2024 changes pave way for big 2025 offseason

Every offseason there is roster turnover, it’s inevitable and some years we see big names released. This is the case this offseason, notably with Tre’Davious White and Jordan Poyer. In free agency, Buffalo lost Gabe Davis, followed by the Stefon Diggs trade. The team also cut longtime starting center Mitch Morse due to salary cap hit. The wide receiver room is also very different this season, with Khalil Shakir as the only receiver to catch a pass from Josh Allen in a regular game.

At first glance, 2024 looks like a rebuilding season with all the missing pieces and new faces. However, the offensive line returns four of five starters. Shakir is still there, as are Dawson Knox and Dalton Kincaid. James Cook and Ty Johnson also return. On the defensive side, most of the fronts return, with Von Miller looking more like himself lately in OTAs. Matt Milano will return from injury. Terrel Bernard is a rising star linebacker, and both starting corners will also return. The Bills will be fine, and they will be in a much better position in 2025, thanks to the actions taken this year.

The Bills’ 2025 free agent list isn’t as intimidating as it was this offseason. There are a few key players, but Buffalo can lock them up this season with extensions. The biggest free agent name is right tackle Spencer Brown. I do see Beane getting an extension sometime this season, though. Other names include Mack Hollins and Reid Ferguson. The list also includes several free agents that Buffalo signed to one-year deals this offseason, such as Marquez Valdez-Scantling, La’el Collins, DaWuane Smoot and linebacker Nicholas Morrow. For a complete list of the Bills’ pending free agents next year, check out this article, “Projecting the Future of the Buffalo Bills 2025 Free Agents.”

The 2025 class of free agents is an impressive group. According to Spotrac.com, the available receivers could be Tee Higgins, Keenan Allen, Amari Cooper, Chris Godwin, Brandin Cooks and Diontae Johnson. If the Bills could be looking for some quick help next season, options include Khalil Mack, Haason Reddick and Matt Judon. Maybe Buffalo needs some help keeping it safe. If so, Budda Baker and Justin Reid could be options. There will also be offensive linemen. Whatever position the Bills need to improve next year, there could be someone on the free agent market to do just that. With a few restructured contracts next year, Buffalo could have over $30 million in cap space, allowing it to spend on a big name.

If everything remains unchanged, Lance Zuerlein of NFL.com projects that the Bills will receive two compensatory picks in the 2025 NFL Draft. One for the loss of receiver Gabe Davis and another for Leonard Floyd. If that happens, Buffalo will have ten picks in next year’s draft. Where the Bills will end up picking in the 2025 draft is anyone’s guess, but probably again in the 20s. Who knows, maybe the Bills will pick number 32 because they won the Super Bowl this year.