Bills Face Key Offseason Needs at Wide Receiver, Edge Rusher, and Linebacker

With several key free agents and holes in the roster, the Bills must address multiple positions to support QB Josh Allen

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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The Buffalo Bills have several pressing needs to address this offseason, including wide receiver, edge rusher, and linebacker. The team has struggled to find consistent production at wide receiver since trading Stefon Diggs, and their pass rush has lacked game-changing talent. With key linebackers Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson set to hit free agency, the Bills also need to bolster depth at that position as they transition to a 3-4 defensive scheme under new coordinator Jim Leonhard.

Why it matters

The Bills are coming off another strong season but fell short of the Super Bowl, in part due to their roster deficiencies. Addressing these key positions will be crucial for the team to take the next step and support star quarterback Josh Allen. Failing to do so could leave the Bills vulnerable in their quest to win their first championship since the early 1990s.

The details

At wide receiver, the Bills' top pass-catcher last season was Khalil Shakir with 719 yards, while tight end Dalton Kincaid was the only other player to top 500 yards receiving. The team will likely need to invest significant resources, whether through the draft or free agency, to find a true No. 1 receiver to pair with Allen. On the defensive side, the Bills have struggled to generate consistent pass rush, with only two players recording double-digit sacks since 2016. The transition to a 3-4 scheme under Leonhard will require the team to find the right edge rushers to fit the new system. At linebacker, the Bills are facing uncertainty with Milano and Thompson set to hit free agency, leaving Terrel Bernard and Dorian Williams as the projected starters despite their own injury history and lack of experience.

  • The 2026 NFL Draft will take place in late April.
  • Free agency will open in mid-March.

The players

Josh Allen

The Bills' star quarterback, who is one of the most valuable assets on the team.

Brandon Beane

The Bills' President of Football Operations, who will be tasked with addressing the team's roster needs this offseason.

Jim Leonhard

The Bills' new defensive coordinator, who is expected to implement a 3-4 defensive scheme.

Khalil Shakir

The Bills' leading receiver in 2025 with 719 yards.

Dalton Kincaid

The Bills' starting tight end, who was the only other player to top 500 receiving yards in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“Filling the void in the Bills' wide receiver room won't be easy, but the position can no longer be ignored. It's their top priority, and not adding help would be a disservice to their franchise quarterback.”

— Ben Staker, Author (yardbarker.com)

“With new Bills DC Jim Leonhard likely to implement some 3-4 principles, here's a look at the salary cap impact of moving top-paid defenders through cuts and trades should the new staff feel that is necessary.”

— Nick Veronica (Twitter)

What’s next

The Bills will need to evaluate their options in free agency and the draft to address their needs at wide receiver, edge rusher, and linebacker. Key decisions will include whether to re-sign players like Joey Bosa and A.J. Epenesa, and which draft prospects to target to fill their roster holes.

The takeaway

The Bills have a talented roster led by star quarterback Josh Allen, but they must address several key positions of need this offseason to take the next step and compete for a Super Bowl championship. Failing to do so could leave them vulnerable in a competitive AFC.