Latest news with #BrandonBeane
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Bills Under Microscope For One Offseason Mistake
Bills Under Microscope For One Offseason Mistake originally appeared on Athlon Sports. Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane did everything in his power to extend some of the key players on the roster. Advertisement Stars like edge rusher Gregory Rousseau, Christian Benford, and Terrel Bernard were all given long-term extensions to be members of the Bills for the foreseeable future. As those deals were announced, though, an odd omission had begun to be shown. Bills running back James Cook was another member on the team's list that needed a new deal this offseason. He led the league in rushing touchdowns in 2024 and has recorded over 1,000 yards on the ground in year of the last two seasons. The fact that he hasn't gotten a new deal is one of the more surprising offseason moves by the team this year. And why NFL Media senior writer Kevin Patra believes Cook is the team's biggest remaining offseason priority. Advertisement "The situation looming over the entire offseason is Cook's desire for a new contract and the team's reluctance, at least so far, to hand out a big money deal to a player who was on the field for less than half the offensive snaps last season," Paltra said. "Buffalo might prefer a committee, but Cook brings a tackle-breaking, elusive element to the table." It really is quite simple for Buffalo. They don't have the cap space to extend Cook at this moment. They better hope their offense doesn't miss a beat if he chooses to sit out. If not, it will only put the front office even more under the microscope. Related: Diggs 'Getting Cut Is On The Table' for Patriots Amid 'Pink Crystals' Controversy? Related: Bills Veteran Has Rough First Day of OTAs This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 1, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Can Bills' 'Borderline Elite' Roster Claim Super Bowl Glory?
Can Bills' 'Borderline Elite' Roster Claim Super Bowl Glory? originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Buffalo Bills' roster, as things stand, could be seen as one of the better units in football. After an offseason that has seen general manager Brandon Beane go to work on the team's roster holes with a host of defensive players signed in free agency, not to mention Buffalo's first five draft picks were all used on defense, improvement is expected. Advertisement Josh Allen and the offense appear set, with the additions of Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore to offset the losses of Mack Hollins and Amari Cooper. Plus, Buffalo didn't have any big losses in free agency, so the majority of the roster from last season returns. But do the Bills have a "complete" roster? When ranking the top-10 best rosters, Eric Edholm has Buffalo at No. 5. "Buffalo boasts a strong roster, even a borderline elite one," Edholm writes. "There must be improvements on special teams, and the defensive depth could cause some early season worries, but this remains one of the more talented NFL squads." Bills quarterback Josh Allen congratulates receiver Khalil Shakir on his touchdown Germano / USA TODAY NETWORK Buffalo's biggest issue last season was its pass rush, and Beane signed Joey Bosa, Michael Hoecht, and Larry Ogunjobi in free agency to bolster it. Plus, the drafting of corner Maxwell Hairston, defensive tackle T.J. Sanders, and edge Landon Jackson with the first three picks, the Bills' defense appears better on paper. Advertisement There aren't too many worries on offense, aside from James Cook's contract situation, and for some, another receiver is needed. Aside from that, Buffalo has a well-rounded roster and one that can push for Super Bowl glory in 2025. But is the roster "only" the fifth-best in football? That, my friends, is in the eye of the beholder. Related: Bills New Injured Defensive Star Labeled Team's 'X-Factor' Related: Bills Hopes Pinned On One Key Weapon Not Named 'Josh Allen' This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 2, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
4 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
B/R: Bills should still bring back one former player during 2025 NFL offseason
Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has been actively committed to improving the trenches on both sides of the ball these past couple of offseasons. This year has been notably more dedicated to bringing in competitive talent to strengthen the defense, including the likes of Joey Bosa, Michael Hoecht, Larry Ogunjobi, the return of Tre'Davious White, and six defensive player selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. But could there be an opportunity to bolster the offensive line as well? Moe Moton of Bleacher Report has suggested the Bills do just that in identifying "The 1 Move Every NFL Team Still Needs to Make in 2025 Offseason", noting the role that type of move played last year for the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles. In fact, his pick for Buffalo would see a familiar face backing up the line that just helped yield an MVP season for quarterback Josh Allen and a second consecutive 1,000+ yard rushing campaign for running back James Cook. Here's what Moton had to say: "The Bills can take a page from the Philadelphia Eagles' offseason playbook. They need more insurance at offensive tackle. Four-time Pro Bowler Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown haven't missed much time over the last few years. Still, in a 17-game season, Buffalo should have an experienced veteran ready to go in case one or both miss extended time." "Ryan Van Demark and Tylan Grable have started in three games combined. McDermott could provide much-needed experience at both tackle spots in a second stint with the Bills." The New England Patriots initially drafted McDermott in the sixth round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Though he actually would sign with the Bills right after that first preseason, seeing the field in eight contests over two seasons with the club. His following stints from 2019 through 2023 included stops with the Jets in New Jersey and a return to the Patriots, making 17 total starts. Last season, he was with the Los Angeles Rams, although he went on injured reserve prior to the season.
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Wednesday that the Bills will be the next team to participate in "Hard Knocks."
The Buffalo Bills are trying to get to the Super Bowl. They are not trying to get on "Hard Knocks.'' And yet here we are, this high-profile team that is easy to envision being a TV darling ... And so it is. Advertisement Whether the Bills like it or not. Oh, and P.S: They do not like it. The Bills have now implemented multiple changes to the roster and tinkered with spots on the coaching staff. Last season looked like their best chance yet before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs yet again in a game decided by razor thin margins. Now comes another chance ... and it's all going to be on TV. NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Wednesday that the Bills will be the next team to participate in "Hard Knocks." The show will follow the team at training camp this summer at St. John Fisher University. And to the credit of the people who run this franchise? Advertisement They hate getting this so-called "honor.'' From Bills reporter Tim Graham of The Athletic ... "The Buffalo Bills do not want to be on 'Hard Knocks.' They are not proud to be chosen for 'Hard Knocks.' They did not seek to be featured on 'Hard Knocks.' They loathe the idea of 'Hard Knocks.' Nobody from One Bills Drive told me this Wednesday because they didn't have to. I've covered the entirety of this administration and have had myriad conversations with coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane about the HBO show since they arrived eight years ago." Goodell also announced the regular season version of the show would focus on the NFC East franchises including the New York Giants, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders and Dallas Cowboys. ... and from where we sit, they sould "loathe'' it, too. Advertisement And here's why: The presence of the cameras, in meetings and in hotel suites and in the locker room ... requires drama. So drama will either be exposed or created. It becomes an artificial setting. Players, scouts and coaches become "actors.'' And this is not how to win a Super Bowl. Oh, and the one "actor'' who is sort of involved around here, Josh Allen sweetheart Hailee Steinfeld? HBO will kill to get her on camera. A lot. This is the first time the Bills have been selected for the series since its inception in 2001. HBO has announced a premier date of August 5 for this season. The Bills have several marquee matchups with rival AFC contenders on the schedule and will play their final season at the historic Highmark Stadium. That will come after the training camp period of course, but the show will undoubtedly build up the tension as the team prepares for those obstacles. Advertisement There will be much to watch. And much for the people on-camera to hate about being watched. Related: Bills' Ability To Dethrone Eagles Down To 1 Key Thing NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell announced Wednesday that the Bills will be the next team to participate in "Hard Knocks." first appeared on Athlon Sports on May 22, 2025
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
The Buffalo Bills have taken a hindsight approach to their free agency roster construction this offseason.
In 2022, the Buffalo Bills strayed away from their typical offseason methodology with the hopes that a major free agency signing could finally get them over the hump following another brutal playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. Buffalo went after former All-Pro pass rusher Von Miller with a massive three-year $120 million contract ... and a lot of hope. Three seasons later - and an almost fully guaranteed deal down the drain - the Bills are kicking themselves over the move. Advertisement This offseason after another loss in the AFC championship game (to the Chiefs again) Buffalo cut the veteran Miller after a tenure of injuries, a suspension, and regressed performance that did not provide the spark they were hoping for. Now Buffalo has learned its lesson. Rather than throwing money at big-name free agents, the Bills returned back to their usual methods of targeting mid-level role players - especially ones that are home-grown - to build around their stars. General manager Brandon Beane orchestrated four extension deals to keep valuable young pieces in upstate New York. Receiver Khalil Shakir, cornerback Christian Benford, linebacker Terrel Bernard and edge rusher Greg Rousseau each got new contracts. Advertisement Not to mention, linebacker Matt Milano took a pay cut in his new contract that helped in re-signing franchise quarterback and MVP Josh Allen to a six-year, $330 million contract with a record $250 million in guarantees. Now that's a guy worth signing. The NFL free agency period also saw this conservative philosophy from the Bills. Buffalo signed mid-roster contributors like receiver Joshua Palmer (3-year, $29 million), edge rusher Michael Hoecht (3-year, $21 million), and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (1-year, $6.7 million) to affordable contracts. The only "splash" name was defensive end Joey Bosa, who at nearly 30 and with a history of injuries, Buffalo was able to get for a relative cheap price (1-year, $12.6 million). Advertisement Does this approach make up for past missteps? Likely not, especially for a fan base that is in need of rejuvenation and excitement. This approach does, however, show a sign of humility, acceptance, and willingness to stay within the comfort zone. ESPN's Bill Barnwell in his AFC superlatives names the Bills as the team "most likely to stay the course". They did that this offseason, but we won't know the return on investment (if there is any) until Buffalo rises to the occasion and finally dethrones the Chiefs in the AFC. Related: Bills Get Major Training Camp Announcement From Roger Goodell Related: Bills' Ability To Dethrone Eagles Down To 1 Key Thing The Buffalo Bills have taken a hindsight approach to their free agency roster construction this offseason. first appeared on Athlon Sports on May 22, 2025
