Why Boye Mafe Makes Perfect Sense for the Bills’ Defense in 2026
The Buffalo Bills didn’t get the ending they wanted this season. After a heartbreaking overtime loss to the Broncos in the Divisional Round, they were left watching the Super Bowl from home.
And while that sting won’t fade quickly, Bills fans at least took some solace in watching their AFC East rivals, the New England Patriots, get steamrolled by the Seattle Seahawks on the biggest stage. It wasn’t the ending Buffalo wanted-but it wasn’t the worst consolation prize either.
Now, the focus shifts to what comes next. The 2025 season is in the rearview, and the Bills are entering one of the most important offseasons in recent memory. Sean McDermott is out, Joe Brady is in as head coach, and general manager Brandon Beane is once again tasked with retooling a roster that’s still capable of contending-but needs help in key areas.
One name that’s starting to generate buzz as a potential fit in Buffalo? Seahawks linebacker Boye Mafe.
Why Mafe Fits the Bills’ New Defensive Identity
NFL analyst Ben Solak recently joined Up & Adams with Kay Adams and listed Mafe as one of his top five free agent fits this offseason-specifically calling out the Bills as an ideal landing spot.
“He’s like an outside linebacker, a more speed rusher that lost favor in this new defense,” Solak said. “Jim Leonhard takes over there in Buffalo and he needs his Nik Bonitto’s.
He needs his Jonathan Cooper’s. He needs those speed demons.”
That’s a telling quote. With Leonhard now running the defense in Buffalo, the Bills are shifting toward a more aggressive, speed-based scheme off the edge. That’s where Mafe comes in.
Drafted in the second round back in 2022, Mafe has quietly developed into one of the more intriguing young pass rushers in the league. He’s racked up 20 career sacks, including a breakout nine-sack campaign in 2023.
He’s not just productive-he’s reliable. Mafe has never missed more than two games in a season and has played a full 17 games twice already in his young career.
That kind of durability is gold for a team that’s dealt with its fair share of defensive injuries over the years.
A Versatile Weapon for Jim Leonhard
Leonhard’s arrival signals a new era for Buffalo’s defense. Known for his creative blitz packages and hybrid fronts, Leonhard thrives with players who can line up in multiple spots and bring pressure from different angles. Mafe is tailor-made for that kind of system.
Whether he’s standing up as an outside linebacker or putting his hand in the dirt as a defensive end, Mafe brings the kind of speed and bend that can give offensive tackles fits. He’s not a traditional power rusher-he wins with quickness, leverage, and relentless motor. And in a league that’s increasingly leaning on mobile quarterbacks and spread offenses, that kind of edge speed is at a premium.
The Cap Crunch-and Beane’s Track Record
Of course, adding a player like Mafe won’t be as simple as picking up the phone. The Bills are facing a tight salary cap situation heading into 2026, and any big move will require some financial gymnastics. But if there’s one thing we’ve learned about Brandon Beane over the years, it’s that he knows how to maneuver when he needs to.
Whether it’s restructuring deals, making smart trades, or finding value in the second wave of free agency, Beane has shown a knack for keeping the Bills competitive while managing the cap. Bringing in Mafe would be a calculated swing-but it’s the kind of move that could help push this defense over the top.
What’s Next for Buffalo
There’s no question the Bills will be active this offseason. Wide receiver will be a hot topic, especially with questions surrounding the future of the current receiving corps. But the defense-particularly the pass rush-can’t be overlooked.
Buffalo’s playoff exit exposed some cracks in the foundation, and Leonhard’s system will demand fresh personnel to truly come to life. Mafe checks a lot of boxes: young, productive, durable, scheme-versatile, and hungry. If he hits the open market, the Bills should be at the front of the line.
They’ve already made a bold move by promoting Joe Brady to head coach. If they want to keep that momentum going and reassert themselves as true contenders in the AFC, adding a dynamic edge presence like Boye Mafe would be a strong next step.