Brandon Beane didn’t need much time to answer when asked which Buffalo Bills defender stands to gain the most from Jim Leonhard’s new scheme.
“I'll give you a name," he said during an appearance on ESPN's This is Football. "It's not going to be a top name, but Javon Solomon."
That’s the player Beane circled, and it says plenty about where the Bills see the third-year edge rusher heading. Buffalo’s defense is changing under a new coordinator, and while there will be several new faces involved, Beane believes Solomon is one of the biggest potential beneficiaries.
The case for Solomon starts with how he’s been developed. He entered the league with a strong college résumé, but his early NFL path was more about learning than being asked to carry anything. As a rookie, he spent much of his time behind veterans such as Von Miller and Joey Bosa, and now Bradley Chubb, getting a front-row view of how the position is played at the highest level.
Beane pointed to that growth as a key reason for optimism. He also believes Leonhard’s defensive approach could open the door for Solomon to take on a bigger role this season.
The Bills are not expecting him to step in and replace a specific name on the defensive front. Instead, they’ll continue to use him in a rotation, which has long been part of Buffalo’s defensive identity.
"[He's a guy] that's been a savant trying to pick up the nuances of this game," Beane added, stating that he views him as an eventual dedicated pass rusher for the team. "I think he's gotten off to a really good start for us. I'm not saying a starter or anything like that, but a guy that I think the scheme change probably helps the most on our defense."
A fifth-round pick out of Troy in 2024, Solomon has appeared in 31 of a possible 34 regular-season games. Most of his work has come on special teams, though he’s also logged defensive snaps and flashed some upside when called upon. In those chances, he’s produced 30 tackles and three sacks.
In Other News...
Bills Rookie Safety Is Forcing His Way Into A Bigger Role
A fifth-round rookie has started to make noise in Bills camp, and Jalon Kilgore is turning extra practice snaps into a real argument for more playing time. The safety has been around the ball in recent workouts, flashing the kind of anticipation and confidence that can get a young defensive back noticed quickly in front of a coaching staff that is always looking for someone to seize an opening.
Part of that opening comes from C.J. Gardner-Johnson being sidelined with a calf strain, which has shifted more reps toward Kilgore for now. The Bills still expect the veterans issue not to be serious, but Kilgore has used the chance to keep learning the defense alongside experienced teammates and show he is adjusting to the speed and complexity of the NFL game. [Read more 🡒]
Marv Levy Still Defines What Being A Bill Means
Marv Levy turned 101 on Aug. 3, and for Bills fans, that number is a reminder of just how long his imprint has stretched across the franchise. Levy coached Buffalo from 1986 to 1997, guiding the team to four Super Bowl appearances and cementing himself as the standard-bearer for one of the most memorable eras in club history. His Hall of Fame induction in 2001 only formalized what had already been obvious in Western New York for years.
Joe Brady made sure Levys birthday did not pass quietly, publicly sending his wishes and acknowledging the influence the longtime coach still carries. Even now, Levy remains part of the language around what it means to be a Bill, not just because of the results he produced, but because of the culture he helped define. [Read more 🡒]
Mike Danna Faces A Tough Bills Battle To Stick Around
Mike Danna arrived in Buffalo on a short-term deal with plenty to prove, and that is what makes his next few months so interesting. The veteran outside linebacker spent six seasons with the Chiefs before signing with the Bills in May 2026, bringing experience to a position group that already has plenty of traffic. After a 2025 season in Kansas City that was his least productive, with injury playing a part, Danna now has to show he can still be a useful piece for a defense that values depth and versatility.
The problem is the Bills do not appear to have much room for sentiment at outside linebacker. Danna is joining a crowded competition, and every practice rep matters when a roster spot is not guaranteed. For a player with his background, the path to sticking around is not about reputation or past rings, but about finding a way to stand out in a group that already includes established pass rushers and other candidates fighting for the same limited openings. [Read more 🡒]