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It’s that time of year again… the flowers are blooming, the days are getting warmer, and people are back on the internet giving their completely unwanted opinions about their favorite sports teams. Well, count me in.
The Buffalo Bills are entering the 2025-2026 season looking to make another serious push for the Lombardi Trophy, and to do that they’ll need to build a solid supporting cast around reigning MVP Josh Allen. In years past, the roster around this time has felt pretty predictable. But this year? There’s real competition in some spots, and some fan favorites might not make the final cut.
On the flip side, this feels like one of the most complete rosters the Bills have had in the Josh Allen era. Here’s my look at what the 53-man roster could look like on opening day.
*LB Michael Hoecht and DT Larry Ogunjobi are suspended for the first 6 games of the regular season and will not count against the 53-man roster.
Quarterback
- Josh Allen
- Mitch Trubisky
- Mike White
The Bills are running it back with the same QB room that helped Allen earn his first MVP. Shane Buechele likely stays on the practice squad again. While some fans were hoping for a backup shakeup, the consistency here should be a plus for both Allen and the offense.
Running back
- James Cook
- Ray Davis
- Ty Johnson
- Reggie Gilliam
Just like quarterback, this group looks nearly identical to last year. Barring any surprises, they seem set to lead one of the league’s top rushing attacks. As for the James Cook contract situation, while there’s always a chance for a holdout, I see it as unlikely. We’ll have to wait and see.
Wide Reciever
- Khalil Shakir
- Curtis Samuel
- Keon Coleman
- Joshua Palmer
- Elijah Moore
This is where things start to look different. The addition of Elijah Moore makes this a tough group to crack. If the Bills decide to carry a sixth receiver, look for Laviska Shenault or Tyrell Shavers to make a push. This group has a really nice mix of size, speed, and playmaking ability.
Tight End
- Dalton Kincaid
- Dawson Knox
- Jackson Hawes
Our first rookie on the list—how fun! Kincaid and Knox are roster locks and bring a dynamic receiving threat to the offense. Kincaid had a bit of a disappointing 2024, but I’m betting on a bounce-back year. With Quintin Morris gone, rookie Jackson Hawes steps into a Lee Smith-type blocking role, which I think is what the offense needs.
Offensive Line
- Dion Dawkins
- Spencer Brown
- Connor McGovern
- O’Cyrus Torrence
- David Edwards
- Ryan Van Demark
- Cedrick Van Pran-Granger
- Tylan Grable
- Alec Anderson
No surprises here. This offensive line was elite in 2024, allowing the fewest sacks in the league (just four!) and ranking fifth overall by Pro Football Focus. Running it back with the same group is the right move. Consistency up front is key, and the Bills have clearly found their guys.
Defensive End/Edge
- Greg Rousseau
- A.J. Epenesa
- Joey Bosa
- Javon Solomon
- Landon Jackson
I love what the Bills have done here. Adding Joey Bosa gives Rousseau and Epenesa the help they’ve needed. Javon Solomon should step up with Michael Hoecht suspended, and rookie Landon Jackson brings intriguing length and upside. This group is loaded with pass-rushing potential.
Defensive Tackle
- Ed Oliver
- Daquan Jones
- Dewayne Carter
- T.J Sanders
- Deone Walker
This might be the most exciting position group on the defense. Drafting T.J. Sanders (Round 2) and Deone Walker (Round 4) adds serious size and talent. Pair that with Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, and a healthy DeWayne Carter, and you’ve got a nasty rotation. Larry Ogunjobi’s eventual return makes this group even scarier.
Linebacker
- Matt Milano
- Terrel Bernard
- Dorian Williams
- Edufan Ulofoshio
- Joe Andreessen
This was a tough one. Baylon Spector misses the cut due to injury concerns, giving the final spot to Buffalo Joe. A healthy Milano brings leadership and elite playmaking back to this unit. I expect Dorian Williams to take a bigger role this season too.
Cornerback
- Christian Benford
- Taron Johnson
- Tre’davious White
- Maxwell Hairston
- Dorian Strong
- Ja’Marcus Ingram
With 11 corners currently on the roster, this was one of the hardest groups to project. The return of Tre’Davious White and the addition of Maxwell Hairston give this group a nice boost. Dorian Strong’s man-coverage ability helps him grab a spot, and Ja’Marcus Ingram rounds out the room. Dane Jackson and others will have to fight hard to stick around.
Safety
- Taylor Rapp
- Damar Hamlin
- Cole Bishop
- Cam Lewis
- Jordan Hancock
I know what you’re thinking…
“JORDAN HANCOCK IS A CORNER, YOU’RE CLUELESS!!!”
Yeah, that hurts a little (a lot), but hear me out. Hancock took snaps at safety and boundary corner at Ohio State. I think his versatility gives him a shot to stick as a hybrid DB. The rest of this group seems locked in. Look for a camp battle between Cole Bishop and Damar Hamlin for the starting role.
Special Teams
- Tyler Bass (Kicker)
- Reid Ferguson (Long Snapper)
- Jake Camarda (Punter)
Easy choices here. Bass has no competition in camp, and Camarda seems to have a higher ceiling than Brad Robbins.
Final Thoughts
This roster battle feels tighter than ever, but this is my prediction for the group that comes out on top. a lot of these positions are filled with real competition, and this might be the strongest Bills roster of the Josh Allen era, especially on defense.
Buckle up. It’s gonna be a fun ride.
