The Buffalo Bills had an active first week of free agency, signing nine new players to the roster. General manager Brandon Beane spoke to the media to break down the recent changes to the roster and what's ahead.
Here's what we learned from his press conference:
Cap space, position battles and tough decisions
The Bills made several moves during the first wave of free agency. They bolstered up their defense with additions like Joey Bosa, Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi. And they added more weapons for Josh Allen to use in Joshua Palmer and Laviska Shenault.
So, after moves like this, where do the Bills sit in relation to cap space?
"We're running tight with knowing you have to save money for the draft picks," Beane explained. "I think I've talked to you guys about it before, even if you're under on this top 51, we've had to do moves in the past at the 53 cut when you have to include everyone--practice squad, whoever's gone on IR, injury replacement cost, all that. So, we're getting thin. We've changed stores that we're shopping in."
While the Bills may be changing stores, that doesn't mean they're done shopping. The cornerback spot opposite of Christian Benford is open for competition ahead of the 2025 season. Buffalo recently signed cornerback Dane Jackson back to their roster. Jackson played for the Bills from 2020-23 and started in 28 games during his first stint in Buffalo. The Bills also have cornerbacks Ja'Marcus Ingram, Te'Cory Couch, Daequan Hardy and Cam Lewis on the roster.
Beane said they will continue to look for competition at that spot among others.
"We don't play until September, so give us time to work through it," Beane explained. "Things change. People pay, usually in that position, so somebody may have paid a corner that makes another one expendable at some point. So, we will continue to monitor, not only that position but other positions.
"Right now, it's about building competition and depth across the roster before we get to the draft."
In shaping the roster ahead of the draft, the Bills had to make some tough decisions like releasing edge rusher Von Miller and agreeing to terms on a trade to send cornerback Kaiir Elam to the Cowboys.
"Tough deal, love Von," Beane said. "Really appreciate what he brought here…we just decided where the salary was to try and see if we could step back, look at the field, see what else was out there. I had a very good conversation with him the other day before we released him and would never close the door on bringing him back, whether it's now, whether it's later in the spring or in season. Beyond his skillset on the field, he brought a championship mentality to our team."
Beane described moving on from Elam as emotional because Elam always worked hard and was well-liked in the locker room.
"Ultimately, it's on me," Beane said of their former first-round pick not working out. "I made the selection that didn't work out, and I own that…I'm rooting for Kaiir. I really am…the guy worked so hard andI'm confident, maybe a reset for him, give him a chance. I'm pulling for him. I think everyone at One Bills Drive hopes it works out for him."
Bosa "hasn't lost" ability to rush the QB
Buffalo's headliner so far this offseason is the addition of five-time Pro Bowl DE Joey Bosa on a one-year contract.
"Joey is a heck of a player. We've seen that up close and in person," Beane said.
The last time Bosa faced the Bills (2020 season), he sacked Josh Allen three times, recorded nine tackles and a fumble recovery.
"He about put Josh in a pretzel here," Beane recalled.
Bosa has recorded double digit sack seasons four times in nine years, but hasn't reached that mark since 2021. The biggest concern on paper with Bosa isn't his production, it's whether or not he can stay healthy. He has missed multiple games due to injury in three consecutive seasons.
During his introductory press conference, the 30-year-old Bosa shared his commitment to his health as he nears the end of his career.
"We have a plan with every player, not just guys who have been injured. Our performance guys do a really good job… we put an individualized plan for each of these guys in," Beane said.
Prior injury history didn't scare Beane and the coaching staff from fully believing Bosa can make a measurable impact in 2025.
"Yes, he has had some injuries. Most of them, if you watch him play, he plays the game violently. He plays reckless, without care for his body, which you love, but sometimes, you've seen it here with Milano a little bit, too, he plays the wrecking ball style. He knows how to rush. He hasn't lost that," Beane said.
Beane added that the Bills will explore every avenue with Bosa both in the offseason and during the season to keep him fresh and able to withstand the full year.
"We will definitely have a plan, in this case, for Joey, from spring to getting through training camp to the first part of the season and to the latter part of the season," he said.
On Allen's new deal: 'Wanted to treat him fairly'
As they do at the conclusion of every season, Josh Allen and Beane met before the QB left town. One of the topics that the pair discussed was re-doing Allen's contract.
"We talked about it. We both said let's see if we can do something," Beane said. "I know the way the market had shifted since he did his deal, played four seasons on that. The quarterback contracts are always quite unique."
That discussion took place before Allen was announced as the NFL MVP. The Bills wanted to begin negotiations on a new deal regardless of how the voting shook out.
"I had been talking to Terry, Mr. Pegula, for a while on this and so we talked about some things, structure, we kind of had an idea of what we can do. They still take time. These are complex contracts in a lot of ways, but we wanted to treat him fairly," Beane said.
Allen shared that the process was seamless from both his agent's side and the Bills side. Beane agreed with that sentiment and
"He's obviously done a lot for this city, organization, appreciate the work to get it done," Beane said. "We were very excited on our end to have him secured, add two years, he'll be a Bill at this point at least through 2030."
Why the new players fit and why Beane wanted to re-sign important pieces
There's plenty of new faces on the roster after Buffalo's first week of free agency--five new additions on defense and four on offense. Here's what Beane had to say about his a handful of the team's newest players and those he re-signed to new deals.
DE Michael Hoecht: "He's (Michael Hoecht) a guy we were tracking to see what the Rams did, really thought he was our type of player. Knows how to rush, can play multiple spots, versatile, motor, understands the game."
DT Larry Ogunjobi: "We've actually followed him before but either couldn't financially make it work or whatever. I think he's a guy we look at as can provide some interior depth rush. Pittsburgh was using him a little bit different than Cincinnati did. I think he had a seven-sack season (in Cincinnati). Not as many sacks the last few years with Pittsburgh's D, what he was asked to do, maybe a little bit more two-gapping than penetrating."
WR Joshua Palmer: "Love Josh's game. I would say the first thing, excellent route runner…he's around 4.5, but I'd say his play speed's faster. Build speed when he's up and running. He can play inside. He can play out. He's a smart player. We look for that in this offense so that Joe (Brady) can move these guys around."
WR/KR Laviska Shenault: "He's been dynamic with the ball in his hands. As a former second round pick, we had some love for him when he came out, I think that was the COVID draft… however Joe (Brady) would want to use him at receiver. He's a guy you want to get the ball in his hands in various ways. He's good with it, which most kick returners kind of are in that way, but very dynamic and he can hit a home run."
Re-signing their own (WR Khalil Shakir, LB Terrel Bernard, DE Greg Rousseau): "All these guys that are kind of homegrown, that's the perfect way to do it. But we know for whatever reasons as guys leave or certain things don't work out, you got to fill in in different pockets with free agency or trades…I commend all these guys for really wanting to be here in Buffalo…they're just really telling their agents, 'Hey, I'd love to be here. Let's see if we can get something done,' and put our heads together and found terms that we were all comfortable with."
Scroll to see photos of Joey Bosa, Darrick Forrest, Joshua Palmer, Darrynton Evans, Michael Hoecht, Larry Ogunjobi and as they arrive at 1 Bills Drive to sign during Free Agency.
Darrynton Evans. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Sean McDermott, Darrynton Evans. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrynton Evans. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrynton Evans. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrynton Evans. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrynton Evans. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrynton Evans. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrick Forrest. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrick Forrest. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrick Forrest. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrick Forrest. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrick Forrest. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrick Forrest. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrick Forrest. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Brandon Beane, Darrick Forrest. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Brandon Beane, Darrick Forrest. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrick Forrest. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrick Forrest, Maddy Glab. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrynton Evans. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrynton Evans. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrynton Evans. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrynton Evans. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Darrick Forrest. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Brandon Beane, Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joshua Palmer. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Joey Bosa. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 13, 2025 at the Buffalo Bills Training Center.
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Michael Hoecht. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Larry Ogunjobi. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
Laviska Shenault Jr.. Buffalo Bills free agent signing, March 14, 2025 at One Bills Drive
