The NFL offseason is underway, and teams are positioning themselves for free agency. The Buffalo Bills, with a new defensive scheme, are preparing for a busy period as they look to improve their roster. General manager Brandon Beane has stated the focus is on building the 2026 Buffalo Bills team.
Bills’ Salary Cap Situation
The Bills will need to create salary cap space before re-signing any of their own free agents or adding new ones. Before moves, the Bills’ cap space is $7.22 million. The NFL has set the 2026 salary cap at $301.2 million. The Bills have already restructured right tackle Spencer Brown’s contract, creating over $10 million in cap space.
Contract restructures are a key part of the offseason. These conversions turn higher base salaries and roster bonuses into a prorated signing bonus, spreading the cap hit over a longer term to create short-term relief. Restructures should be reserved for players who are part of the Bills’ long-term plans.
Two long-term pieces of the Bills roster are Knox and Johnson. Knox is owed $12 million in new money, while Johnson is owed $8.76 million. The Bills might seek pay cuts for both to keep them on the team this season. Knox could come down $3.5 million, with the opportunity to earn it back through incentives, while Johnson could see a $2.5 million decrease, also with incentives. The Bills don’t have a nickel at the moment, so keeping Johnson for one more year might be their best approach.
Key Dates and Free Agents
Teams had until March 3 at 4 p.m. ET to use a franchise tag or transition tag on a pending free agent. The Bills are not expected to tag anyone this year. Clubs are permitted to begin contacting players who are eligible for unrestricted free agency at 12 p.m. on March 9. Teams and players can agree in principle during this 52-hour period, but no contract can be signed until the new league year officially begins on March 11 at 4 p.m.
Buffalo has 20 players set to become unrestricted free agents this month. On offense, center Connor McGovern and left guard David Edwards are the top names. Reggie Gilliam is also arguably the top available fullback.
On defence, edge rushers Joey Bosa and AJ Epenesa, linebackers Shaq Thompson and Matt Milano, and veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White are pending free agents.
Potential Additions
The Bills will likely look at wide receivers and linebackers in free agency. Wide receivers Alec Pierce and Mike Evans will be available. However, salary cap constraints could prevent Buffalo from signing a big-ticket player.
The Bills should prioritise giving right guard O’Cyrus Torrence a new contract this offseason.
With free agency approaching, the Bills are aiming to get everyone on the same page regarding their vision for the 2026 season.