Buffalo Bills Bring Back QB, WR Ahead of Free Agency

Shane Buechele and Jalen Virgil return to the Bills on one-year deals.

Published on Feb. 11, 2026

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The Buffalo Bills have signed quarterback Shane Buechele and wide receiver Jalen Virgil to one-year contracts ahead of the 2026 NFL free agency period. Both players have previous experience with the Bills, with Buechele spending time on the practice squad last season and Virgil appearing in seven games for the team in 2024.

Why it matters

The Bills are looking to bolster their depth at quarterback and wide receiver, positions that have seen some uncertainty for the team. Buechele and Virgil provide familiar faces who can compete for roster spots and potentially contribute on the practice squad.

The details

Buechele was briefly poached from the Bills' practice squad by the Kansas City Chiefs last season but returned to Buffalo before the end of the year. He has limited NFL experience, completing 7-of-14 passes for 88 yards in one game. Virgil played 37 offensive snaps for the Bills in 2024 and has two career receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown from his time with the Denver Broncos.

  • Buechele was on the Bills' practice squad last season.
  • Virgil appeared in seven games for the Bills in 2024.

The players

Shane Buechele

A quarterback who spent time on the Bills' practice squad last season before briefly joining the Kansas City Chiefs.

Jalen Virgil

A wide receiver who appeared in seven games for the Bills in 2024 and has two career receptions for 75 yards and a touchdown.

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What they’re saying

“The 2026 free agency period has not yet begun but the Buffalo Bills are already making moves.”

— Mike Moraitis (sportingnews.com)

The takeaway

The Bills are looking to add depth and competition at key positions ahead of the 2026 season, bringing back familiar faces in Buechele and Virgil on one-year deals. While they may not be guaranteed roster spots, their previous experience with the team gives them a chance to earn a spot on the practice squad or even the active roster.