The Buffalo Bills didn’t just dip into the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff this offseason - they might be eyeing Denver’s roster next. After bringing in Pete Carmichael as offensive coordinator and Jim Leonhard as defensive coordinator, new Bills head coach Joe Brady now has two key voices in the building who know the Broncos’ personnel inside and out. That inside track could come in handy when free agency opens in March.
Buffalo heads into the 2026 offseason with several pressing needs: wide receiver, linebacker, safety, and help along the defensive line. Conveniently - or strategically - Denver has pending free agents at nearly every one of those spots. And with Carmichael and Leonhard now wearing Bills blue, don’t be surprised if Buffalo makes a run at some familiar faces.
Let’s take a closer look at four Broncos free agents who could be on the Bills’ radar:
LB Alex Singleton
Singleton has been a tackling machine in Denver, bringing a physical edge and veteran leadership to the second level. He’s not flashy, but he’s consistent - the kind of guy who racks up stops and sets the tone in the middle of a defense.
For a Buffalo team that may be reshuffling at linebacker, Singleton could offer plug-and-play reliability. He’s the type of player who doesn’t need a learning curve - just a helmet and a green dot.
LB Justin Strnad
Strnad is a different story. He’s younger, more athletic, and itching for a starting role after playing behind Singleton and others in Denver.
That ambition might price him out of the Broncos’ plans, but it could align perfectly with Buffalo’s. If the Bills are looking to get faster and more dynamic at linebacker, Strnad fits the mold.
And with Leonhard now running the defense, there’s already a level of trust and familiarity that could fast-track his integration.
S P.J. Locke
Locke is another name that makes sense for Buffalo, especially with Leonhard in the fold. The veteran safety has grown into a reliable playmaker on the back end - physical in run support, opportunistic in coverage, and versatile enough to handle multiple roles.
If the Bills are looking to solidify their safety depth or even fill a starting spot, Locke brings value. Leonhard knows exactly how to use him, and that could give Buffalo an edge in what might be a competitive market.
DL John Franklin-Myers
John Franklin-Myers - or JFM, as he's often called - is one of the top defensive linemen set to hit the open market. He’s a disruptive presence up front, capable of collapsing pockets and holding his ground against the run.
At 6-foot-4 with long arms and a motor that doesn’t quit, JFM is the kind of player who can anchor a defensive front. For a Buffalo team that needs more juice on the line, especially with some aging pieces and potential departures, he’d be a high-impact addition.
What’s Next?
The NFL’s legal tampering window opens on March 9, with the new league year - and the official start of free agency - kicking off on March 11. Any of Denver’s pending free agents who don’t sign extensions before then will be free to negotiate with other teams. And with Brady, Carmichael, and Leonhard now steering the ship in Buffalo, don’t be shocked if a few Broncos make the jump east.
The connections are there. The needs are real.
And the window to reshape the roster is about to open. Keep an eye on Buffalo - they’ve already started building with familiar pieces, and free agency could be the next chapter in that strategy.