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\What does Tre’Davious White bring to the secondary?

NFL: Buffalo Bills at Washington Commanders

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Plus, a deal between the Bills and St. John Fisher to hold camp there each summer appears imminent.

Former Pro Bowl cornerback Tre’Davious White was a salary cap casualty during the 2024 NFL offseason, but returned to Orchard Park, NY as a member of the Baltimore Ravens during Buffalo’s AFC Divisional Round triumph over Baltimore in last year’s playoffs.

This offseason, with the Bills searching for help at cornerback, White returned to Western New York on a one-year deal worth up to $6.8 million, and today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off with thoughts on the competition to win the CB2 job opposite Christian Benford and what White brings to Buffalo’s secondary.

What does Tre’Davious White bring to the secondary?​


When head coach Sean McDermott arrived in Buffalo, his first player drafted was White, the 27th overall selection out of LSU in the 2017 NFL Draft. One year after the Bills released him, White is back and is expected to bring experience and a veteran perspective to a Buffalo defense that has undergone changes this offseason. White, 30, is also expected to compete for a starting role on the outside of Buffalo’s secondary opposite Christian Benford.

According to Bills cornerback coach Jahmile Addae, so far this offseason, Addae has firsthand observed White’s twitch, or his ability to see and react and have limited waste of movement in coverage, saying White “is elite and he still is.”

Bills, St. John Fisher nearing long-term deal​


Ever since 2000, the Bills have called St. John Fisher University in the Rochester, NY suburb of Pittsford their home for training camp, and that tradition will continue this summer when the Bills open camp on July 23. In an interview with Democrat & Chronicle Bills beat reporter Sal Maiorana, Pete Guelli, the Chief Operating Officer of the Bills and Buffalo Sabres, said that a long-term deal between the Bills and Fisher is imminent.

Even more Bills news​


Get to know massive rookie defensive tackle Deone Walker; see where Sean McDermott finds himself among the list of best returning head coaches; get the latest breakdown on how rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston is adjusting to life in the NFL; debate whether Josh Allen or Hall of Famer Jim Kelly is the best quarterback in franchise history; and more!

Buffalo Bills articles recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings​

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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...sean-mcdermott-christian-benford-dane-jackson
 
Does athletic FCS DE Hayden Harris have a shot at the Bills’ 53-man roster?

NFL: Buffalo Bills Minicamp

Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Does an athletic FCS product have a shot at the 53-man roster?

The Buffalo Bills definitely have a type at defensive end they seek to add to the team. Bigger, longer players intermix with bendier, more agile players to give the team some variety in its edge rushers. At the start of the Sean McDermott/Brandon Beane regime, the Bills seemed to prioritize those longer “edge-setters” over the more explosive agile types. Now, the Bills have a healthy mix of both.

In some instances, Buffalo’s edge players themselves are actually a mix of both the bendy, agile-type in a bigger frame. Greg Rousseau is a good example of that. And, while the subject of today’s edition of “90 players in 90 days,” shouldn’t be expected to be Groot as a rookie, he’s certainly an intriguing prospect at defensive end.


Name: Hayden Harris
Number: 52
Position: DE
Height/Weight: 6’5”, 255 pounds
Age: 24 (25 on 11/4/2025)
Experience/Draft: R; signed with Buffalo following the 2025 NFL Draft
College: Montana
Acquired: UDFA signing

Financial situation (per Spotrac): Harris signed a three-year deal worth a total of $2.975 million. For the season, he carries a cap hit of $843,333 if he makes the final roster. The Bills will carry a dead-cap charge of $10,000 if he’s released.

2024 Recap: Harris finished his decorated career with Montana by making Second-Team All-Big Sky. He was also voted team defensive MVP. He played in 14 games, amassing 52 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, an interception, three forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries, and two pass breakups. He led the league in forced fumbles, was second in fumble recoveries, and finished third in both sacks and tackles for loss on the season.

While he wasn’t invited to the NFL Scouting Combine, he did have a productive Pro Day. Harris benched 225 pounds a total of 25 times, ran a 4.81-second 40-yard dash, leapt 9’7” in the broad jump, and finished the three-cone drill in 7.4 seconds. He was the No. 11 overall pick in the CFL Draft, and he has Canadian citizenship through his mother, who was born in Vancouver, B.C.

Positional outlook: Harris is one of eight defensive ends on the roster. A.J. Epenesa, Greg Rousseau, Joey Bosa, Javon Solomon, Landon Jackson, Paris Shand, and Michael Hoecht are the others.

2025 Offseason: Harris is healthy and participating in offseason work.

2025 Season outlook: Harris definitely has some intrigue and upside, as he has the requisite size (in addition to his height-weight measurements, he has 32.125”-long arms) and strength to play the edge in Buffalo’s defense. The question is whether he’ll be able to handle the jump in competition.

Prior to playing at Montana, Harris attended UCLA, playing in only five games across three seasons, totaling two tackles. While it’s possible that he will be ready given the fact that he’s grown — both physically and emotionally — over the last two seasons, it’s just as likely that he can’t hack it against better competition.

Even if Harris has a great preseason, looking at the depth chart doesn’t give much hope for his chances right now. Bosa, Rousseau, and Epenesa all figure to be big parts of the rotation. Jackson was a third-round draft choice this season, and Solomon showed promise as a rookie last year. And while Hoecht is suspended for the first six games thanks to a positive PED test, the Bills didn’t give him a three-year contract this off-season for no reason.

Harris has potential as a practice-squad addition at the end of the preseason, and that’s really the role I think he’s auditioning for this summer.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...efensive-end-hayden-harris-2025-nfl-offseason
 
Buffalo Bills QB Josh Allen nominated for 2 ESPY awards

AFC Wild Card Playoffs: Denver Broncos v Buffalo Bills

Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images

Could a tremendous season land Allen additional hardware?

Getting married and winning the NFL MVP. How can things get better for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen? Perhaps by winning two awards at the 2025 ESPY awards, as Allen has been nominated in the categories of Best Male Athlete and Best NFL Player.

Allen is coming off a 2024 NFL season where he had 3,731 passing yards with 28 touchdowns and only six interceptions. That’s only half of the Allen experience however as he added 531 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns.

Winning the Best Male Athlete won’t be easy for Allen because he’s the only entrant who didn’t win his sport’s championship in 2024. Other nominees include Saquon Barkley, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, and Shohei Ohtani.

The same can be said for the Best NFL Player as yes Allen won the MVP, but other nominee Lamar Jackson was voted a First-Team All-Pro this past season. Barkley set tons of records on his way to a Super Bowl win and offensive player of the year, while Patrick Surtain II was the defensive player of the year.

Do you think Allen has a chance at either of these awards?
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...lls-qb-josh-allen-nominated-for-2-espy-awards
 
Can you guess this Bills safety in today’s in-5 trivia game?

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Can you name this Buffalo Bills player in five clues or less?

Hey Bills fans! We’re back for another day of the Buffalo Rumblings in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

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Buffalo Rumblings in-5 instructions​


The goal of the game is to guess the correct Bills player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2025/6/29/24458213/sb-nation-bills-daily-trivia-in-5
 
Have you played the Bills’ produce trivia challenge?

Miami Dolphins v Buffalo Bills

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It’s a noble game of skill, steeped in trivia and one unique game of catch.

It’s the weekend and we here at Buffalo Rumblings are all about kicking back and enjoying the fruits of one’s labor when able. The offseason naturally provides those of us who cover the Buffalo Bills and fans of the team a little bit extra time to dive into those long-held projects around the home or, perhaps, scratching some non-football bucket-list items off your ever-growing bundle of Post-it® notes.

Say, perhaps, the produce trivia challenge. The what now? Bear with me, and no, I’m not talking about baring fruit. Full disclosure: I had no idea this was a thing until the Bills posted their video earlier this week. Now that I know the produce challenge exists (and maybe has for ages in this or other forms), it feels like the perfect game for almost any occasion — in the fair-weather salad days of the offseason or otherwise.

If you’re like me and this is all new to you, first... welcome aboard! Hopefully you’ve studied. (Wait... what?) Hear me out. Some of you are going into this blind, I get it. But there’s an advantage for those with strong recollect, a passion for mundane history and facts, and a fair bit of ability as a multi-tasker. Kind of like Steve Tasker? Well, no. No one can be Steve Tasker other than Steve.

This isn’t even about how well you arrange or stock produce while a random customer has you in their sights — someone who simply must know your thoughts about the shape of bruises on one very ripe papaya. They’re a trap, meant to narrow your focus.

If you’re hesitant to read on and participate, fear not: The only things potentially harmed here could be your ego, intelligence, athletic self-assessment, and... yes, likely some produce. Has this build-up done enough to entice your gamesmanship? I’d be willing to bet it has.

Here’s what you’ll need to take part in the produce trivia challenge:

  • Two to three people: One participant; one to ask questions and dole out fruit (heh, puns); one to film, if you’re feeling an itch for social media engagement.
  • A LOT of produce — which is dependent on how many question enter the fray. Stumble too long over any one question, and you’ll be decidedly void of a fruitful summer cornucopia.
  • A LOT of questions about seemingly random topics such as pop culture, geographical facts, sports, history, and perhaps a few zingers to catch your subject off guard.
  • Absolutely no receiving gloves allowed.

Honestly, it’s just better if you watch the video below to find out how the produce trivia challenge is played. Are you in? If so, hit up the comments section and let everyone know how you did — or what hilarity ensued. Trust me, hilarity will ensue.

This seems like a fantastic icebreaker game to play at your office’s next boring meeting called just to discuss what topics should be covered at the monthly meeting at week’s end.

Without further delay...
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...ers-take-part-in-the-produce-trivia-challenge
 
Do you remember your first Bills game at Highmark Stadium?

NFL: Green Bay Packers at Buffalo Bills

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The 2025 season is Buffalo’s final campaign in the original Highmark Stadium.

The 2025 NFL season will mark the final year the Buffalo Bills play at 52-year-old Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park, NY. With the new (and improved) Highmark Stadium set to open across the street in 2026, Bills Mafia are feeling a bit nostalgic as it relates to what many are already referring to as the “old stadium.”

This past week I spent some time thinking about the first game I attended at the current stadium, and how much I could remember. My first Bills game was the 51-3 playoff victory over the Oakland Raiders in the AFC Championship game. I do realize that this is one of those games that everyone claims they attended, but I promise you I was there. Being completely honest, I don’t remember too many specifics from the game. Maybe I was just too young to remember specific plays on the field, but I will always remember how I felt that day.

The memories from that afternoon were less about specific plays, and more about the overwhelming atmosphere that engulfed the stadium that day. It was a party-like setting as there was no doubt that the Bills were heading to the Super Bowl, and being in the crowd felt magical. I was lucky enough to attend the game with my dad, along with one of my best friends and his father (who were both Raiders fans). It was obviously a much better day for us, and I still remember walking back to the car after the game — trying not to gloat too much over such a resounding victory.

While I can look back after all of these years, that will always be one of the best days. Again, it wasn’t about a specific play on the field, but more just a feeling of being so happy that day. I will always feel fortunate that I’ve gotten to experience many different sporting events in my life, but this one will always top the list.

With me feeling a bit nostalgic, hopefully you’ll join in for a stroll down memory lane. If you have a memory from your first Bills game, please feel free to share it in the comments section below. For those old enough to have experienced the move from The Rockpile to Rich Stadium, what memories do you have?
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...ber-your-first-bills-game-at-highmark-stadium
 
What role might Buffalo Bills OT Richard Gouraige play in 2025?

NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Buffalo Bills

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Now in his third year with the club, can the former UDFA make the 53-man roster out of camp?

The Buffalo Bills have an enviable stable of offensive line depth, with “stable” carrying two meanings in this case. Not only do the Bills have plenty of bodies there, but those bodies have been on the roster together for quite some time. The stability of the stable makes for easy communication among the big men up front.

Does that mean that newcomers are less likely to make the team than those who have been with the club for a bit? Not necessarily. What it shows is that general manager Brandon Beane is always looking for ways to upgrade his team on the fringes of the roster.

In today’s edition of “90 players in 90 days,” we discuss an offensive lineman hoping that the third time trying to break camp with the 53-man roster is the charm.


Name: Richard Gouraige
Number: 75
Position: OT
Height/Weight: 6’5”, 306 pounds
Age: 26 (27 on 10/15/2025)
Experience/Draft: 2; signed with Buffalo following the 2023 NFL Draft
College: Florida
Acquired: UDFA signing

Financial situation (per Spotrac): At the conclusion of the 2024 NFL season, Gouraige signed a reserve/future contract with Buffalo. That two-year pact is worth $1.853 million in total. For the 2025 season, Gouraige carries a cap hit of $844,000 if he makes the club. If he’s released, Buffalo will carry a dead-cap charge of $8,000. That number matches the total signing bonus on the contract.

2024 Recap: Gouraige once again spent the offseason with Buffalo, and he once again was released as part of the final cuts before the regular season started. He re-signed to the practice squad for the second straight year, as well. This time, though, he was elevated for one game, and it was a big one: Buffalo’s regular-season matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs. Gouraige appeared on three offensive snaps, and he was pressed into duty for one huge play on what became the game-winning drive.

After Dion Dawkins was injured on second down, Gouraige played right tackle on a third-and-two Ty Johnson run that went for no gain. That brought the game to the two-minute warning, and Dawkins returned to the field for what Jim Nantz called “the play of the year in the NFL.” Gouraige did not appear in any other games.

Positional outlook: Gouraige is one of a host of offensive tackles on the current roster. Spencer Brown, Dion Dawkins, Tylan Grable, Ryan Van Demark, Chase Lundt, Travis Clayton, and Alec Anderson (who also plays the interior line) are the other listed tackles. Mike Edwards is listed as an offensive lineman (OL), but he mostly plays guard.

2025 Offseason: Gouraige is healthy and participating in offseason work.

2025 Season outlook: It’s unlikely that Gouraige is anything more than a practice-squad member at this point, as Buffalo returns all of its tackles from last season and added another player at the position through the draft in Lundt, as well. Gouraige knows the offense and the coaching staff knows him, so he’s a good player to have around just in case of injury. However, the competition for a spot on the practice squad will even be better than it was last season thanks to Lundt’s addition and Clayton having another year playing American football.

Gouraige’s best bet at making a 53-man roster is likely by going elsewhere. If he has a strong preseason, perhaps he’ll be able to parlay it into a role on another team. However, I expect that he’ll be on Buffalo’s practice squad again this year.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...ys-tackle-richard-gouraige-2025-nfl-offseason
 
Naming the best Buffalo Bills front-7 defenders from the last 25 years

New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills

Set Number: X82905 TK1 R3 F81

If the Bills had to win a game today assembling an all-star team of defenders from the last 25 years, who makes the roster?

Over the course of the last 25 years, the Buffalo Bills and their fans have ridden a roller coaster of football emotions, from a 17-year playoff drought and no true answers at quarterback, to a well-run organization that’s now won five consecutive AFC East division titles as a perennial playoff participant and Super Bowl contender.

It’s true that during the last two-and-a-half decades the defense hasn’t always been a powerhouse. That said, some very talented defenders have come through the doors at One Bills Drive, helping keep Buffalo afloat during some very lean seasons early in the 21st century.

As the first installment in this series — one where I’ll look back at the rosters during the last 24 years of Bills football — my focus is on constructing what would be Buffalo’s ultimate defense. Longevity won’t be valued more than peak performance in this exercise. I’ve tried to define the best players as the ones who were more dominant in their primes.

Good players who were good for a longer period won’t beat out the most-talented ones on their best days here. I’ll pick this team as if the Bills had to win a single, quarter-century Super Bowl against another franchise’s roster, and I’ll have first-, second-, and third-team choices made.

Without further ado, here is my Bills' quarter-century front 7 selections. Do you agree with my choices for the definitive Bills front 7 of the 2000s?

Defensive Line​

Starters​

  • DE: Aaron Schobel (2001-2009)
New Orleans Saints v Buffalo Bills
Photo by Rick Stewart/Getty Images

Schobel’s 2006 season (14 sacks, 53 tackles, 3 forced fumbles) was a pass-rushing masterpiece, shredding offensive lines with a blistering first step and relentless motor. During his career, he consistently showed an ability to collapse pockets and chase down runners to force critical errors.

Schobel’s prime was a perfect blend of speed, power, and instinct. His ability to disrupt elite quarterbacks ensures he’s one of the two starting edge rushers of this defensive front, capable of consistently altering the opponent’s rhythm when healthy during his career.

  • DT: Kyle Williams (2006-2018)
New England Patriots v Buffalo Bills
Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images

Kyle Williams’ 2013 season (10.5 sacks, 42 tackles, 14 quarterback hits) showcased his interior disruption, blowing through double-teams with explosive quickness and low-leverage power. Always dominant in clogging run lanes and collapsing pockets, often the first out of his stance and living on opponents' backfields, Williams never lacked game-wrecking ability, no matter what players lined up alongside him.

At his peak, he was a one-man force, indispensable for controlling the line of scrimmage against both power runs and quick-passing attacks in a must-win scenario. And how about his leadership, on and off the field? The ultimate Buffalo Bill, Williams is a no-brainer choice.

  • DT: Marcell Dareus (2011-2017)
San Diego Chargers v Buffalo Bills
Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images

Marcell Dareus’ 2014 season (10 sacks, 49 tackles, 12 quarterback hits) was a clinic in interior havoc, overpowering guards with a rare blend of 330-pound strength and agility. In his first four years with the team, he consistently dominated the interior, drawing double-teams to free edge rushers like Mario Williams and Jerry Hughes. “Mr. Big Stuff” was an asset in short-yardage situations with his run-stuffing prowess.

Despite the frustrating end of his Bills career, one filled with off-field issues, there hasn’t been a more dominant DT in Buffalo during the last 25 years. In his prime, Dareus’ ability to disrupt both pass and run made him an anchor for this line, ensuring the versatility that only elite DTs can offer.

  • DE: Mario Williams (2012-2015)
Buffalo Bills Oakland Raiders
Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images

Mario Williams’ best year as a Bill happened in 2014 (14.5 sacks, 42 tackles, 3 batted passes), where he unleashed his 6’6”, 300-pound frame to terrorize tackles all season long. His freakish athleticism, combining speed and power, was way too much for the opposition more often than not. His length also helped disrupting passing lanes and batting passes down.

Despite the feeling that he lacked consistency, few players in the history of the game showcased the ability to completely take over for stretches and terrorize opposing quarterbacks. At his peak, Super Mario was a game-wrecker, capable of dismantling even the most sophisticated game plans, making him the perfect edge for this Bills team.

Backups​

Buffalo Bills v San Francisco 49ers
Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images
  • DE: Jerry Hughes (2013-2021)

Jerry Hughes’ 2014 season (10 sacks, 53 tackles) showcased his lightning-fast first step and relentless pursuit, overwhelming tackles. His ability to bend the edge makes him a dynamic pass-rusher, ideal for clear passing downs. Don’t make the mistake of overlooking his run-stopping abilities, though. Despite the lack of ideal size for those purposes, at his best, Hughes could set the edge and hold his own against the run as well.

  • DT: Sam Adams (2003-2005)

Big Sam Adams was at his best as a Bill in 2004 (5 sacks, 41 tackles) using his 6’4”, 350-pound frame to anchor the run defense on his way to a Pro Bowl selection. For three seasons, his size and stout presence made it almost impossible for the opposition to run up the middle against Buffalo’s defense. That fumble recovery touchdown against Tom Brady and the Patriots won’t ever be forgotten.

  • DT: Pat Williams (1997-2004)

Before becoming a superstar in Minnesota, Big Pat Williams was very good for Buffalo, as shown by his 2002 season (92 tackles, 0.5 sacks). An immovable object in the middle of the defense, he clogged interior lanes, freeing linebackers with his run-stuffing prowess. If only the Bills had Williams today — Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano would reap the benefits.

  • DE: Von Miller (2022-2025)

Despite the sad post-injury portion of his time in Buffalo, culminating in his release this offseason, Miller’s start as a Bill was very promising. In the 2022 season (8 sacks, 21 tackles in 11 games pre-injury), he was exactly what the team needed with his elite pass-rushing skills on full display. His very short prime with the Bills showcased his veteran savvy and clutch skills.

Third Team​

Buffalo Bills v Jacksonville Jaguars
Photo by Doug Benc/Getty Images
  • DE: Chris Kelsay (2003-2012): The ultimate pro, “The King of the almost sack” — Kelsay had some good seasons with Buffalo, and always brought hustle and run-stopping versatility, plus a relentless motor. He will always have my respect.
  • DT: Ed Oliver (2019-2025): During the 2023 season (9.5 sacks, 51 tackles) Ed showed what he can do with his explosive interior burst, ideal for pass-rushing situations. Oliver’s lack of size hurts him in his case against my top choices.
  • DT: Marcus Stroud (2008-2010): Despite being a shadow of his dominant Jaguars self in Buffalo, Marcus Stroud had three solid years as a Bill, providing run-stuffing strength and some ability to push the pocket against the pass. Stroud’s solid is better than most DTs good years.
  • DE: Greg Rousseau (2021-2025): Groot is coming off his best season as a pro (8 sacks, 53 tackles). He offers amazing run-stopping ability for an edge and can be disruptive as a pass rusher as well. Consistency and adding some moves to his repertoire are key to taking the next step and climbing this list.

Every-Down Linebackers (Wills and Mikes)​

Starters​

  • LB: Takeo Spikes (2003-2006)
Buffalo Bills Takeo Spikes...
SetNumber: X69038 TK1

A horrific injury cut it short, but how awesome was TKO as a Bill? Oh boy, I loved every second of Spikes’ 2004 season (97 tackles, 5 interceptions, 3 sacks). He was a three-down masterpiece, blending bone-crushing hits and uncanny coverage instincts. His ability to erase tight ends and running backs in the passing game, always playing full gas and no breaks, was special.

At his peak, Takeo Spikes was a defensive quarterback, bringing leadership and versatility to shut down multifaceted offenses, making him indispensable to this team, even though there’s no shortage of good linebacker options for the Bills from the last 25 years.

  • LB: London Fletcher (2002-2006)
Detroit Lions v Buffalo Bills
Photo by George Gojkovich/Getty Images

Ironman. Tackling machine. Leader. London Fletcher was a heat-seeking missile ready to identify his target, attack, and destroy it. His 2005 season (158 tackles, 4 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries) was a tackling clinic, with sideline-to-sideline range and elite coverage. His ability to disrupt offenses, stuffing runs and covering backs in the flat was ahead of his time.

Fletcher’s play making, sideline-to-sideline ability, and dependability made him the leader of the Bills’ defense from 2002 to 2006. He’s the ideal complement to Spikes here, as he was back in the day, ensuring a dynamic linebacker duo for this team.

Backups​

New York Jets v Buffalo Bills
Photo by Bryan Bennett/Getty Images
  • LB: Matt Milano (2017-2025)

Matt Milano’s 2022 All-Pro season (99 tackles, 1.5 sacks, 3 interceptions) showed how he can excel in coverage and blitzing. A versatile player who can impact the game in several different ways, Milano has been a defensive stalwart for the Bills over the years.

  • LB: Terrel Bernard (2022-2025)

Terrel Bernard’s 2023 season (143 tackles, 6.5 sacks, 3 interceptions) was awesome. Some people believe he fell down to Earth a bit in 2024 — I don’t buy it. He’s asked to do a lot as the quarterback of the Bills’ defense, and his impact goes beyond the stat sheet. He’s following in Milano’s footsteps with his situational versatility, but his leadership adds an extra layer, and I can see him being the better linebacker overall when it’s all said and done.

Third Team​

New England Patriots v Buffalo Bills
Photo by: Rick Stewart/Getty Images
  • LB: Sam Cowart (1998-2001): His best season as a Bill was in 2000 (130 tackles, 5.5 sacks, and 2 interceptions), earning Pro Bowl and secon-team All-Pro honors. A physical MIKE linebacker who could do it all, Sam Cowart was a true difference maker in the middle of the Bills' defense.
  • LB: Paul Posluszny (2007-2010): Poz was a true leader and could do it all: run, tackle, and cover the middle of the field (3 INTs in 2009). I always felt good about the MLB spot when Posluszny was the starter.

Strongside Linebacker (12th man)​


This defense will be built towards the more modern style of the game, counting on their Nickel 4-2-5 as the base formation. However, on situational occasions, we’ll have to take the nickel CB off the field and bulk up the front seven with an extra linebacker to complement the four-man front. Here are my top choices for this role.

Starter​

  • LB: Lorenzo Alexander (2016-2019)
Buffalo Bills v Pittsburgh Steelers
Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images

Offering leadership, dependability, but especially versatility and special teams prowess, Zo is essential as the top choice here. Alexander’s 2016 season (12.5 sacks) was magical, but his ability to line up almost anywhere on defense as an x-factor is what sets him apart.

Backup​


LB: Angelo Crowell (2003-2007): Crowell played the strongside role when it was a bigger part of defensive plans, and was very good at it. His best seasons were in 2005, replacing the injured Takeo Spikes as an every-down ‘backer, and then again in 2007, his last season as a pro, amassing over 120 tackles and recording at least one interception on both seasons.

Third Team​

  • LB: Nigel Bradham (2012-2015): Bradham’s best season as a Bill was in 2014 (104 tackles, 2.5 sacks). A physical specimen, Bradham could run from sideline to sideline and hit hard. He wasn’t a true strongside linebacker, playing consistently as the team’s WILL instead, but with his physicality and production, I believe he could line up in this position if necessary.

Final Thoughts​

Cleveland Browns v Buffalo Bills 9-23-2012
Photo by David Dermer/Diamond Images/Getty Images

I really believe this front seven is as good as any other team in the entire league, and I’d confidently go to battle against any franchise’s quarter-century team with this group. A lot of players on the second team could replace the starters without the roster missing a beat, and even upgrade some aspects of the group due to their unique on-field characteristics. The third team also has quality and unique skill sets, offering great depth.

That’s it for my quarter-century front seven, fellow Rumblers. I can’t wait to read your comments and interact, I’m pretty sure you’ll bring good arguments about different choices in different areas of this group.

Let me know if I forgot somebody, and let’s discuss! (“The Legend of Kiko” was under consideration, but I just couldn’t fit him in). Of course, 2025 is the final year during the first quarter of the 21st century, and Buffalo has yet to play a meaningful down this season. That means in time, this list could change. I’ll be back soon with the defensive backfield and coordinators, Go Bills!


Catch up on all this and more with the latest edition of Leading the Charge
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...rter-century-team-2000-2024-defensive-front-7
 
Poll: Where will the Buffalo Bills finish in the AFC East?

Buffalo Bills v Miami Dolphins

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Is a six-peat in store, or will the rest of the division catch up in 2025?

Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey of fans across the NFL. Throughout the year we ask questions of the most plugged-in Buffalo Bills fans and fans across the country. Sign up here to participate in the weekly emailed surveys.

The Buffalo Bills enter the 2025 NFL season as five-time defending AFC East champions. It’s a feat never accomplished by the Bills teams that made four consecutive Super Bowls in the 1990s.

But much like those incredible teams, today’s Bills feature one of the game’s best quarterbacks — who just happened to win an NFL MVP award for his 2024 season, and continuity at head coach and general manager. The 2025 season marks the ninth campaign at the helm for Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane, while Josh Allen enters year eight.

In the NFL, when a team figures out the right coaching-quarterback formula, good things usually follow. Though this era’s Bills have yet to reach a Super Bowl, they have been a perennial playoff team — twice reaching the AFC Championship game.

Will Buffalo’s (mostly) good fortune and sheer dominance of the AFC East continue in 2025, or are their divisional foes ready to meaningfully compete for Eastern bragging rights? Vote now, telling us where you believe the Bills will finish in the AFC East in 2025.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...vey-where-will-buffalo-finish-in-the-afc-east
 
Who’ll step up for Josh Allen and the Bills’ offense when needed during 2025 NFL season?

AFC Divisional Playoffs: Baltimore Ravens v Buffalo Bills

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Who’s ready to fill one of the biggest voids left since Stefon Diggs’ departure?

Since the Buffalo Bills moved on from wide receiver Stefon Diggs, it’s fair to say the team’s receiving game has been a work in progress. Yes, reasonable to consider despite the offense putting up prolific points-scored numbers in 2024.

Though many are quick to point to (insert your favorite Bills pass catcher here) making the passing game hum, there is no clear top option in the mold of a WR1. It works for Buffalo right now because Josh Allen is an elite quarterback, one of the game’s very best.

Whether by design or necessity, the Bills have very vocally taken on the “everybody eats” persona. It’s a concept that isn’t too dissimilar from the Run & Shoot, which puts receivers in motion pre-snap and allows (asks) them to make on-the-fly route adjustments after diagnosing a defense.

Allen has become a field general with surgical-like ability to read and thread a completion to anyone anywhere on the field, and often his work behind the line of scrimmage requires receivers staying available for an extended time, often well outside of the scripted route. That plays well into what wide receiver Khalil Shakir does well, losing defenders in traffic between the sticks.

In the past, everyone knew Allen was looking for Diggs in critical moments — and it wasn’t up until the very end of things that anyone could do a thing to stop it. Yes, Diggs’ incessant need for the football became a problem, but there’s a reason so many teams covet WR1s.

The idea that everyone is on equal footing, involved in a featured role or as supporting cast game to game has its pluses, certainly. But when a defense manages to shut the concept down, and has defenders who play a brand of football superior to the Bills’ receivers, problems appear.

One has to wonder if there’s a lack of well-developed chemistry between Allen and (insert receiver name) to rise above these roadblocks. To believe there is anywhere on the same level as the Allen-Diggs connection is foolish. But it’s not as though Buffalo lacks options.

Most would say that Khalil Shakir is Allen’s top target, and Allen speaks highly of his game. But is he a 120-target, 1,400-plus receiver? He hasn’t shown to be such yet (100 targets, 821 yards in 2024). It also appears as though Shakir isn’t someone Allen looks to specifically in certain situations — his production more akin to making things happen apart from design.

Consider Buffalo’s final game, its latest playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. We’ll avoid discussing the defense’s featured role in the loss for this article. In the waning moments of the game during a drive to re-claim the lead, Allen didn’t have a top target who he’d worked the entire season with to overcome the odds. Instead, during the Bills’ final offensive play — where protection broke down thanks to an expert defensive call — Allen was forced to ad-lib, eventually heaving an incomplete pass to tight end Dalton Kincaid.

Watching that moment play out, it’s impossible to believe that Kincaid was the preferred target, instead his look more the product of opportunity meeting an “expiring clock” of Allen’s. That was a moment where an alpha playmaker could have changed the team’s fortunes — and one where Kincaid should have never been the play given what they knew about his injuries.

But if not Kincaid, who was Allen going to find?

All of Bills Mafia saw Buffalo’s selection of Kincaid in Round 1 as a sign. The offense was finally going to feature an athletic, pass-catching tight end — someone who could take over a game in ways that Travis Kelce, George Kittle, Mark Andrews, and David Njoku have in recent years. To this point in time, that hasn’t happened for the Bills. But why? It’s not because tight end Dawson Knox has vultured all the snaps.

It’s because everyone eats, and concepts are the priority, asking players to understand the entire concept of a play rather than just their specific role. Conceptually, it sounds great — and should allow players to lead with their athleticism. That is, once they’ve mastered the play and committed every route to muscle memory. Yet when those concepts break down and a defense is closing in on Allen, he no longer has a top target to look for first. Instead, he has to scan the entire field and work through his progressions.

To this point, offensive coordinator Joe Brady hasn’t developed a go-to receiver the likes of Diggs. Do the Bills have the right personnel to develop the type of playmaker capable of winning 1-on-1 matchups that save a season?

Tyler Dunne believes they do, and he’s putting his chips in on Kincaid. Choosing Kincaid feels right, given the priority placed on him in the draft. But also because the hope is that he’s fully healthy for the 2025 NFL season, or at least enough where his on-field production isn’t stymied by injury.

Dunne believes that “even 10 percent healthier, he hauls in Allen’s prayer last season at Arrowhead and there’s a good chance the Bills are in the Super Bowl.” I’m not sure I feel the same way, even when considering Kincaid’s 73-catch rookie season as pointed to by Dunne. Do you remember who played outside receiver when Kincaid was a rookie? Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis, who both had strong chemistry with Allen and took away a large percentage of defensive attention on Kincaid.

We need to see Brady make more of a commitment to develop Kincaid into a receiver at all levels of the field. Otherwise, asking him to ad-lib on a heave by Allen in a playoff game will continually render too off-script for a player many expect to become “the guy” downfield. Yes, Kincaid has proven to be effective catching passes deep downfield, but few if any tandems featured more incompletions than did Allen-to-Kincaid.

We heard general manager Brandon Beane talk of Kincaid’s physical makeup, and the Bills organizationally have asked him to bulk up. It’s unclear what adding weight will do to Kincaid’s game, but it should allow him to hold up to the rigors of NFL life as a tight end.

Does that make Kincaid into the 1-on-1 matchup nightmare this offense so desperately needs? Reports during early offseason work stated that Kincaid still looked fast. It’s important to remember that speed in shorts a t-shirt is vastly different than wearing a full uniform and facing a hostile opponent.

I’ve long-viewed former NFL wide receiver Ed McCaffrey as an interesting if-not-apt comparison for Kincaid’s future. Putting on weight doesn’t necessarily take such a lofty goal off the table for Kincaid, unless it’s being done to make him more into a traditional tight end.

I’m not calling for Kincaid to switch positions and become a traditional slot receiver as was the case with McCaffrey. Today’s NFL doesn’t require it. It would be great if Buffalo managed to develop Kincaid into someone talented similarly to McCaffrey, leveraging the mismatches certain to be found out of tight end formations.

Dunne sees a promising 2025 for Kincaid, ending his recent mailbag on the topic by saying:

“I’d wager Kincaid leads this team in receptions, yards and gets his shot at playoff redemption.”
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It’s an idea that should find favor with all of Bills Mafia. Undoubtedly, developing a top passing target will benefit the Bills far beyond crunch time, and give other receivers more opportunity against single coverage.

How do you see the 2025 NFL season going for Dalton Kincaid?
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...lls-offense-in-key-moments-of-2025-nfl-season
 
Is a big season ahead for Buffalo Bills DE Javon Solomon?

NFL: Buffalo Bills at New England Patriots

Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images

If there’s a dark horse candidate for a breakout on defense, my money’s on Solomon being that guy

The Buffalo Bills have worked tirelessly to build depth on the defensive line. That depth hasn’t always translated into the perfect mix of pass-rush ability and success that the team envisions, but it hasn’t been for lack of trying. General manager Brandon Beane has spent countless resources on defensive linemen in search of a group that can wreck a game four men at a time.

Sometimes, those resources involve big-ticket free-agent signings. Other times, Beane has spent high-end draft assets to acquire defensive linemen. And, in some cases, Beane has gone the NFL version of “thrifting,” looking for gems in places that other GMs might have missed.

In today’s edition of “90 players in 90 days,” we discuss a second-year player Buffalo selected on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft.


Name: Javon Solomon
Number: 56
Position: DE
Height/Weight: 6’1”, 247 pounds
Age: 24 (25 on 1/17/2026)
Experience/Draft: 2; selected by Buffalo in the fifth round (No. 168 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft
College: Troy
Acquired: Fifth-round draft choice

Financial situation (per Spotrac): Solomon enters the second year of his rookie contract, a four-year pact worth $4,274,276 overall. For the 2025 season, he carries a cap hit of $1,023,569 if he makes the 53-man roster. Buffalo will carry a dead-cap charge of $190,707 if he’s released, which is the total of Solomon’s remaining contract guarantees.

2024 Recap: Solomon was used mostly on special teams last season, appearing on 65% of Buffalo’s snaps in that part of the game compared to just 15% of the overall defensive snaps. His athleticism showed through in both facets, however, and he adjusted to the jump in level fairly well.

Solomon totaled 13 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, three tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits on the season. He played sparingly on defense in games when all of Buffalo’s defensive ends were available.

Positional outlook: Solomon is one of eight defensive ends currently on the Buffalo roster. Hayden Harris, Joey Bosa, Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, Michael Hoecht, Paris Shand, and Landon Jackson are the others.

2025 Offseason: Solomon is healthy and participating in offseason activities.

2025 Season outlook: Sure, it’s more likely that Solomon takes the same role — special teams contributor, occasional pass rusher — as he had last season than it is he breaks into the defensive line rotation this season. However, with Hoecht suspended to start the season and Jackson experiencing his first NFL action, Solomon may have a shot early on to prove that he deserves a role on defense. I believe he’s going to take that opportunity and run with it.

Solomon showed signs last season of the quick-twitch athleticism that made him a nightmare in college. After a season under the tutelage of future Hall of Fame pass rusher Von Miller, plus a year in a professional strength and conditioning program while competing against professional athletes daily, Solomon strikes me as a prime candidate to break out in his second season.

Does that mean he’s going to notch double-digit sacks? Given the frequency with which the Bills rotate their defensive line, I doubt anyone hits the 10-sack mark, so Solomon isn’t going to do that.

However, I believe what will happen is that he’ll become a noticeable figure on defense, especially on third downs. In my eyes, Solomon is a player who not only makes the roster this season, but is a strong contributor to what should be another successful season for the Bills.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...efensive-end-javon-solomon-2025-nfl-offseason
 
Can you guess this Bills d-lineman in today’s in-5 trivia game?

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Can you name this Buffalo Bills player in five clues or less?

Hey Bills fans! We’re back for another day of the Buffalo Rumblings in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​


Thursday, July 3, 2025
Wednesday, July 2, 2025
Tuesday, July 1, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​


NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Buffalo Rumblings in-5 instructions​


The goal of the game is to guess the correct Bills player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2025/7/4/24461483/sb-nation-bills-daily-trivia-in-5
 
Do the Buffalo Bills have room for QB Shane Buechele?

NFL: Buffalo Bills Minicamp

Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Buffalo’s third-string quarterback entering the 2024 season has some competition this summer

The Buffalo Bills have a tight-knit quarterback room, as all four players in the positional group seem to enjoy each others’ company. It also helps that the team has the reigning MVP at the helm, as he’s one of the best overall players in the NFL.

Will the team make any changes at quarterback? Traditionally, head coach Sean McDermott has gone with two quarterbacks on the 53-man roster. Given that there are currently four men in camp at the position, something has to give.

In today’s installment of “90 players in 90 days,” we discuss one of those four quarterbacks.


Name: Shane Buechele
Number: 6
Position: QB
Height/Weight: 6’, 210 pounds
Age: 27 (28 on 1/8/2025)
Experience/Draft: 4; signed with the Kansas City Chiefs following the 2021 NFL Draft
College: SMU
Acquired: Originally signed with Buffalo’s practice squad on 8/31/2023

Financial situation (per Spotrac): Buechele signed a one-year contract worth a total of $1.03 million. That number represents his cap hit if he makes the 53-man roster. There are no guarantees on the deal, so Buffalo can release him any time prior to Week 1 without carrying a dead-cap charge.

2024 Recap: Buechele appeared in Buffalo’s first preseason game last year. He completed 6-of-10 passes for 53 yards, throwing no touchdowns and one interception. He rushed three times for 22 yards in the games. He also took six sacks. Following that contest, a 33-6 loss to the Chicago Bears, Buechele appeared on the injury report with a neck injury. That injury ultimately ended his season before it began, as Buechele was placed on Injured Reserve on August 13.

Positional outlook: Buechele is one of four quarterbacks on the current roster, joining Josh Allen, Mitchell Trubisky, and Mike White.

2025 Offseason: Buechele is healthy and participating in offseason work to date.

2025 Season outlook: There is next to zero chance that Buechele breaks camp on the 53-man roster — unless two of Buffalo’s top three quarterbacks are injured, that is. Even in that scenario, it’s possible that the Bills would contact an unsigned veteran before keeping Buechele. prospects for the practice squad are even cloudy this season, as a lot will likely depend on what Buffalo does at the backup spot.

If the Bills maintain the status quo, breaking camp with Allen and Trubisky as the top two quarterbacks, then I’d assume that Mike White will remain with the club as the third quarterback, thereby taking Buechele’s assumed place as the practice squad QB. This is exactly what happened last season after Buechele was injured and the player signed to replace him in the preseason, Ben DiNucci, wasn’t retained.

If Buffalo decide to cut ties with Trubisky and use White as the backup, then Buechele will likely stay on the practice squad. There’s an outside chance that this happens, but the money saved by moving from Trubisky ($2.46 million cap hit; $750,000 dead-cap charge if released) to White ($1.195 million cap hit; $0 dead-cap charge) nets the Bills around $500,000 on the cap. If they think it’s worth it, they’ll do it. I don’t believe it’s worth it, so I wouldn’t.

In short, I suspect the Bills are going to release Buechele at the end of August and keep Trubisky and White. However, there’s a chance that Buechele remains with the club on the practice squad if the Bills decide to go in a different direction.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...quarterback-shane-buechele-2025-nfl-offseason
 
Can you guess this Bills d-lineman in today’s in-5 trivia game?

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Can you name this Buffalo Bills player in five clues or less?

Hey Bills fans! We’re back for another day of the Buffalo Rumblings in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​


Saturday, July 5, 2025
Friday, July 4, 2025
Thursday, July 3, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​


NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Buffalo Rumblings in-5 instructions​


The goal of the game is to guess the correct Bills player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2025/7/6/24462374/sb-nation-bills-daily-trivia-in-5
 
Buffalo Bills have a massive situation to tackle with DT DaQuan Jones

NFL: AFC Championship-Buffalo Bills at Kansas City Chiefs

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

After a down year, could the Bills release their veteran one-tech?

For as long as head coach Sean McDermott has been with the Buffalo Bills, the most important position on the entire defense has arguably been the nose tackle, or one-tech defensive lineman. That’s the person who occupies multiple gaps, keeping the linebackers clean and his fellow defensive linemen in one-gap situations.

Have the Bills always had a great player at that spot? No, they have not. Just look at the Star Lotulelei years for evidence of that. However, the team struck gold when they signed a veteran to replace Lotulelei a few years ago. Buffalo’s defense functioned at a much higher level with this 2022 free agent signee on the field than it did with him off of it.

Age catches up to us all, however, and this player seemed to start that decline last season. Will the Bills retain his services? Can he perform like he did before suffering a serious injury in 2023?

In today’s installment of our “90 players in 90 days” series, we discuss Buffalo’s one-tech defensive tackle.


Name: DaQuan Jones
Number: 92
Position: DT
Height/Weight: 6’4”, 320 pounds
Age: 33 (34 on 12/27/2025)
Experience/Draft: 12; selected by the Tennessee Titans in the fourth round (No. 112 overall) of the 2014 NFL Draft
College: Penn State
Acquired: Signed with Buffalo on 3/16/2022

Financial situation (per Spotrac): Jones enters the final year of his two-year contract extension, which he signed prior to the start of the 2024 NFL season. That deal is worth $16 million overall. For the 2025 NFL season, Jones carries a cap hit of $9.408 million if he makes the 53-man roster. If Buffalo releases him before Week 1, they will carry a dead-cap charge of $7.632 million.

2024 Recap: After an injury-plagued 2023 season, in which Jones spent time on Injured Reserve thanks to a torn pectoral muscle, it was a welcome sign to see the big veteran appear in 16 of Buffalo’s 17 regular-season games and all three of their playoff contests, as well. The only game where Jones didn’t play, Buffalo’s Week 18 matchup against the New England Patriots, was meaningless, and he sat due to coach’s decision and not injury.

Statistically, Jones did not have a great year, as he totaled 23 tackles, 2.5 sacks, five tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, and one pass knockdown while playing half of the team’s snaps on defense. However, in fairness to Jones, it’s hard to quantify a player’s impact statistically at the position he plays. Jones had six tackles in Buffalo’s three playoff games, which placed him one behind both Ed Oliver and Austin Johnson among Bills’ defensive tackles in the postseason.

Positional outlook: Jones is one of nine defensive tackles currently in camp. Ed Oliver, DeWayne Carter, T.J. Sanders, Zion Logue, Marcus Harris, Larry Ogunjobi, Casey Rogers, and Deone Walker are the others.

2025 Offseason: Jones is healthy and participating in offseason work to date.

2025 Season outlook: Only five players on Buffalo’s roster — Josh Allen, Dion Dawkins, Dawson Knox, Matt Milano, and Ed Oliver — have a higher cap hit this season than Jones. For this reason, there has been some speculation that he could be a cap casualty this summer.

However, while the Bills have invested plenty into their defensive line since the 2024 season ended, they haven’t added another experienced player who is a true, space-eating one-tech player like Jones is. Unless the team plans to shift its entire philosophy as to how the front-seven operates, that indicates that Jones is likely safe moving forward.

That isn’t to say he’s entirely safe, however, as he is an older player whose best years seem to be behind him. Add in that Buffalo drafted two defensive tackles and signed another this offseason, and there is the potential for Jones to be released at some point in August.

In order for that to happen, the Bills would have to be happy with a foursome at defensive tackle consisting of Oliver, Carter, Sanders, and Walker for the first six weeks of the year. Free agent signee Larry Ogunjobi is suspended for the first six games of the season thanks to a positive PED test, so he would come back and be the fifth defensive tackle in a scenario where Jones is released.

Is it worth saving $1.8 million on the 2025 cap to release Jones? Are the Bills better without him on the field than they are with him? Those two questions are what the coaching staff needs to answer before Week 1, as Jones’ entire salary is guaranteed if he is on Buffalo’s roster for that first contest thanks to his status as a vested veteran.

My gut says that he’s on the team, but I don’t think it’s outside of the realm of possibility that he’s released in favor of a youth movement if Walker shows that he can anchor the line this summer.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...ensive-tackle-daquan-jones-2025-nfl-offseason
 
Can you guess this Bills punter in today’s in-5 trivia game?

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Can you name this Buffalo Bills player in five clues or less?

Hey Bills fans! We’re back for another day of the Buffalo Rumblings in-5 daily trivia game. Game instructions are at the bottom if you’re new to the game! Feel free to share your results in the comments and feedback in this Google Form.

If you can’t see the embedded game and you’re using Apple News, click this link.

Previous games​


Sunday, July 6, 2025
Saturday, July 5, 2025
Friday, July 4, 2025

Play more SB Nation in-5 trivia games​


NFL in-5
MLB in-5
MMA in-5

Buffalo Rumblings in-5 instructions​


The goal of the game is to guess the correct Bills player with the help of up to five clues. We’ll mix in BOTH ACTIVE AND RETIRED PLAYERS. It won’t be easy to figure it out in one or two guesses, but some of you might be able to nail it.

After you correctly guess the player, you can click “Share Results” to share how you did down in the comments and on social media. We won’t go into other details about the game as we’d like your feedback on it. How it plays, what you think of it, the difficulty level, and anything else you can think of that will help us improve this game. You can provide feedback in the comments of this article, or you can fill out this Google Form.
Click to expand...

Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/2025/7/7/24462887/sb-nation-bills-daily-trivia-in-5
 
Bills Mafia eyeing a six-peat in latest SB Nation Reacts results

San Francisco 49ers v Buffalo Bills

Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images

Buffalo Bills fans have grown accustomed to games of hats and shirts.

The Buffalo Bills, under the direction of head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane, have been good for a very long time. In fact, since McDermott’s first season as an NFL head coach in 2017 — leading the Bills to their first playoff birth in 17 seasons — Buffalo has made the playoffs every season other than 2018.

At the head of that success is the Bills’ five consecutive AFC East Division titles, dating back to the 2020 NFL season. Buffalo is the class of the division, much the same as it was for the New England Patriots during the Brady-Belichick era.

It’s a fact that Bills Mafia just can’t grow tired of, even if they continue lamenting the lack of Super Bowl appearances amid the perception that One Bills Drive is “wasting Josh Allen’s best years.” It’s exceedingly difficult making it to a Super Bowl, though Buffalo has squandered a couple true opportunities.

Despite that, winning the AFC East is key to an advantageous path to the Super Bowl, and besting your divisional foes for half a decade straight can take a toll on their morale. Coaches and players will preach “one game at a time, the division is the goal” more often than you can recall, but it’s true. Everything really starts at the divisional level, and Bills Mafia believes Buffalo is primed to continue their winning ways, en route to a “hats and shirts” game.

The results of this week’s SB Nation Reacts poll, in partnership with FanDuel Sportsbook, reveal an overwhelming majority (93%) of Rumblings readers confident in the Bills making it six AFC Championships in a row.

No pressure, Buffalo!



Take your game to the next level all year long with FanDuel Sportsbook!
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...-reacts-results-bills-mafia-eyeing-a-six-peat
 
Bills training camp preview and bold predictions

NFL: Buffalo Bills Minicamp

Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Plus, RB James Cook cracks the NFL’s Top 100 players of 2025 list.

There’s one week remaining until the Buffalo Bills’ rookies report to training camp at St. John Fisher University, and two weeks until the veterans report, with practice beginning on July 23. From the presence of HBO’s “Hard Knocks” crew filming every moment to certain positional battles, there will be ample story lines to watch from Bills camp.

Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off with thoughts and some bold predictions for when the Bills gather at Fisher as the team continues to prepare for the 2025 NFL season.

Training camp preview and predictions​


We’ve got everything you need to know about the top story lines to watch from Bills training camp, including some bold predictions — tight end Dalton Kincaid emerging as the top receiving threat, linebacker Matt Milano playing in a reserve role, and Mike White stealing the backup QB job away from Mitchell Trubisky.

Plus, what Buffalo’s biggest overall concern is heading into camp; exploring the favorites to win the CB2 job opposite Christian Benford; analyzing what Buffalo’s defense will look like in Year 2 with Bobby Babich as defensive coordinator; and identifying which player was labeled Buffalo’s “most promising building block.”

James Cook named to NFL’s Top 100 players of 2025 list​


Pro Bowl running back James Cook became the first Bills player selected to this season’s list, checking in at No. 89. Plus, discussing where Cook finds himself on ESPN’s list of the league’s top 10 running backs and speculation on Cook’s future.

Even more Bills news​


Exploring how the Bills have high expectations for rookie defensive tackle T.J. Sanders — once he signs his rookie deal. Previewing the state of the Bills’ tight ends; why wide receiver Elijah Moore represents a sneaky good value free-agent signing; see how quarterback Josh Allen stacks up against the competition for ESPN’s Best Male Athlete award; and more!

Buffalo Bills articles recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings​

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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...airston-dalton-kincaid-keon-coleman-tre-white
 
Buffalo Bills preseason football can’t get here soon enough

NFL: Preseason-Minnesota Vikings at Buffalo Bills

Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports

We’re about a month away from Preseason Week 1 versus the New York Giants

As a lifelong fan of the Buffalo Bills, I have officially reached the part of summer that’s left me longing for preseason football. It’s an annual feeling that sneaks up on me right after the 4th of July.

To provide some context, the Bills are the only team in sports that I follow on a day-to-day basis. I realize some readers are die-hard baseball fans, but I stopped following the game about 10 years ago. The NBA Finals recently wrapped up, as did the NHL Stanley Cup Final — and both of the respective league’s drafts passed without much fanfare. Occasionally I will watch the WNBA or some of the coverage from Wimbledon, which are both enjoyable options.

So while there may be options to help pass the time, any of these sporting events just get me closer to that first Bills preseason game. We’re roughly one month away from the start of the preseason, when Buffalo will host the New York Giants on August 9. Though I look forward to this game, I understand that it offers little to no entertainment value. What it does giver us is plenty to talk about heading into the start of the regular season.

Like many Bills fans, I’ll look forward to a breakout performance from someone who’s clearly on the roster bubble — or even someone competing for a starting job. Who can forget A.J. McCarron’s exciting fourth-quarter comeback against the Chicago Bears in Week 4 of the 2018 preseason? Or maybe it was Christian Wade’s 65-yard touchdown scamper in 2019 against the Indianapolis Colts. I can even remember Nathan Peterman playing like the second-coming of Drew Brees in the preseason on his way to being named the team’s starting quarterback (for exactly one half against the Baltimore Ravens).

So while all of this is meant to be a bit tongue in cheek, I’d still tune in to a Bills preseason game over any of the other options that are available. I’m sure to regret this feeling as the fourth quarter gets underway on August 9. But I can guarantee you that a year from now my longing for preseason football will rise again.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...all-cant-get-here-soon-enough-nfl-2025-season
 
Can Buffalo Bills WR Jalen Virgil bring more to the table than blocking?

NFL: Buffalo Bills Minicamp

Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

A highly sought veteran for the practice squad last season, can Virgil break camp with the Bills this summer?

The Buffalo Bills place a high priority on a wideout’s ability to block. Granted, I’m sure that most NFL teams, if not all of them, want their receivers to be fundamentally sound while helping in the run game. The Bills, though, seem to hold receivers who can block in high regard.

If that’s the first thing someone is discussing about a receiver, though, is that code for saying that player isn’t very good at his main job, which is catching the football? When I was a young assistant baseball coach, one of my mentors once said that “If the first thing we say when we’re discussing a player is that ‘he’s a great kid,’ that usually tells us what we need to know about his ability.”

In today’s edition of “90 players in 90 days,” we discuss a wideout who is a fantastic blocker.


Name: Jalen Virgil
Number: 13
Position: WR
Height/Weight: 6’1”, 210 pounds
Age: 26 (27 on 7/13/2025)
Experience/Draft: 4; signed with the Denver Broncos following the 2022 NFL Draft
College: Appalachian State
Acquired: Signed with Bills’ practice squad on 8/28/2024

Financial situation (per Spotrac): Virgil signed a reserve/future deal on January 28. That contract is worth $1,034,500 for one year. If he makes the 53-man roster, that number also represents Virgil’s cap hit for the season. If he’s released, the Bills will carry a dead-cap hit of $4,500 for the season.

2024 Recap: Virgil began the league year with the Broncos, and he spent the preseason with the team. In three preseason games, Virgil saw just two targets — catching one for 13 yards.

Denver released him as part of their final cuts on August 27, but he wasn’t on the open market for long. He joined Buffalo’s practice squad the following day, and that’s where he remained until October, when myriad injuries at the position led the Bills to activate him from the practice squad against the Seattle Seahawks and the Miami Dolphins in Weeks 8 and 9, respectively.

Buffalo signed him to their 53-man roster on November 8, and he appeared in the team’s next four games. On December 14, the Bills released him, but they re-signed him to the practice squad the next day. He appeared in one more regular-season game — Buffalo’s 24-21 Week 16 victory over the New England Patriots — but did not appear in a playoff game.

Virgil played 37 offensive snaps and was not targeted in the passing game. On special teams, he played 83 snaps, totaling two tackles.

Positional outlook: Virgil is one of 13 receivers on the current roster. Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Khalil Shakir, Laviska Shenault Jr., Tyrell Shavers, Stephen Gosnell, Kelly Akharaiyi, Joshua Palmer, Elijah Moore, K.J. Hamler, Kristian Wilkerson, and Kaden Prather are the others.

2025 Offseason: Virgil is healthy and participating in offseason work.

2025 Season outlook: Barring some unforeseen uptick in his receiving usage or ability, it’s hard to say that Virgil has a real chance at the 53-man roster this season. Even if there are injuries ahead of him, there are likely five players — Shakir, Coleman, Samuel, Palmer, and Moore — whom I’d call safely ahead of him, and a handful of others—Shenault Jr., Shavers, Hamler, and Prather—whose receiving ability I’d prioritize over Virgil’s.

If Virgil is going to make the roster as WR6, he’ll to be as good as Mack Hollins was last year on special teams, and I’d argue that he’d have to show at least some of the potential as a wideout. My lean for that sixth spot is Shenault Jr. given his prowess as a returner, but it’s possible that Virgil can put himself in position with a strong preseason. Ultimately, I think he’s headed elsewhere or to Buffalo’s practice squad in 2025.
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Source: https://www.buffalorumblings.com/20...wide-receiver-jalen-virgil-2025-nfl-offseason
 
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