The Buffalo Bills are heading into a pivotal offseason, and one of the biggest priorities isn’t a flashy free agent or a high-profile draft pick-it’s keeping their players healthy. After a season plagued by injuries, many of which happened during practice, the team is hoping for a fresh start under new head coach Joe Brady. And according to general manager Brandon Beane, that fresh start includes a renewed focus on reducing injuries, especially during the week.
Beane didn’t mince words when reflecting on the team’s health issues. He acknowledged that the Bills had “too many soft-tissue injuries” this past season-injuries that often stem from overuse or improper load management during practice.
That’s something Brady and his staff are already addressing. Beane emphasized that the team is re-evaluating its practice structure, aiming to strike a better balance between preparation and player preservation.
“We’ve got to find a better way to practice,” Beane said. “That’s on us as a staff.” It’s a clear sign that the Bills are looking inward, trying to fix what went wrong behind the scenes-not just on Sundays.
Joe Brady, who took over as interim offensive coordinator midseason and now steps into the head coaching role, brings a new energy and a different approach. Beane believes Brady’s leadership style and attention to detail can help foster a healthier environment for players throughout the grind of a long NFL season.
This isn’t just about staying off the injury report. It’s about giving the Bills their best shot at a deep playoff run.
Buffalo’s roster is built to contend, but that only matters if the key pieces are available when it counts. And this past season, too many of those pieces weren’t.
Injuries weren’t just bad luck-they were a pattern. And that’s what the Bills are determined to break.
Offensive Line in Flux
Health isn’t the only concern for Buffalo. The offensive line, which saw some solid play in stretches, is facing potential turnover.
Two of the team’s three interior starters-left guard David Edwards and center Connor McGovern-are set to hit free agency when the new league year begins on March 11. Meanwhile, right guard O'Cyrus Torrence is eligible for a contract extension.
That means the Bills could be looking at a major shuffle in the trenches, a unit that’s critical to both protecting Josh Allen and establishing the run game. Beane acknowledged that change is likely coming, and while he didn’t commit to any specific moves, he made it clear that continuity and chemistry will be key factors in how they approach the line this offseason.
“You want to keep your quarterback upright,” Beane said. “That starts with the guys up front.” But with cap space tight and other roster needs looming, the Bills may have to make some tough decisions.
The Bigger Picture
This offseason isn’t just about plugging holes. It’s about recalibrating the entire operation. From how the team practices during the week to how it builds its roster for durability and depth, the Bills are taking a holistic approach.
Beane pointed to Brady’s ability to connect with players and his openness to sports science and performance data as reasons for optimism. The hope is that a smarter, more tailored approach to workload and recovery can help prevent the kind of injury wave that derailed the 2025 season.
“We’ve got to be more proactive,” Beane said. “We can’t just react after guys go down.”
It’s a message that resonates throughout the building. After several seasons of knocking on the door, the Bills know their championship window won’t stay open forever. To keep it propped open, they need their best players on the field-and that starts with how they train, how they recover, and how they manage the grind of an NFL season.
Looking Ahead
There’s still plenty of work to do. The Bills will have to navigate free agency, the draft, and some tough cap decisions. But if they can stay healthier and keep their core intact, they’ll be right back in the mix as one of the AFC’s top contenders.
Joe Brady’s first full season as head coach will bring new challenges, but also new opportunities. And if the Bills can pair his offensive mind with a healthier, more durable roster, they just might take that next step fans have been waiting for.
For now, the message is clear: smarter practices, fewer injuries, and a tougher, more resilient Buffalo team in 2026.