The Buffalo Bills head into the offseason with a clear need at linebacker - and thanks to a familiar face on their coaching staff, they might already have a couple of intriguing options lined up.
New defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who just joined the Bills, brings with him not only a sharp defensive mind but also some valuable connections. Before jumping to the NFL, Leonhard spent time molding talent at the University of Wisconsin, where he coached several standout defenders. Two of his former Badgers - Leo Chanel and Jack Sanborn - are now set to hit free agency, and both could be strong fits for what Buffalo needs.
Let’s start with Chanel. At just 25, he’s already got two Super Bowl rings with the Kansas City Chiefs and has proven himself as a reliable contributor on one of the league’s most dominant defenses.
Drafted in the third round back in 2022, Chanel has racked up 218 tackles, seven sacks, three forced fumbles and an interception across 65 games - 44 of them starts. He brings a physical, downhill style that fits well in a 4-3 or hybrid front, and he’s shown he can hold his own in coverage when asked.
For a Bills team looking to add both depth and impact at the second level, Chanel checks a lot of boxes.
Then there’s Sanborn, another 25-year-old linebacker who’s carved out a role in the league the hard way. Undrafted out of Wisconsin, he signed with the Chicago Bears and played three seasons there before spending this past year with the Dallas Cowboys.
Sanborn’s production has been steady - 198 tackles, 4.5 sacks and a pick - and he’s earned praise for his instincts, motor, and ability to find the football. He’s not flashy, but he’s reliable, and that’s exactly the kind of presence Buffalo could use, especially with uncertainty surrounding their current linebacker depth.
What makes both of these players particularly interesting for Buffalo isn’t just their skill sets - it’s their history with Leonhard. They know his system, they’ve thrived under his coaching, and the familiarity could help them hit the ground running if the Bills decide to bring one (or both) into the fold.
With free agency looming, Buffalo has some decisions to make. But if they’re looking for linebackers who can contribute right away and already have a built-in rapport with the new defensive coordinator, Chanel and Sanborn are names to keep a close eye on.