The Buffalo Bills made a bold move in 2025 by signing edge defender Joey Bosa, who was looking to revitalize his career after a tough stint with the Los Angeles Chargers. Injuries had plagued Bosa, but the Bills' gamble paid off as he emerged as a key pass-rushing force throughout the season.
However, Bosa's resurgence might mean his time in Buffalo is short-lived. With free agency looming, Spotrac projects Bosa’s market value at around $13.7 million per year, a significant increase from his previous contract.
This could push the Bills to explore other options for a starting-caliber edge rusher this offseason.
Enter Akheem Mesidor, a standout edge defender from Miami, who is catching the eye of draft analysts. In a recent mock draft, Cody Williams from FanSided paired Mesidor with the Bills at the 26th pick. This potential selection could make Bosa's departure easier to swallow for Buffalo fans.
Williams highlighted the need for Buffalo to bolster its defensive front, stating, "Buffalo's defense needs more force up front, both against the run and the pass in terms of getting a consistent rush. Mesidor is well-built and well-rounded as an edge rusher, and while he might not have the ceiling of some of his draft class peers, if he's already near his ceiling, that's a damn good thing for the Buffalo defense."
Mesidor brings a pro-ready skill set to the table, combining power and technique to challenge offensive linemen effectively. His ability to defend against the run, using strong hands to set the edge, would provide an upgrade over Bosa in that aspect.
There is a point of consideration regarding Mesidor's age, as he is 25 years old, making him one of the older prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. However, for a team like the Bills, who are in a win-now mode, age becomes less of a concern. What matters most is immediate impact, and if Mesidor can deliver as a quality starter from day one, it’s a win for Buffalo.
Losing Bosa would be a setback, but adding a talent like Mesidor could be just the boost Buffalo needs to keep their championship aspirations alive.