Bills Sign Quarterback, Wide Receiver to Offseason Roster

Buffalo adds depth at key positions after playoff exit

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

The Buffalo Bills have signed quarterback Shane Buechele and wide receiver Jalen Virgil to one-year reserve/future contracts, adding depth to their roster ahead of the 2026 NFL season. This comes after the Bills' 12-5 season ended in a playoff exit, despite another strong year from star quarterback Josh Allen, who recently signed a record-breaking $330 million contract extension.

Why it matters

The Bills are looking to retool their roster after falling short in the playoffs, and the additions of Buechele and Virgil provide competition and depth at key positions. With Allen locked in long-term, the Bills are focused on building a more complete team around their franchise quarterback.

The details

Buechele, 28, spent much of the 2025 season on the Bills' practice squad before a late-season stint with the Kansas City Chiefs, where he saw game action. He returns to Buffalo with familiarity in the system and could compete for backup quarterback duties behind Allen. Virgil, 27, originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and spent time on Buffalo's practice squad before seeing limited action in the 2024 and 2025 seasons. He will look to earn a larger role in the Bills' receiving corps.

  • In March 2025, the Bills signed Josh Allen to a six-year, $330 million contract extension.
  • The Bills finished the 2025 season with a 12-5 record and a playoff berth.

The players

Josh Allen

The Bills' star quarterback who recently signed a record-breaking $330 million contract extension, keeping him under contract through the 2030 season.

Shane Buechele

A 28-year-old quarterback who spent time on the Bills' practice squad in 2025 and will compete for a backup role behind Allen.

Jalen Virgil

A 27-year-old wide receiver who has spent time on the Bills' practice squad and will look to earn a larger role in the team's receiving corps.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must continue to build a strong roster around Josh Allen to give us the best chance at success. Adding depth at key positions like quarterback and wide receiver will be crucial as we look to bounce back from our playoff exit.”

— Brandon Beane, Bills General Manager (Bills Press Release)

What’s next

The Bills will continue to evaluate their roster and make additional moves during the offseason as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Bills are committed to surrounding their star quarterback Josh Allen with the necessary talent to make a deep playoff run, and the additions of Buechele and Virgil are the first steps in that process as they look to retool their roster after a disappointing postseason exit.