Buffalo Bills Player Report Card: A Deep Dive into 2026 Grades
When the NFL successfully blocked the NFL Players Association from releasing their annual player report card data, it was only a matter of time before the grades found their way into the public eye. On Thursday, ESPN's Kalyn Kahler unveiled the assessments from all 32 teams. The Buffalo Bills landed in the middle of the pack at No. 16, yet their players expressed satisfaction with their organization.
Here's a closer look at the Bills' grades across various categories:
- Treatment of Families: B
- Home Game Field: F (No longer an issue with the switch to a grass field)
- Food/Dining Area: B-
- Nutritionist/Dietician: B-
- Locker Room: B
- Training Room: B+
- Training Staff: B+
- Weight Room: A
- Strength Coaches: A
- Position Coaches: A
- Offensive Coordinator: A-
- Defensive Coordinator: B
- Special Teams Coordinator: B+
- Team Travel: B-
- Head Coach: A-
- General Manager: A-
- Team Ownership: A-
The artificial turf at Highmark Stadium was the only area to score below a B-, but with the transition to a grass field, this concern is now in the past. This year introduced new grading categories, including playing surfaces and evaluations of general managers and coordinators. The Bills' coaching staff and management received commendable marks, reflecting overall player satisfaction.
Former defensive coordinator Bobby Babich earned a B, while special teams coordinator Chris Tabor received a B+. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady stood out with an A-, and GM Brandon Beane matched that grade, showing strong leadership.
Sean McDermott, the former head coach, improved from a B in 2025 to an A- in 2026, but this wasn't enough to retain his position, with Brady stepping into the role.
Year-over-Year Improvements:
The Bills saw progress in six categories: training room, training staff, strength coaches, team travel (a significant jump from F- to B-), head coach, and ownership. They maintained steady grades in dining, nutrition, locker room, and weight room. The only slight decline was in the treatment of families, dropping from a B+ to a B.
Overall Rankings Over the Years:
- 2023: 9th
- 2024: 11th
- 2025: 23rd
- 2026: 16th
While the detailed explanations for these grades were not disclosed, the final scores paint a picture of a team making strategic improvements and striving for excellence both on and off the field. The Bills' efforts to enhance their facilities and support systems are evident, and their upward trajectory in player satisfaction is a testament to their commitment to progress.