2026 NFL Offseason: Can the Bills Boost Josh Allen’s Receivers?
AFC and NFC Team Breakdowns
The NFL offseason is in full swing, and with it comes a deep dive into the upcoming months for all 32 teams. From free agency to the draft, each team is preparing for the next season. Here’s a look at the divisions across both the American Football Conference (AFC) and the National Football Conference (NFC):
AFC East
- Bills
- Dolphins
- Patriots
- Jets
AFC North
- Ravens
- Bengals
- Browns
- Steelers
AFC South
- Texans
- Colts
- Jaguars
- Titans
AFC West
- Broncos
- Chiefs
- Raiders
- Chargers
NFC East
- Cowboys
- Giants
- Eagles
- Commanders
NFC North
- Bears
- Lions
- Packers
- Vikings
NFC South
- Falcons
- Panthers
- Saints
- Buccaneers
NFC West
- Cardinals
- Rams
- 49ers
- Seahawks
Buffalo Bills Overview
The 2025 season for the Buffalo Bills was a mix of success and challenges. The team finished with a 12-5 record, securing second place in the AFC East. They lost to the Broncos in the divisional round and ranked eighth in DVOA. Despite a flawed defense and struggles at the receiver position, the Bills maintained a top-10 ranking by DVOA and had an offense that ranked second in EPA per play.
The AFC saw down seasons from key teams like the Chiefs, Ravens, and Bengals, which allowed the Bills to stay competitive. However, the emergence of New England as a strong division rival and the return of other AFC teams pose new challenges for Buffalo. The Bills still have a chance to break through to a Super Bowl as long as Josh Allen remains their quarterback, but time is running out.
Cap and Cuts Outlook
The Bills are facing a tight salary cap situation, with only $13.3 million in effective salary cap space—the 10th-lowest in the league. Curtis Samuel is the most likely player to be released, freeing up $6.25 million. Dawson Knox could also be moved, creating $9.7 million in space. Restructuring contracts for Josh Allen or Spencer Brown could add $12 million and $10 million respectively.
With 47 players under contract, the Bills don’t need much cap space for depth, but they could use it to acquire more impactful players.
Key Pending Free Agents
Several key players are set to become free agents, including:
- OL Connor McGovern
- OL David Edwards
- Edge Joey Bosa
- CB Tre’Davious White
- LB Matt Milano
- Edge A.J. Epenesa
McGovern and Edwards were among the best offensive linemen on the team, while Bosa provided veteran pass-rushing experience. White had a solid return season, and Milano, once a top coverage linebacker, struggled this year due to age.
Positional Needs
The Bills have clear needs in several areas:
- Wide Receiver: The team lacks a playmaking outside threat. Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir didn’t meet expectations, leaving a gap in the passing game.
- Edge: With Joey Bosa and A.J. Epenesa set to leave, the Bills need another pass rusher to pair with Greg Rousseau.
- Safety: Cole Bishop has shown promise, but the team needs a second safety to support the two-high defensive scheme.
2026 NFL Draft Picks
The Bills have the following draft picks for the 2026 season:
- 1st round, pick No. 26
- 2nd round
- 3rd round
- 4th round
- 5th round
- 7th round (NYJ)
- 7th round (DAL)
Good Draft Fit
One potential target for the Bills is Jordyn Tyson, a wide receiver from Arizona State. Tyson would provide a big-play threat over the middle and in the red zone. His route tree and ability to adjust to the football make him a good fit for the Bills’ offense. His injury history might push him to the back half of the first round, where the Bills will pick.
Betting Nuggets
During the 2025 season, the Bills showed a pattern in their performance against the spread (ATS). They went 1-4 ATS when they had less rest than their opponents, but were 4-0 SU (3-1 ATS) when they had a rest advantage. This trend highlights the importance of rest in their schedule.