The Buffalo Bills have been playing it cool in free agency, opting for quality over quantity. Their standout move?
Signing Bradley Chubb to a three-year deal, aiming to bolster a pass rush that has often fallen short. Chubb's presence is expected to make an immediate impact, giving the Bills a much-needed edge.
In addition to Chubb, Buffalo has strengthened its secondary by bringing in safeties C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Smith, along with cornerback Dee Alford, likely stepping in as the new nickel cornerback.
On the offensive side, the Bills made a savvy decision by extending Connor McGovern's contract to keep him as the cornerstone of the offensive line for Josh Allen. They also pulled off a significant trade to acquire D.J.
Moore from the Chicago Bears, providing Allen with a bona fide No. 1 receiver. These moves signal that the Bills are charting a promising course, though their relative quietness since signing Stone leaves some intrigue about their draft strategy.
Despite these defensive upgrades, the Bills still have gaps to fill, particularly as they approach the first round of the NFL Draft. Their likely focus? Adding more firepower to their edge rush.
With Bradley Chubb and Greg Rousseau leading the charge, there's still a need for a traditional edge rusher, especially after A.J. Epenesa's departure to the Cleveland Browns. The incoming draft class offers a wealth of talent in edge rushers and linebackers, and sitting at No. 26 overall, the Bills have a good shot at snagging a top-tier player or trading up if necessary.
One name to keep an eye on is T.J. Parker from Clemson.
Over three seasons, Parker racked up 21.5 sacks, including 11 in 2024. While his stats dipped slightly last season, this might work in Buffalo's favor, allowing them to secure a player with significant upside.
Parker's combination of size and speed makes him a formidable presence on the line, capable of disrupting the pocket. His potential synergy with Chubb could be a game-changer for the Bills' defense.
Even if Parker isn't the pick, it feels like the Bills are leaning toward selecting an edge rusher early in the draft unless they decide to trade back. This strategy would solidify their defense and set them up for a strong season ahead.