The 2024 season has just ended, and on March 12, the 2025 campaign will open its doors. Touchdown news therefore takes the opportunity to offer you an overview of different franchises during the offseason. Which players keep and cut? Which free agents extend? What recruits observe? Here are some ideas, franchise by franchise. In the spotlight, today, the Buffalo Bills 2025.
Another disillusionment for Buffalo defeated once again by the chiefs in the conference final. The seasons follow each other and look alike for the band at Josh Allen. If the problem is partly mental, a few ingredients on both sides of the ball are missing to make this team a real irresistible machine.
Tauliers
1. Josh Allen (QB)
2. Greg Rousseau (Edge)
3. Christian Benford (CB)
MVP in title, Josh Allen is at the top of his art. More than ever he is the soul and the image of the Bills. He has gained maturity and patience, which makes him limit errors. His simple presence transcends his teammates and carries the team.
In constant progression, Greg Rousseau has become the leader of the defensive front. Even if he does not still materialize enough by sacks, he harasses the quarterbacks and is a real poison. Its future contract to come in a few weeks should reward its value.
This is called a good pick. Selected in the 6th round in 2022, Christian Benford won in the last two seasons as a very good level holder. 6th best in his post on the cover according to Pro Football Focus, the opposing quarterback has an assessment of 72.3 when it is targeted. It should soon be extended by the team.
The undesirable
– Von Miller (Edge)
– Daquon Jones (DT)
– Dawson Knox (Te)
At 36, Von Miller is no longer as irresistible as 10 years ago. If his return remains honest for a rotation player, his contract is that of an essential holder. An early departure would save 8 million immediately, up to 17.5 million in the event of an appointment on June 1.
A solid line player, Daquan Jones can still provide services, but above all represents a source of economy. More than 5 million recoverable for the franchise by releasing the player of his last year of contract.
Dawson Knox extended last year for 3 seasons. But the Tight End captured only 22 balloons in 2024, the same number as 2023. 44 balloons in two seasons, it is little for a player paid 10 million per year. The boom of Dalton Kincaid, and the investment made on him (Editor's note: 1st round of Draft), leaves little room for a 2nd Tight End remunerated paid.
The man of summer
Keon Coleman (WR)
Chosen to make Stefon Diggs forget, Keon Coleman had a contrasting first season. Very far from the most prolific rookies, its impact in the attack has remained modest and its alchemy with Josh Allen is still to work. But he still showed some promising flashes per sequence.
Not yet 22 years old, his margin of progression is still important. His physical skills and in particular his size must make him an asset for Buffalo. If he has to become the new preferential target of his quarterback, he must quickly go up in diet. He will therefore be necessarily expected during his 2nd season and will have to cross a first course.
The main free agents
1. Rasul Douglas (CB)
2. Amari Cooper (WR)
3. Damar Hamlin (s)
4. Mack Hollins (WR)
5. Jordan Phillips (DT)
The others: Austin Johnson (DT), Ty Johnson (RB), Quinton Jefferson (DT)
Quite few players at the end of the contract this year in Buffalo, but several holders. In the defensive backfield, two important players will be free on March 12. Full holders, Douglas and Hamlin are not irreplaceable. On the contrary. The two men seem to have reached their ceiling. Between the Free Agency and even more at the Draft, the Bills will be able to find cheaper and larger options.
Arrived during the season, Amari Cooper did not have the expected impact and his connection with Allen was not particularly obvious. The other players could possibly come back to continue to contribute, but this cannot be the case for everyone. And it should be at the right price as the finances are quite tight. The front office will have to make choices.
The top 5 needs
1. defensive Tackle
2. Cornerback
3. Receiver
4. Edge
5. SAFETY
Accustomed to being a solid squad in recent seasons, the defense has entered the rank a little. It is far from the leading peloton in all categories. The needs are everywhere. The defensive line is a site to rethink. Rousseau needs an alter-ego to his opposite. Ditto for Ed Oliver who caps and who would benefit from being better surrounded to better express themselves.
On the last curtain, the team surely lacks a little talent (s). The combined departures of Tre'davious White, Micah Hyde or Jordan Poyer were not really offset in terms of level of play. On exteriors, Benford has established himself as an excellent cornerback, but he needs a counterpart. At the Safety post, a real leader in the position of free would be precious to evolve alongside Rapp or Bishop.
When a quarterback of the level of Josh Allen does not pass the 4000 yards mark, it is because there is a concern in terms of his targets. Khalil Shakir has gotten importance, Coleman and Kincaid are still young and must develop, but that remains insufficient.
The target
Chase Young (Edge)
With few means, difficult to be able to compete for the most courted players. Buffalo must be clever to find a good blow to make. With this in mind, the profile of Chase Young could be particularly interesting.
After a big injury in 2022, Young struggled to regain his level. Disappointing, he was walked from Washington to San Francisco before relaunching himself to New Orleans in 2024. His return and history should prevent him from claiming a lucrative contract and long -term. This is where Bills can do well. At only 25, the bet is worth trying. In a setting like this one, with Sean McDermott at the helm, the player could find the ideal conditions to relaunch his career. And Buffalo find a nugget at a reasonable cost.
New blood
Derrick Harmon (DL)
A reinforced and domineering defensive front is one of the keys that allows you to take over the chiefs. The Eagles showed the way. Buffalo would therefore be easy to draw inspiration from it. Add talent on the first curtain, accentuate the pressure and win the battle of the trenches remain the base of football anyway.
Derrick Harmon has a profile that has something to seduce leaders. Very good player against the race where he shines even in double socket, he will also be able to help disturb the pocket as shown in his 2024 statistics with Oregon. Its first devastating first and its raw power are a poison for opposing centers or guards. A contribution of explosiveness and youth within a line that has been missing in recent times.
Other choices: Shavon Revel Jr. (CB), Matthew Golden (WR), Xavier Watts (s)
