Now, we just need the games.
The Bills and the rest of the NFL have finished up their offseason adjustments by now. There may be some early-summer additions to come, but for the most part, the roster is set. And it wasn't easy, with free agents signed without visits, restrictions on travel impacting scouting, and drafting from home.
This year, the Bills weren't looking to overhaul the roster. They were looking to add depth and replace just a few departing starters. Defensive linemen Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips, linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, and running back Frank Gore were the significant departures among regulars from 2019.
Returning veterans and key additions have made the Bills a strong contender for another postseason berth. CBS Sports NFL analyst Jason LaCanfora says Buffalo is loaded.
"They have the best roster in this division, and it doesn't appear to be particularly close to me right now," LaCanfora wrote recently. "Even if Josh Allen is more of a project than a solution, as long as he protects the football and does his thing with his legs, they will be in the playoffs again."
'Bleacher Report' praised Buffalo for its talented young roster and acknowledged that this year's draft picks might not have to jump in and play immediately.
"The Bills have a talented young team with few spots realistically up for grabs," wrote Kristopher Knox from Bleacher Report. "This means guys like former Iowa pass-rusher A.J. Epenesa and former Central Florida wideout Gabriel Davis will largely be looking to supplement the current roster in rotational roles."
Below, I breakdown the 88 players on the Bills roster right now, and my opinions on what to expect heading into 2020:
1. A dynamic playmaker offers promise for wide receiver group
Additions: Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Isaiah Hodgins
Returning: John Brown, Cole Beasley, Andre Roberts, Duke Williams, Isaiah McKenzie, Ray-Ray McCloud, Robert Foster, Nick Easley
Diggs is as big a roster addition as there is in the NFL this season. At age 26, with a manageable contract, and dynamic play-making ability, he's the perfect antidote for a Buffalo passing attack looking to improve in 2020.
Day-three draft picks Gabe Davis and Isaiah Hodgins are expected to challenge Williams, McKenzie, McCloud, Foster and Easley for the final wide receiver spots. This will be one of the most compelling roster battles to watch this preseason.
2. Young guys take over for the old guard in the running back room
Additions: Zack Moss, Antonio Williams, Reggie Gilliam (FB)
Returning: Devin Singletary, T.J. Yeldon, Taiwan Jones, Christian Wade, Pat DiMarco (FB)
Moss is part of a youth movement in the offensive backfield. A year ago, the Bills went with LeSean McCoy, Frank Gore, and T.J. Yeldon as their primary running backs threats heading into the preseason. Going into this year, it will be Singletary and Moss along with Yeldon who will be vying for the opportunity to lead the Bills ground attack. Frank Gore carried the ball 166 times in 2019, so there will be plenty of opportunity for players to earn touches in 2020 now that Gore has moved on to the NY Jets.
3. The rookie enters the mix at quarterback
Addition: Jake Fromm
Returning: Josh Allen, Matt Barkley, Davis Webb
The question is going to how many do the Bills keep on the 53-man roster?
Adding fifth-round pick Jake Fromm to the mix puts him in position to win the backup job this year or next. But will he get enough preseason snaps to challenge for the spot early in the 2020 season? The Bills like Matt Barkley's experience and his close relationship with Allen.
4. All starters return for the offensive line
Additions: Daryl Williams, Evan Boehm, Trey Adams, Marquell Harrell, Brandon Walton
Returning: Mitch Morse, Dion Dawkins, Quinton Spain, Jose Feliciano, Cody Ford, Ty Nsekhe, Spencer Long, Ike Boettger, Ryan Bates, Victor Salako, Garrett McGhin
All five starters return from the 2019 Bills offensive line along with some valuable backups in Nsekhe, Long, Bates.
Veteran free agent signee Daryl Williams, and undrafted rookie Trey Adams are the two additions who may immediately compete for playing time.
5. Who will separate themselves in the tight end room?
Returning: Dawson Knox, Tyler Kroft, Lee Smith, Tommy Sweeney, Jason Croom, Nate Becker
No additions to the tight end group this year, but the Bills are hoping for a bounce-back year from veteran Tyler Kroft, who missed the first five games last year due to injury and finished with only six receptions in the final 11 games last year.
6. The biggest overhaul on the roster takes place in the defensive line room
Additions: Mario Addison, A.J. Epenesa, Vernon Butler, Quinton Jefferson, Bryan Cox, Jr., Jonathan Woodard
Returning: Star Lotulelei, Ed Oliver, Harrison Phillips, Jerry Hughes, Trent Murphy, Darryl Johnson, Mike Love, Vincent Taylor
The Bills lost two pieces of their defensive line rotation in free agency, Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips. So, they loaded up with defensive linemen in free agency and used their top pick draft pick to add Epenesa.
The result — the biggest overhaul of any position group on the roster. The plan is to preserve a strong rotation up front. Last year, six d-linemen played at least 40 percent of the snaps. They'd like to keep that rotation in 2020.
"When you look at the defense, they have two-deep across the board in that front seven," says CBS Sports NFL Analyst Pete Prisco. "You add [Mario] Addison, [Quinton] Jefferson, [Vernon] Butler, [A.J.] Epenesa in the draft. Across the board you can put those guys in there and rotate them in and out and not really get hurt that much. I think that's a big part of what they want to do on defense," Prisco said in an appearance on One Bills Live.
7. How many snaps will be available at the linebacker spot?
Additions: A.J. Klein, Tyler Matakevich, Mike Bell
Returning: Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, Corey Thompson, Vosean Joseph, Tyrell Dodson, Del'Shawn Phillips,
In the modern NFL, how often do teams start three linebackers? Last year, Lorenzo Alexander started less than half of the games (seven starts).
Edmunds and Milano are the keys at this position. Klein and Matakevich will likely see significant minutes this season as well. But most of the playing time for those other than Edmunds and Milano is likely to be on special teams.
Scroll through to view the latest updates on Buffalo's reported additions to the roster through free agency.
The Bills have signed Josh Norman to a one-year contract.
Norman joins the Bills after being released by Washington. He is expected to compete for a starting corner position opposite of Tre'Davious White.
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) during an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2019, in Minneapolis. The Vikings won 19-9. (Aaron Doster via AP)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) drops into coverage during an NFL game against the Chicago Bears, Monday, Sept. 23, 2019, in Landover, MD. The Bears defeated the Redskins 31-15. (Al Tielemans via AP)
Cornerback | Josh Norman joins the Bills from Washington. Once considered one of the league's best cover corners, Norman will likely compete for a starting job opposite of Tre'Davious White this season.
Washington Redskins' Josh Norman reacts after a stop during the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Washington Redskins cornerback Josh Norman (24) in action during a NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Dec. 16, 2018, in Jacksonville,Fla. (Logan Bowles / NFL)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with DT Quinton Jefferson.
Jefferson, 26, joins the Bills from Seattle. The 6'4", 291 pound DT spent the first four seasons of his career with the Seahawks, starting during the last two.
Seattle Seahawks' Quinton Jefferson reacts during the second half of an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Chris Szagola)
Seattle Seahawks defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson (99) in action on defense during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Jan. 12, 2020, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Seahawks 28-23. (Joe Robbins via AP)
Seattle Seahawks' Quinton Jefferson, left, and Jadeveon Clowney, right, close in on Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton, center, during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Seattle. The Seahawks won 21-20. (AP Photo/John Froschauer)
Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Quinton Jefferson (99) reacts after he sacked Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Andy Dalton during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a three-year contract with DE Mario Addison.
Addison, 32, joins the Bills from Carolina. The 6'3", 260 pound DE joined the NFL in 2011 and has been with the Panthers since 2013.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Mario Addison (97) rushes the edge during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Panthers, 24-16. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) is sacked by Carolina Panthers linebacker Mario Addison (97) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
Defensive End | Reports indicate that Mario Addison has agreed to a three-year deal with the Bills. He is regarded as a durable, productive pass-rusher and will be a big part of the defense in 2020.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Mario Addison (97) lines up during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Houston. The Panthers beat the Texans 16-10. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) scrambles as Carolina Panthers linebacker Mario Addison (97) rushes during the second half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 15, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with DT Vernon Butler.
Butler, 25, joins the Bills from Carolina. The 6'4", 330 pound DT spent the first four seasons of his career with the Panthers.
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. The Packers defeated the Panthers, 24-16. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Defensive Tackle | Media reports indicate that Vernon Butler has agreed to a deal with the Bills via free agency. He is regarded as being a very physical player, and should add some more "nasty" to the DL group.
Indianapolis Colts quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) is chased by Carolina Panthers' Vernon Butler (92) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) rushes Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) as offensive tackle Morgan Moses (76) blocks during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Vernon Butler (92) takes the field priore to an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with LB Tyler Matakevich.
Matakevich, 27, joins the Bills from Pittsburgh. The 6'1", 235 pound LB spent the first four seasons of his career with the Steelers and is regarding as one of the best tacklers on special teams in the league.
Linebacker | Reports have indicated that Tyler Matakevich will join the Bills as a free agent. A terrific special teams player, he figures to be a big factor in 2020.
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) plays against the Cleveland Browns during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2019, in Pittsburgh. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) celebrates during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2019, in Carson, Calif. The Steelers defeated the Chargers 24-17. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers inside linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) during an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Tyler Matakevich (44) makes a tackle during an NFL game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday Dec. 8, 2019 in Glendale, Ariz. The Steelers defeated the Cardinals 23-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a two-year contract with LB AJ Klein.
Klein, 28, joins the Bills from New Orleans. The 6'1", 240 pound LB comes to Buffalo after spending the previous 3 seasons with the Saints.
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) scores after an interception on Carolina Panthers quarterback Will Grier (3) during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019. (AP Photo/Brian Blanco)
Linebacker | Reports have indicated that AJ Klein will join the Bills as a free agent. Another terrific special teams player, he figures to be a big factor in 2020 on special teams and defense.
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. The Saints beat the Titans 38-28. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New Orleans Saints linebacker A.J. Klein (53) lines up for the snap during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in New Orleans. The Vikings beat the Saints 26-20. (Matt Patterson via AP)
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker A.J. Klein (53) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Colts 34-7. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
Media reports indicate that Buffalo has agreed to terms on a one-year contract with RB Taiwan Jones.
Jones joins the Bills again after playing in Houston last season. He was a member of the Bills in 2018, and is regarded as a very good special teams player.
Houston Texans running back Taiwan Jones rushes against the Green Bay Packers during the first half of an NFL preseason football game Thursday, Aug. 8, 2019, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps)
Buffalo Bills running back Taiwan Jones (26) in action during the Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals game on August 26, 2018 at New Era Field. Photo by Craig Melvin
Taiwan Jones has reportedly agreed to a deal with the Bills. He is considered a very good special teams player and was with the team in 2018.
Houston Texans running back Taiwan Jones (34) runs during an NFL regular season football game against the Tennessee Titans on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2019 in Houston. The Titans won, 35-14. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Running Back | The media is reporting that Taiwan Jones is back in Buffalo after agreeing to a one-year deal. Jones is a very valuable special teams player, and was with the Bills in 2018.
Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) hands the ball off to running back Taiwan Jones (34) during the first half of an NFL preseason football game against the Detroit Lions Saturday, Aug. 17, 2019, in Houston. (AP Photo/Eric Christian Smith)
The Bills have agreed to terms with CB E.J. Gaines. He was with the Bills for training camp prior to the 2019 season.
- Buffalo Bills OTAs, May 21, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
E.J. Gaines - Buffalo Bills, May 14, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
Cornerback | E.J. Gaines has agreed to terms with the Bills and will be back in Buffalo after spending camp with the team in 2019.
Buffalo Bills take part in mandatory minicamp on June 12, 2019.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills cornerback E.J. Gaines (26) Buffalo Bills Return of the Blue & Red at New Era Field, August 2, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Ian Rapoport reports that the Bills have agreed to terms with former Panthers OL Daryl Williams.
With the ability to play both guard and tackle, the veteran lineman should help add depth to the rotation on the offensive line.
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) lines up during an NFL football game against the Houston Texans Sunday, Sept. 29, 2019, in Houston. The Panthers beat the Texans 16-10. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Offensive Line | Daryl Williams has reportedly agreed to a one-year deal with the Bills and should help add depth to the OL rotation.
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) during an NFL regular season football game against the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019 in Santa Clara, Calif. The 49ers won, 51-13. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) lines up during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in Atlanta. The Falcons beat the Panthers 40-20. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Carolina Panthers offensive tackle Daryl Williams (60) lines up against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half of an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C., Thursday, Sept. 12, 2019. (AP Photo/Mike McCarn)
The Bills signed Mike Bell to a contract. A draft eligible player in 2019, Bell comes to the Bills from Fresno State.
Bell has added weight and will make the switch to linebacker after a productive career at Fresno State playing safety.
The Bills signed Mike Bell to a contract. A draft eligible player in 2019, Bell comes to the Bills from Fresno State.
Bell has added weight and will make the switch to linebacker after a productive career at Fresno State playing safety.
The Bills signed Mike Bell to a contract. A draft eligible player in 2019, Bell comes to the Bills from Fresno State.
Bell has added weight and will make the switch to linebacker after a productive career at Fresno State playing safety.
Fresno State defensive back Mike Bell runs a drill during the NFL football scouting combine, Monday, March 4, 2019, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
The Bills signed Mike Bell to a contract. A draft eligible player in 2019, Bell comes to the Bills from Fresno State.
Bell has added weight and will make the switch to linebacker after a productive career at Fresno State playing safety.
8. New veterans add competition in the secondary
Additions: Josh Norman, E.J. Gaines, Dane Jackson, Ike Brown, Garrett Taylor, Josh Thomas
Returning: Tre'Davious White, Levi Wallace, Taron Johnson, Cam Lewis, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Dean Marlowe, Jaquan Johnson, Siran Neal
The battle for the cornerback spot opposite Tre'Davious White is real, and Josh Norman and E.J. Gaines present veteran competition. But consider this: Levi Wallace has started 23-consecutive games at corner in the last season-and-a-half. He won't give up snaps without a fight.
Norman and Gaines also may compete for nickel corner snaps with Taron Johnson. And young corners like Dane Jackson and Siran Neal also make the defensive backfield a battleground for playing time.
9. How much will we see from the new specialists this preseason?
Additions: K Tyler Bass, P Kaare Vedvik
Returning: K Stephen Hauschka, P Corey Bojorquez, LS Reid Ferguson
In a normal offseason, Bass and Vedvik would present serious challenges to the Bills returners at kicker and punter. Let's hope we have a normal preseason to evaluate their challenges.
