The Buffalo Bills are heading into the offseason with a bit of a financial puzzle to solve-and some fan-favorite names could be part of the solution.
As things stand, Buffalo is projected to be around $7 million over the salary cap, which is expected to be set at $304 million. That puts general manager Brandon Beane and his front office in a familiar but tricky position: they’ll need to get creative to stay under the cap while still fielding a competitive roster. That likely means some tough choices, and one name to watch closely is fullback Reggie Gilliam.
At 28, Gilliam has carved out a unique role in Buffalo-one that’s becoming increasingly rare in today’s NFL. He’s not just a traditional fullback who clears lanes in the run game; he’s also a core special teams contributor, and that dual value makes him a commodity in the right system. His versatility and physicality haven’t gone unnoticed around the league, and one team in particular could come calling if he hits the open market.
According to reports, the Baltimore Ravens are a team to keep an eye on. It makes sense.
Baltimore has long valued the fullback position, and their current fullback, Patrick Ricard, is set to hit free agency in March. Ricard, a four-time Pro Bowler, turns 32 this offseason, and if the Ravens are looking to get younger at the position without sacrificing impact, Gilliam fits the mold.
He brings a similar skill set-tough, physical, and reliable-but with fresher legs.
Now, let’s be clear: Gilliam isn’t going to reset the market. Fullbacks don’t command massive contracts in today’s NFL.
But that doesn’t mean his departure wouldn’t be felt. The Bills have leaned on Gilliam’s blocking in short-yardage situations, his ability to line up in multiple spots, and his special teams presence.
Whether or not he returns could come down to how much value the new coaching staff places on the fullback position. With both a new head coach and offensive coordinator coming in, scheme fit will be a key factor.
The silver lining for Buffalo? Gilliam has made it known he wants to stay.
During locker room cleanout, he expressed a desire to return in 2026. That gives the Bills a bit of leverage-if they can put together a competitive offer, there’s a good chance they can keep him in the fold.
Bottom line: Reggie Gilliam might not be the flashiest name on the roster, but he’s the kind of player who quietly helps a team win games. Whether it’s in Buffalo or elsewhere, he’s going to have options. And if the Bills want to keep that edge in the trenches and on special teams, they’ll need to make sure he’s part of the plan.