The Buffalo Bills have poured plenty into their defensive line under Brandon Beane, and that trend could point them toward another major addition when the 2027 market opens.
Buffalo has used the draft to keep feeding that group, taking players such as Ed Oliver, Deone Walker, T.J. Sanders, Zane Durant, Landon Jackson, DeWayne Carter, Greg Rousseau, Boogie Basham, A.J.
Epenesa, and Harrison Phillips. The Bills have also leaned on free agency, bringing in names like DaQuan Jones, Star Lotuleleu, Greg Gaines, Phidarian Mathis, and others.
Even with all that investment, the run defense has still been something of a problem in recent memory.
A switch to a 3-4 defense under Jim Leonhard might change that, though it is still too early to know for sure. Buffalo may also have a rising piece in Deone Walker, who flashed as a rookie last year. But there is still plenty for this front to prove.
That is why an early look at the 2027 free-agent class has Buffalo tied to a big name. Brendan Howe of FanSided.com put together an early preview of the current top 10 free agents for next offseason and named the Bills as a team that should have interest in Indianapolis Colts defensive tackle DeForest Buckner, who came in at No. 10.
" Buckner is a massive interior defensive lineman - he stands 6-foot-7 and weighs 295 pounds - who will have 11 seasons of NFL experience under his belt by the time he'd test the open market. He has 71.5 career sacks to his name." said Howe.
" With that size and experience - and Leonard Williams and Vita Vea signing extensions this offseason - Buckner could be the top guy at his position available." Howe added.
Buckner has been a force with both the 49ers and Colts, and he is still producing at a high level. He will be 33 years old next offseason, but there is still a clear case that he can help a team, whether that ends up being Indianapolis or somewhere else.
For Buffalo, the fit is easy to see. Deone Walker already gives the Bills a massive interior presence, and pairing him with Buckner would give the defense a pair of huge bodies that could make life miserable for offensive lines. Buckner brings pass-rush pressure and run-stopping ability, which is exactly the kind of profile that would strengthen Buffalo’s front.
There is still the full 2026 season ahead, but it is not too early to look ahead to March and start identifying names that could make sense. Buckner is one of them, and a pairing with the Bills would make for a strong match, even if it only lasted a year or two.
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