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses, Jackson has evolved in every phase of the game. And Harbaugh believes there’s still another level to unlock.
“Let’s get the next evolution of Lamar and see what can be done.”
The Ravens are built around their quarterback - and if there’s another gear to hit, Baltimore will be right back in the thick of the championship hunt.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s the Bills looking for the perfect complement to Josh Allen’s arm, the Patriots doubling down on a young tackle, or the Ravens continuing to ride with their franchise QB, the early offseason storylines are already setting the stage for what could be a fascinating 2026 season. There’s still a long way to go - but these are the kinds of moves and moments that shape what’s next.