Buffalo Bills 2026 Offseason: Three Franchise-Defining Decisions Loom Large
The NFL offseason is officially underway, and for the Buffalo Bills, the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a new head coach in Joe Brady and general manager Brandon Beane steering the ship into a new era, every move this front office makes will be scrutinized through the lens of one question: can this team finally get over the hump?
Buffalo’s decision to move on from Sean McDermott signaled a desire for more than just playoff appearances. The message is clear - it’s time to chase championships, not just compete for them. And with that comes a trio of major decisions that will shape the direction of the franchise in 2026 and beyond.
Let’s break down the three big choices facing the Bills this offseason - each one a potential turning point in the franchise’s pursuit of greatness.
1. Which Big Swing Are the Bills Willing to Take?
Bills fans are passionate - and patient, to a point. But there’s growing frustration over the lack of top-tier star power surrounding Josh Allen and James Cook.
It’s not about flash; it’s about function. Elite players make elite plays in January, and Buffalo needs more of those guys.
The good news? The Bills have the cap flexibility to make a splash. The trade market is expected to be active this offseason, and Beane has the green light - and the spreadsheet - to go big if the right name becomes available.
Wide receiver is a glaring need, but this year’s free agent crop doesn’t offer much in the way of true difference-makers. That puts potential trade targets like A.J.
Brown squarely in the spotlight. Brown would bring instant credibility and production to a receiving corps that’s lacked a true No. 1 presence since the departure of Stefon Diggs.
On the defensive side, Maxx Crosby is reportedly unhappy in Las Vegas. He’s one of the league’s premier edge rushers, and while his price tag - in both cap space and trade compensation - would be steep, Crosby is exactly the kind of player who can tilt the field on third down and in the playoffs.
These are just two examples, but they underscore the broader point: if the Bills want to make a transformative move, the opportunity is there. Beane has to decide whether he’s ready to push his chips to the center of the table.
2. What to Do With the First-Round Pick?
Unless Beane packages it in a blockbuster deal, the Bills will be picking at No. 26 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft. And while every draft pick matters, this one carries a little extra weight.
Beane’s draft record has been a mixed bag in recent years. There have been some hits - especially in foundational classes like 2017, 2018, and 2022 - but also some misses that have left the roster thinner than it should be at key spots.
This year, with a new defensive scheme coming in under Brady’s leadership, the Bills need to find players who fit the vision. Inside linebacker and edge rusher are both high-priority needs, and either could be addressed at No. 26 without reaching.
But the elephant in the room remains the wide receiver position. The Bills not only need a top target for Allen, but also long-term depth after failed free agent signings and the underwhelming development of Keon Coleman. If Beane decides to go defense in Round 1, he’ll need a clear plan for how to fix the receiving corps elsewhere - whether through trades, later picks, or internal development.
The first-round pick is a valuable asset. Whether it’s used to land a cornerstone player or flipped in a trade, it needs to move the needle.
3. Which Veterans Are Worth Keeping Around?
This is where things get tricky. Fourteen defenders are set to hit free agency, and with a new defensive scheme on the way, not all of them are going to fit the mold. But fit isn’t the only factor - leadership, culture, and continuity matter too, especially in a locker room that’s been through a lot of change.
Veterans like Tre’Davious White, Matt Milano, Shaq Thompson, DaQuan Jones, and A.J. Epenesa have been key pieces in McDermott’s system.
Some may not be ideal scheme fits moving forward, but that doesn’t mean they’re expendable. Milano, in particular, could be a vital bridge between the old guard and the new era, both on the field and in the locker room.
Then there’s the question of depth players like Cam Lewis and Damar Hamlin. They may not be starters, but they bring value in culture and special teams - two areas that often separate good teams from great ones in the postseason.
On offense, the spotlight shifts to the interior of the offensive line. Left guard David Edwards and center Connor McGovern are both set to hit the market. The Bills could try to save money by promoting from within - 2024 fifth-rounder Sedrick Van Pran-Granger is an intriguing option at center, and Alec Anderson or Ryan Van Demark could be in the mix at guard.
But rolling the dice on unproven linemen in front of Josh Allen is a risky proposition. The offensive line has quietly been one of the team’s strengths, and continuity up front is often the difference between a good offense and a great one. If the Bills want to keep Allen upright and Cook running free, bringing back at least one of those veterans might be the smart play.
Final Word
The 2026 offseason isn’t just about plugging holes - it’s about setting a new tone. With a new head coach, a franchise quarterback in his prime, and a fan base hungry for more, the Bills are entering a defining chapter.
Brandon Beane and Joe Brady have the tools, the flexibility, and the mandate to reshape this roster. Now it’s about making the right calls - bold when necessary, measured when required - to build a team that can finally break through in January and make a run in February.
The next few months in Buffalo won’t just shape the 2026 season. They’ll determine whether this team becomes a perennial contender - or just another could-have-been.