Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - While the 2025 offseason is not over, by any means, let's take a look at the moves the Buffalo Bills made on each side of the football, and how they might impact the team heading into the football season this summer.
If Bills general manager Brandon Beane had a to-do list for this offseason, I know what No. 1 on the list would have been: Make the defense better.
Let's face it, the defense is why the Josh Allen era Bills have yet to make it to the Super Bowl. In the four playoff losses to the Kansas City Chiefs, including two appearances in the AFC Championship Game, the Bills gave up an average of 34 points a game.
The Bills have averaged 28 points scored in those four postseason matchups against the Chiefs, but have no wins to show for that. Even in last season's AFC Divisional Round win over Baltimore, the Ravens scored 25 points, gained over 400 yards and converted an eye-popping 70% on third down (7-10).
The saving grace for the Bills defense was the unit's ability to take the ball away. But that hid the fact the defense finished tied for 11th in the NFL in points given up per-game, 17th in total yards per-game, 23rd in sacks per-pass play, and 29th in both first downs given up per-game and third-down efficiency.
That is why the Bills spent free agent money and draft capital on improving that side of the ball. On paper, I think Beane and company did all the things they needed to do.
They retooled the defensive line with a mix of veterans, and an all-important infusion of youth.
They took a gamble that was absolutely worth it to improve their pass rush by signing Joey Bosa.
Bosa, who will hopefully be able to stay healthy, follows a pattern from Beane. Three years ago, he signed Von Miller. Two years ago, it was Leonard Floyd. Bring in a veteran player with a history of success, when it comes to getting after quarterbacks.
I'm sure the Bills will keep Bosa's game-by-game snap count low in an effort to keep him healthy. Besides, the playoffs are where Bosa needs to have his biggest impact.
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I like the addition of two other veterans: Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi.
Yes, they will both serve six-game suspensions at the start of the season but, again, it's what they will bring to the defense in the postseason that will determine whether or not the Bills made the right moves.
The Bills usually bring in veterans on one- or two-year deals to fill out the ranks along that defensive line, but they needed to make that position a priority in the draft, and they did that as well.
I think Landon Jackson, T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker can all make contributions as rookies.
At 331 pounds, Walker will add some much-needed beef up front. Walker is an intriguing pick, being a First-Team All-SEC selection in 2023. The 6-foot-7 lineman played through a stress fracture in his back last season, and it affected his performances, as well as his draft value.
If he returns to form of two years ago, Walker could turn into another terrific mid-round pick by Beane.
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The biggest need for the Bills was at cornerback, where a starting spot opened up with free agent Rasul Douglas not being re-signed and the Bills. That's where the Bills used their first0round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft on Maxwell Hairston.
Since Beane took over as general manager, the Bills had used their first pick in the draft on a cornerback just one time. Unfortunately, the selection of Kaiir Elam in 2022 did not work out.
This offseason, Beane and the personnel department did what they had to do by identifying a corner they loved, and make sure they got him with their pick in Round 1.
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Hopefully Hairston is ready by Week 1, because if he isn't, the Bills don't have an every snap player at that position. My guess is there would be some kind of rotation involving Hairston, Tre'Davious White and possibly Dane Jackson until Hairston proves he can handle the job full-time.
The Bills will hold organized team activities (OTAs) at their team facilities starting May 27.
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