For the last two seasons, Buffalo's defense has finished in the league's top-five. Year over year continuity has been helpful in the Bills staying near the top in defensive performance with limited player losses and the same defensive coordinator in Leslie Frazier.
Buffalo's front office moved swiftly to address the very areas where they endured free agent losses this offseason. Below we take stock in what the Bills have added to their talented defense to keep its collective performance at an elite level.
Scroll through to view the players at each position on Buffalo's defense that are currently on or reported to be on the roster prior to the NFL Draft.
Linebacker | After establishing himself as one of the NFL's best in 2019 by being named to the Pro Bowl, Tremaine Edmunds will look to continue to lead the defense and take his game to another level in year three.
Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, November 17, 2019 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Linebacker | Matt Milano will be back in Buffalo to start alongside of Tremaine Edmunds again in 2020.
Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Matt Milano (58) sack of Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield (6) Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns, November 10, 2019 at FirstEnergy Stadium. Photo by Sara Schmidle
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)
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)
Linebacker | Corey Thompson is back in Buffalo after spending 2019 as part of Buffalo's rotations on defense and special teams.
Buffalo Bills linebacker Corey Thompson (52). Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos at New Era Field on November 24, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
Linebacker | Vosean Joseph will be back in 2020 after spending last season on IR after being selected in the fifth round.
Buffalo Bills linebacker Vosean Joseph (50) Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings at New Era Field, August 29, 2019.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Linebacker | Tyrel Dodson returns in 2020 after spending 2019 on Buffalo's practice squad.
Buffalo Bills vs Minnesota Vikings at New Era Field, August 29, 2019. Buffalo Bills linebacker Tyrel Dodson (53)
Photo by Craig Melvin/Buffalo Bills
Cornerback | Tre'Davious White returns after a 2019 season that saw him be named a first team All-Pro and be selected to his first Pro Bowl.
Interception Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos at New Era Field, November 24, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
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)
Cornerback | Levi Wallace returns after playing a big role on Buffalo's defense in 2019.
Buffalo Bills defensive back Levi Wallace (39)Buffalo Bills vs Philadelphia Eagles at New Era Field, October 27, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
Cornerback | Taron Johnson looks to build off of another solid season, in which he served as the team's starting nickel cornerback.
Taron Johnson. Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins at New Era Field, November 3, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
Cornerback | Cam Lewis spent his rookie season in 2019 on Buffalo's practice squad.
Buffalo Bills at Carolina Panthers,August 16, 2019 at Bank of America Stadium.
Photo by Gregg Forwerck
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
Safety | Micah Hyde will be back in 2020 and will look to continue his strong play and leadership since arriving in Buffalo.
Buffalo Bills strong safety Micah Hyde (23) Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 22, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Safety | Jordan Poyer will be back in 2020 and beyond after agreeing to a two-year contract extension this offseason. Together with Micah Hyde, the Bills have one of the best safety duos in the NFL.
Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer (21) Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys, November 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Safety | Drafted in the sixth round in 2019, rookie Jaquan Johnson had a great impact on special teams while also filling in as needed on defense. He will look to expand his role in 2020.
Jaquan Johnson. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Siran Neal led the team in special teams tackles in 2019 while also being a valuable rotation member on defense.
Buffalo Bills defensive back Siran Neal (33) Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, September 29, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Safety | Dean Marlowe looks to be back in 2020 after agreeing to a one-year deal this offseason. Marlowe was a valuable rotation piece in 2019.
Buffalo Bills strong safety Dean Marlowe (31) Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Defensive End | Jerry Hughes looks to lead the pass rush again in 2020 after having a strong 2019.
Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 6, 2019 . Photo by Craig Melvin
Defensive End | Drafted in the seventh round of the 2019 Draft, Darryl Johnson showed some flashes of being an impact player on defense and special teams last season. He will look to build off of that in 2020.
Buffalo Bills defensive end Darryl Johnson (92) Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 15, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
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)
Defensive End | A well-rounded DE, Trent Murphy looks to be a big part of the D-Line again in 2020.
Buffalo Bills Trent Murphy (93) vs Baltimore Ravens at New Era Field, December 7, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
Defensive End | Mike Love will be back with the Bills, and will have a chance to compete after spending 2019 on IR.
Buffalo Bills defensive end Mike Love (56) Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field, August 8, 2019.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Defensive Tackle | Buffalo's first round pick in 2019, Ed Oliver got better and better as his rookie season went on. He is a candidate for a breakout season in 2020.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
Defensive Tackle | A knee injury caused Harrison Phillips to miss most of 2019 after a very strong start to the year. He will look to re-establish himself on the DL in 2020.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (99) Buffalo Bills at New York Giants, September 15, 2019 Metlife Stadium. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
Defensive Tackle | A great scheme fit for Sean McDermott's defense, Star Lotulelei seems poised to be stout in the run game again in 2020.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (98)Buffalo Bills vs Philadelphia Eagles at New Era Field, October 27, 2019. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
Defensive Tackle | Quinton Jefferson has reportedly agreed to a deal with Buffalo after being a solid starter in Seattle. He can play both inside and on the edge, which should be a plus for Leslie Frazier.
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)
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)
Defensive Tackle | Vincent Taylor was brought in from Miami during the 2019 season, and played well when he was called upon. He will battle to be a factor again in 2020.
NOTE- 2019 practice squad players DE Jonathan Woodard and LB Del'Shawn Phillips will also be battling for spots in 2020.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Vincent Taylor (96) Washington Redskins, November 3, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
DL: Mario Addison (agreed to terms), Vernon Butler (agreed to terms), Jerry Hughes, Quinton Jefferson (agreed to terms), Darryl Johnson, Star Lotulelei, Mike Love, Trent Murphy, Ed Oliver, Harrison Phillips, Vincent Taylor, Jonathan Woodard
This is an area where the Bills were most aggressive when it came to free agency. Adding a proven sack producer in Addison, and a pair of stout interior defenders in Butler and Jefferson fortified the ranks in short order.
This position group is arguably deeper and offers a solid mix of veteran and young and emerging talent.
LB: Tyrel Dodson, Tremaine Edmunds, Vosean Joseph, AJ Klein (agreed to terms), Tyler Matakevich (agreed to terms), Matt Milano, Del'Shawn Phillips, Corey Thompson
Buffalo looked to address the retirement of Lorenzo Alexander with the additions of both Klein and Matakevich in free agency. It wouldn't be surprising to see Dodson compete to be Edmunds' backup at middle linebacker as there's some good youth at the position with potential behind the starters.
CB: Taron Johnson, Cam Lewis, Josh Norman, Levi Wallace, Tre'Davious White
The signing of Norman brings a veteran presence to what is still a relatively young group that has accumulated a lot of time on the field. Norman is expected to compete with Wallace for the starting job opposite White. It's likely that another addition is made at the position - potentially in the draft.
S: Micah Hyde, Jaquan Johnson, Dean Marlowe, Siran Neal, Jordan Poyer
The team handed the ultra-productive Poyer a two-year extension to keep the tandem of he and Hyde together for at least two more seasons. Marlowe and Neal filled roles as big nickel package slot corners at times. Johnson showed promise as a rookie late last season.
What Buffalo's additions mean
Adding three defensive linemen is a clear commitment to be stronger and deeper up front. Knowing coach Frazier's propensity to rotate linemen, he'll have plenty of options to choose from. The additions of both Butler and Jefferson appears to be an effort to go from being a top 10 run defense to a top five unit.
Meanwhile Addison should boost the team's sack production.
Linebacker AJ Klein is the personification of a defensive encyclopedia when it comes to Buffalo's defensive scheme, having played in it earlier in his career at Carolina and will have a good shot to land the strong side linebacker role left behind by the retired Alexander.
Norman is a proven performer, whose skill set is best suited for a scheme like Buffalo's.
Three questions moving forward
- Will the Bills add another cornerback to the roster via the draft?
- Knowing GM Brandon Beane has said he is always looking to add pass rush talent, does that happen in the draft as well?
- Could a young pass rusher like Darryl Johnson or Mike Love emerge to take a more prominent role from a vet?
What could happen between now and training camp?
With Buffalo's front office turning their focus to the draft it's likely the Bills use the college prospect pool to address the cornerback position if the player value lines up with Buffalo's draft board when they're on the clock.
Buffalo added a veteran linebacker each of the last three offseasons on a one-year contract. Whether it was Ramon Humber or Maurice Alexander, the Bills like to have veteran depth at the position. Should they still feel a bit short at linebacker coming out of the draft, a veteran type addition becomes more likely.
