The Buffalo Bills are heading into a pivotal offseason, and the stakes couldn’t be higher. With a new head coach in Joe Brady, a fresh staff in place, and a roster that needs both cap flexibility and talent infusion, GM Brandon Beane is staring down one of his most important offseasons yet.
Brady Era Begins with a Bang
Let’s start with the obvious: Joe Brady is wasting no time. The former offensive coordinator has stepped into the head coach role and already assembled his core staff, bringing in Pete Carmichael as offensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard to run the defense, and Jeff Rodgers to lead special teams. It’s a mix of experience and fresh perspective, and it signals a clear shift in direction post-Sean McDermott.
Now it’s Beane’s move. The 2026 salary cap is projected to land somewhere between $301.2 million and $305.7 million - a significant bump, sure, but not a blank check.
Every team, including Buffalo, will need to make tough decisions to get under the cap and still find ways to improve. That’s where potential cap casualties around the league come into play.
Let’s break down four players who could become available - and why the Bills should absolutely have them on their radar.
1. LB Tremaine Edmunds (Chicago Bears)
Bills fans know this name well. Tremaine Edmunds was once the centerpiece of Buffalo’s defense, drafted 16th overall in 2018 - the same round as Josh Allen.
He was the defensive signal-caller, the guy in the middle making it all go. But over time, his impact plateaued, and the Bills let him walk in free agency, turning the keys over to Terrel Bernard.
That move has largely worked out, but with Matt Milano set to hit free agency, Buffalo could be staring at a hole in the linebacker corps. If Edmunds is released by Chicago, a reunion suddenly becomes more than just sentimental - it becomes strategic.
Jim Leonhard’s arrival as defensive coordinator adds another layer here. His defenses are known for being fast, aggressive, and versatile. Edmunds, with his range and experience in Buffalo’s system, could slide back in seamlessly - and potentially thrive in a new scheme that plays to his strengths.
2. DE Rashan Gary (Green Bay Packers)
If there’s one thing we’ve learned about Leonhard’s defensive philosophy, it’s this: pressure is non-negotiable. He wants to get after the quarterback - early and often. That’s why Rashan Gary, if he hits the open market, should be on Buffalo’s shortlist.
Gary hasn’t quite hit the double-digit sack mark in a season, but don’t let that fool you. He’s a high-motor edge rusher with the physical tools to disrupt even the best offensive lines.
Yes, he’s coming off an ACL injury, but that doesn’t mean he’s lost his explosiveness. In fact, a new environment - especially one that emphasizes aggressive pass rush - could be exactly what he needs to unlock his full potential.
With both Joey Bosa and A.J. Epenesa hitting free agency, the Bills are going to need reinforcements off the edge. Gary fits the mold of a Leonhard-style defender: athletic, relentless, and capable of wrecking plays in the backfield.
3. DT Grover Stewart (Indianapolis Colts)
Let’s talk trenches. The Bills have invested heavily in the defensive line, but the run defense still needs help - and Grover Stewart could be the answer.
Buffalo already has interior pass-rush juice with Ed Oliver and rising talent Deone Walker. What they need now is a space-eater, a guy who can take on double teams and anchor the middle on early downs.
Stewart checks that box. He’s a veteran presence who’s made a career out of clogging lanes and making life easier for the linebackers behind him.
If the Bills want to shore up their run defense without overhauling the entire front, Stewart would be a smart, steady addition.
4. DT Harrison Phillips (New York Jets)
Another familiar face, and another potential reunion that could make a lot of sense.
Harrison Phillips has quietly carved out a solid career since leaving Buffalo. He made an impact with the Vikings in 2022 before being traded to the Jets ahead of the 2025 season. While the Jets’ year was chaotic, Phillips remained a consistent performer on the interior.
He’s not going to light up the stat sheet, but what he brings is toughness, leadership, and reliability - all traits that would be welcomed back in Buffalo’s locker room. If the Jets decide to move on, the Bills should absolutely consider bringing Phillips home.
The Bottom Line
This offseason is about more than just trimming salary - it’s about retooling a roster that still has championship aspirations. Joe Brady’s arrival marks a new chapter, but it’s Brandon Beane’s next moves that will determine how quickly this team can reload.
With the cap rising and potential talent flooding the market due to cap casualties, the Bills have a real opportunity to make smart, impactful additions. Whether it’s bringing back old faces like Edmunds and Phillips or injecting new blood like Gary and Stewart, the right moves could set Buffalo up for a deep postseason run in 2026.
The window isn’t closed - but it’s time to push it wide open again.