Buffalo Bills Sign WR and QB Weeks Ahead of Free Agency

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The Buffalo Bills have signed wide receiver Jalen Virgil and quarterback Shane Buechele to reserve/future contracts, bringing both players back to the team weeks before the start of free agency. Virgil spent time on the Bills' practice squad in 2024 and was later signed by the Arizona Cardinals, while Buechele spent most of the 2025 season with the Bills before being signed by the Kansas City Chiefs late in the year.

Why it matters

These early roster moves by the Bills indicate the team is already planning for the 2026 season and looking to solidify depth at key positions like wide receiver and quarterback ahead of free agency. With backup QB Mitch Trubisky set to hit the open market, Buechele could be a more cost-effective option to retain as Josh Allen's understudy.

The details

Virgil, 27, was initially signed to the Bills' practice squad in 2024 and appeared in seven games that season. He was later released and signed to the Cardinals' practice squad. Buechele, 28, spent the majority of the 2025 season on the Bills' roster before being signed by the Chiefs late in the year due to injuries. He appeared in one game for Kansas City, completing 7 of 14 passes for 88 yards.

• The Bills signed Virgil and Buechele to reserve/future contracts on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.
• Virgil was on the Bills' practice squad in 2024 and later signed with the Cardinals.
• Buechele spent most of the 2025 season with the Bills before being signed by the Chiefs in late December.

What’s next

The NFL's new league year is set to begin on March 11, when free agency will officially open. The Bills will need to determine if they want to re-sign backup QB Mitch Trubisky, who is projected to make $4.4 million on the open market, or if they will go with the less expensive option in Buechele.