The NFL 2022 offseason is officially underway now that the Super Bowl is in the rearview mirror. One would think that means it's time to kick back and relax, but we all know there really isn't an offseason in the NFL.
Since there's so much on the calendar, we thought we would lay out some key dates to know and key topics to keep an eye on in the coming months.
1. What's next on the NFL calendar?
There's always something going on and plenty to look forward to during the offseason. Here are some important dates to keep an eye on over the next few months.
- March 1-7: NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Ind.
- March 16: The 2022 League Year and Free Agency period begins at 4:00 p.m. ET (negotiating window opens on March 14)
- March 27-30: Annual League Meeting in Palm Beach, Fla.
- April 18: Offseason workout programs begin for teams with returning head coaches
- April 22: Deadline for restricted free agents to sign offers
- April 28-30: The 2022 NFL Draft in Las Vegas, Nev.
2. Will Buffalo open the 2022 regular season in Los Angeles?
This will be the seventh season in a row that Buffalo plays against the defending Super Bowl champs. They have the Rams on their schedule in 2022. So that begs the question, could the Bills have the opening night stage?
They certainly have a shot.
Here are some of the Rams' notable home opponents for the 2022 season – San Francisco 49ers, Arizona Cardinals, and Dallas Cowboys.
It'll be at least a couple months till we know who gets to play on opening night.
3. How will new coaches impact the AFC East?
From the front office to the coaching staff, Buffalo has seen a lot of shifting and moving in several positions. With the success the Bills have had over the last few seasons, we all saw the writing on the walls that the coaching staff would not remain the same forever.
Former Bills offensive coordinator Brian Daboll joined former Bills assistant general manager Joe Schoen as the new head coach of the Giants. Ken Dorsey was promoted to offensive coordinator after coaching Buffalo's quarterbacks since 2019. Former Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady is the new quarterbacks coach.
Matthew Smiley was also promoted to the special teams coordinator after Heath Farwell joined the Jacksonville Jaguars as their new special teams coordinator.
It's obvious to see the Bills believe they have enough talent on the coaching staff to promote from within. Bills head coach said Sean McDermott likes to do that as much as he can.
"You want to be able to promote from within, just like in any business, that's where you get your return on investment," McDermott said during his end of season press conference. "That's where you try and foster morale and camaraderie again and again, just continue to invest in the people we have in our building."
It's not just Buffalo that's dealing with coaching shakeup in the AFC East. Miami has a new head coach and the Patriots are without a key piece on offense.
The Dolphins parted ways with former head coach Brian Flores and brought in Mike McDaniel to take over as the new head coach. McDaniel was the offensive coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers last season. He has also coached with the Falcons, Browns, Commanders and Texans.
The Patriots must figure out what life looks like without former offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. McDaniels spent close to 10 seasons as the offensive coordinator for New England. Whoever the Patriots hire as their new offensive coordinator, it'll be an important hire for the development of young quarterback Mac Jones.
Scroll to view the best game action photos from the 2021 season as chosen by Bills Team Photographers Bill Wippert and Ben Green, and our additional Contributing Photographers Craig Melvin, Jeff Romance, David Le, Brett Carlsen, and Jeffrey T. Barnes.
Micah Hyde (23) and Jordan Poyer (21). Buffalo Bills vs Washington Football Team at Highmark Stadium, September 26, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Matt Breida (22) runs the ball. Buffalo Bills vs Detroit Lions, Preseason Week 1, August 13, 2021 at Ford Field. Photo by Craig Melvin.
Siran Neal (33) makes the tackle. Buffalo Bills vs Green Bay Packers, Preseason Week 3, August 28, 2021 at Highmark Stadium. Photo by Craig Melvin
Mario Addison (97) sacks Ben Roethlisberger. Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium, September 12, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Taron Johnson (24). Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium, September 12, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Taron Johnson (24). Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium, September 12, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Matt Milano (58) and Levi Wallace (39). Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers at Highmark Stadium, September 12, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Cole Beasley (11) leaps for a catch. Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers, September 12, 2021 at Highmark Stadium. Photo by Craig Melvin
Devin Singletary (26) celebrates his touchdown with Dion Dawkins (73). Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, September 19, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Dion Dawkins (73), Josh Allen (17) celebrating Dawson Knox (88) touchdown reception. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, September 19, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Mitch Morse (60), Cody Ford (74), Jon Feliciano (76) in the rain. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, September 19, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
A.J. Klein (54) and Taron Johnson (24) complete the tackle. Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, September 19, 2021. Photo by Jeff Romance
A.J. Klein (54) and A.J. Epenesa (57) defend. Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium, September 19, 2021. Photo by Jeff Romance
Emmanuel Sanders (1). Buffalo Bills vs Washington Football Team at Highmark Stadium, September 26, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Matt Milano (58). Buffalo Bills vs Washington Football Team at Highmark Stadium, September 26, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Emmanuel Sanders (1). Buffalo Bills vs Washington Football Team at Highmark Stadium, September 26, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Andre Smith (9) Buffalo Bills vs Washington Football Team at Highmark Stadium, September 26, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Zack Moss (20) touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Washington Football Team at Highmark Stadium, September 26, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Dawson Knox (88) touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Washington Football Team at Highmark Stadium, September 26, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Ed Oliver (91). Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texan at Highmark Stadium October 3, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Boogie Basham (96). Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texan at Highmark Stadium October 3, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Siran Neal (33) and Damar Hamlin (31). Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texan at Highmark Stadium October 3, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Stefon Diggs (14) reception. Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium, October 3, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Dawson Knox (88) celebrates his touchdown with fans. Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium, October 3, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Mitchell Trubisky (10) celebrates his touchdown with Tommy Doyle (72). Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium, October 3, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen (17) postgame with fans. Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium, October 3, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Jerry Hughes (55) celebrates. Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium, October 3, 2021. Photo by Craig Melvin
Josh Allen (17) stiff arms the defender. Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium, October 3, 2021. Photo by Craig Melvin
Cam Lewis (47) celebrates. Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium, October 3, 2021. Photo by Craig Melvin
Dawson Knox (88) celebrates after the touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium, October 3, 2021. Photo by Craig Melvin
Jaquan Johnson (46) elevates for the interception. Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans at Highmark Stadium, October 3, 2021. Photo by Craig Melvin
Dawson Knox (88). Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, October 10, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Taron Johnson (24), Boogie Basham (96), Jordan Poyer (21), Tremaine Edmunds (49). Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, October 10, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Micah Hyde (23) interception touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, October 10, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen runs and leaps over L'Jarius Sneed. Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, October 10, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Siran Neal (33) leaps to make the tackle. Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, October 10, 2021. Photo by Craig Melvin
Tyler Matakevich (44) dives for the tackle. Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs at Arrowhead Stadium, October 10, 2021. Photo by Craig Melvin
Daryl Williams (75), Spencer Brown (79), Ike Boettger (65). Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium, October 18, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Star Lotulelei (98) and Taron Johnson (24). Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium, October 18, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Emmanuel Sanders (1). Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium, October 18, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Celebrating Jordan Poyer (21) interception. Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium, October 18, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium, October 18, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Tommy Sweeney (89) touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium, October 18, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen (17) touchdown reception from Dawson Knox (88). Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium, October 18, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Taiwan Jones (25) and Tyrel Dodson (53) Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Levi Wallace (39). Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Isaiah McKenzie (19). Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Jerry Hughes (55). Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Jordan Poyer (21). Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Matt Milano (58). Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Emmanuel Sanders (1) reception. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Chad Hall celebrates Stefon Diggs (14) touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Tre'Davious White (27) defends a pass. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Greg Rousseau (50) loses his helmet. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Jerry Hughes (55), Ed Oliver (91). Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Jordan Poyer (21) interception. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen (17) celebrates his touchdown with fans. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen (17) 4th quarter celebration. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium, October 31, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Emmanuel Sanders (1) attempts to make the catch. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on October 31, 2021. Photo by Craig Melvin
Micah Hyde (23) completes the diving tackle. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on October 31, 2021. Photo by Craig Melvin
Micah Hyde (23) celebrates the fumble return with teammates Tre'Davious White (27), Taron Johnson (24), Ed Oliver (91), and Jerry Hughes (55). Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on October 31, 2021. Photo by Craig Melvin
Cole Beasley (11) dives for the catch. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on October 31, 2021. Photo by Craig Melvin
Tre'Davious White (27) blocks the pass. Buffalo Bills vs Jacksonville Jaguars at TIAA Bank Field, November 7, 2021. Photo by Craig Melvin
Taron Johnson (24) celebrates his 1st quarter interception with Micah Hyde (23), Levi Wallace (39), Tre'Davious White (27) and Jordan Poyer (21). Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, November 14, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Stefon Diggs (14) touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, November 14, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Gabriel Davis (13). Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, November 14, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Taron Johnson (24), Micah Hyde (23), Matt Milano (58), Tre'Davious White (27). Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, November 14, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen (17), Stefon Diggs (14). Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, November 14, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Dane Jackson (30) makes the tackle. Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, November 14, 2021. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
Emmanuel Sanders (1) dives for the ball. Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, November 14, 2021. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer (21) celebrates vs New York Jets at MetLife Stadium, November 14, 2021. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
Reid Ferguson (69), Matt Haack (3), Tyler Bass (2), Cody Ford (74). Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts at Highmark Stadium, November 21, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Stefon Diggs (14) mans the camera after his touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts at Highmark Stadium, November 21, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Dawson Knox (88) scores a touchdown which was later called back Buffalo Bills at New Orleans Saints at Caesers Dome, November 25, 2021. Photo by Brett Carlsen
Tyler Bass (2) kickoff at impact. Buffalo Bills vs New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, November 25, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Dawson Knox (88) touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, November 25, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Defensive backs celebration following an interception by Jordan Poyer (21). Buffalo Bills vs New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, November 25, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Levi Wallace (39), Taron Johnson (24), Jordan Poyer (21), Micah Hyde (23). Buffalo Bills vs New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome, November 25, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Taiwan Jones (25). Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium, December 06, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Siran Neal (33) Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium, December 06, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Andre Smith (9) and Siran Neal (33). Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium, December 06, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium, December 06, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Mario Addison (97), Jerry Hughes (55). Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium, December 6, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Siran Neal (33) with fans. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium, December 6, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Siran Neal (33) with fans. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots at Highmark Stadium, December 6, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, December 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Cole Beasley (11). Buffalo Bills vs Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium, December 12, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Tremaine Edmunds (49) Jerry Hughes (55) and Harrison Phillips (99) Buffalo Bills vs Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium, December 19, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Reid Ferguson (69) Matt Haack (3) and Tyler Bass (2) Buffalo Bills vs Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium, December 19, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills vs Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium, December 19, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Efe Obada (93). Buffalo Bills vs Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium, December 19, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Sean McDermott. Buffalo Bills vs Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium, December 19, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Efe Obada (93). Buffalo Bills vs Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium, December 19, 2021. Photo by Ben Green
Ed Oliver (91), Tremaine Edmunds (49), Jerry Hughes (55), Harrison Phillips (99) tackle. Buffalo Bills vs Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium, December 19, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Matt Milano (58) Buffalo Bills vs Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium, December 19, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Spencer Brown (79), celebrates with Billy Buffalo. Buffalo Bills vs Carolina Panthers at Highmark Stadium, December 19, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Tremaine Edmunds (49). Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, December 26, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Dawson Knox (88). Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, December 26, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen (17) flips a pass to Stefon Diggs. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium, December 26, 2021. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, December 26, 2021 at Gillette Stadium. Photo by David Le
Greg Rousseau (50). Buffalo Bills vs Atlanta Falcons at Highmark Stadium, January 02, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills vs Atlanta Falcons at Highmark Stadium, January 02, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Reid Ferguson (69) and Cody Ford (74). Buffalo Bills vs Atlanta Falcons at Highmark Stadium, January 02, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Jordan Poyer (21) Levi Wallace (39) Dane Jackson (30) Buffalo Bills vs Atlanta Falcons at Highmark Stadium, January 02, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Tyler Matakevich (44). Buffalo Bills vs Atlanta Falcons at Highmark Stadium, January 02, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Harrison Phillips (99) Buffalo Bills vs Atlanta Falcons at Highmark Stadium, January 02, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Josh Allen (17) touchdown celebration with fans. Buffalo Bills vs Atlanta Falcons at Highmark Stadium, January 2, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Dion Dawkins (73) spike following Josh Allen touchdown run. Buffalo Bills vs Atlanta Falcons at Highmark Stadium, January 2, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Devin Singletary (26) touchdown celebration with Josh Allen. Buffalo Bills vs Atlanta Falcons at Highmark Stadium, January 2, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen (17) and Harrison Phillips (99) Buffalo Bills vs Atlanta Falcons at Highmark Stadium, January 2, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen (17) with fans. Buffalo Bills vs Atlanta Falcons at Highmark Stadium, January 2, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Matt Haack (3). Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at Highmark Stadium, January 9, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
AFC East Champions. Harrison Phillips (99). Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at Highmark Stadium, January 9, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Stefon Diggs (14) touchdown celebration Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at Highmark Stadium, January 9, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
A.J. Epenesa (57). Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at Highmark Stadium, January 9, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Cam Lewis (47) Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at Highmark Stadium, January 9, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Taron Johnson (24) Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at Highmark Stadium, January 9, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Tremaine Edmunds (49) and Taron Johnson (24). Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at Highmark Stadium, January 9, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Josh Allen (17) sideline touchdown pass to Stefon Diggs (14). Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at Highmark Stadium, January 9, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Tyrel Dodson (53), Jake Kumerow (15), Tyler Matakevich (44), Andre Smith (9) , Siran Neal (33) and Cam Lewis (47) Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at Highmark Stadium, January 9, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Dawson Knox (88), Dion Dawkins (73), Spencer Brown (79), Daryl Williams (75) and Devin Singletary (26) touchdown celebration. Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets at Highmark Stadium, January 9, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Dawson Knox (88) touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots - Wild Card Playoff game at Highmark Stadium, January 15, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Stefon Diggs (14) Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots - Wild Card Playoff game at Highmark Stadium, January 15, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Josh Allen (17) celebrates Devin Singletary touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots - Wild Card Playoff game at Highmark Stadium, January 15, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen (17) lifts Devin Singletary (26) following his touchdown Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots - Wild Card Playoff game at Highmark Stadium, January 15, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Devin Singletary (26) touchdown run. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots - Wild Card Playoff game at Highmark Stadium, January 15, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Levi Wallace (39) interception. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots - Wild Card Playoff game at Highmark Stadium, January 15, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Tommy Doyle (72) touchdown reception. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots - Wild Card Playoff game at Highmark Stadium, January 15, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Players and fans celebrate Tommy Doyle (72) touchdown reception. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots - Wild Card Playoff game at Highmark Stadium, January 15, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen (17) postgame. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots - Wild Card Playoff game at Highmark Stadium, January 15, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Dawson Knox (88) postgame. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots - Wild Card Playoff game at Highmark Stadium, January 15, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Devin Singletary (26). Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, January 23, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Gabriel Davis (13) touchdown catch. Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, January 23, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Gabriel Davis (13) catch from Josh Allen (17) for a touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, January 23, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Gabriel Davis (13) celebration with Jon Feliciano (76) Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, January 23, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Josh Allen (17). Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, January 23, 2022. Photo by Ben Green
Josh Allen (17) jumps. Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, January 23, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Gabriel Davis (13) touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, January 23, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Stefon Diggs (14) two-point conversion Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, January 23, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen (17) celebrates late 4th quarter touchdown with Harrison Phillips (99). Buffalo Bills vs Kansas City Chiefs - AFC Divisional Playoff at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium, January 23, 2022. Photo by Bill Wippert
4. Which Bills are hitting free agency?
One of the next dates on the NFL calendar is the start of the 2022 league year and free agency, which is about a month away and begins Wednesday, March 16 at 4 p.m. ET.
Here are the Bills unrestricted free agents – DE Jerry Hughes, DT Harrison Phillips, DE Mario Addison, DT Vernon Butler, WR Emmanuel Sanders, QB Mitchell Trubisky, OL Ike Boettger, CB Levi Wallace, RB Taiwan Jones, DE Efe Obada, WR Isaiah McKenzie, RB Matt Breida, S Siran Neal, OL Bobby Hart, WR Jake Kumerow
Here are the Bills restricted free agents – DT Justin Zimmer, OL Ryan Bates
Some of this group will be a part of the Bills roster next season, and some will join new teams. In terms of what the Bills are looking for this year, Bills general manager Brandon Beane said he wants to bring some pieces back but will also look outside of the team to help improve the roster for 2022.
"We'll have to make some moves, but I wouldn't see us being big spenders or anything like that," Beane said during the end of season press conference. "But we'll definitely look to fill some spots from the outside as well as retain some of our guys."
Several players on our current roster spend the offseason training with other NFL players. If they think they're a fit for Buffalo, here's their pitch to the free agents out there.
"As we approach free agency, it's definitely a place to be," wide receiver Stefon Diggs said. "It's a football town. We've got some great things happening as far as like with the season and the players that we have. That's evident. Everybody knows that. Hopefully they want to join more than you have to get them to join."
5. Where will Buffalo draft?
The Bills have the 25th overall pick in the first round and nine total picks (1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 6th from Carolina, 6th, 7th from Atlanta, 7th) in the 2022 NFL Draft. The draft is set to begin on Thursday, April 28 in Las Vegas. Many enticing prospects will test their strengths at the NFL Scouting Combine, which starts on Tuesday, March 1 and lasts until Sunday, March 6.
We will be tracking mock drafts up until the week of the NFL Draft. You can see this year's first mock draft watch right here.
When it comes to pick No. 25 and beyond, what are the Bills looking for?
"I want to get better everywhere, I really do," general manager Brandon Beane said. "I'm going to look hard. I'm going to look back at the pass rush, too. And see what pieces will be leaving, and what do we have to fill in there. I'm going to start there on the defense."
As for the offense, Beane has his eye on how to help Josh Allen improve.
"First thing, I'm going to try and protect him," Beane said of Allen. "As I said earlier, I have to make sure the o-line is set and that we're confident in them. But beyond that, always looking for the various pieces."
Many offseason events are moving back to a "normal" setting after two years of existing with Covid-19. Last year's scouting combine was a lot smaller and this year it will return to what it has looked like for many years before Covid. Beane said he is happy to ditch Zoom and be in person to interview prospects and watch many of them compete in several events.
6. What does it mean to start all over again?
I know a lot of us are still hanging onto the sadness of how this season ended and the thoughts of what could have been. But just as the players are moving onto preparing for next season, you can too…whenever you're ready.
The offseason means there's a new slate, a fresh start and the mindset that every team is 0-0.
There's also a lot of excitement ahead for this group. You've got stars like Josh Allen, Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, Tre'Davious White, Jordan Poyer, Micah Hyde and more returning.
"The standard doesn't change," Beane said after making it to the playoffs in four out of his five seasons in Buffalo. "We have to start it over again, 0-0 and we're going to have to work our tails off because we know it starts with winning our division--New England, Miami, the Jets. In various ways the Jets have a lot of picks, Miami's got a lot of picks and both those teams have money. New England was very aggressive last year in free agency. I'm sure they're going to do the same.
"It all starts with winning the division and we've got to know that we have a target on our back and we got to hold those three teams off."
When all our players begin training for next season, they'll be motivated by what it will take to get back to the playoffs by winning the AFC East for the third season in a row.
