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Bills' DT Must Prove Himself to Remain on Roster Under New Regime
DeWayne Carter faces an uncertain future as the Bills transition to a new coaching staff and defensive system.
Published on Feb. 14, 2026
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With the Buffalo Bills entering the 2026 season under a new head coach and defensive coordinator, defensive tackle DeWayne Carter will have to prove himself in order to remain on the roster. Carter, a 2024 third-round pick, has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play in his first two NFL seasons. The Bills are expected to switch to a 3-4 defensive scheme under new DC Jim Leonhard, which could further jeopardize Carter's standing on the team.
Why it matters
The Bills are undergoing a significant transition with a new coaching staff, and players like DeWayne Carter will need to adapt quickly to the changes in order to secure their roster spots. Carter's future with the team is uncertain, and his ability to prove his worth in the new defensive system could determine whether he remains in Buffalo or becomes another of the team's draft picks that fails to pan out.
The details
Carter recently discussed his excitement to work with new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, who is expected to implement a 3-4 defensive scheme rather than the 4-3 the Bills ran under former head coach Sean McDermott. Carter missed the entire 2025 season due to an Achilles injury and will need to demonstrate he can return to full health and productivity in order to earn a spot on the Bills' roster for 2026.
- Carter tore his Achilles tendon before the start of the 2025 season, resulting in him missing the entire year.
- The Bills hired Joe Brady as their new head coach and Jim Leonhard as their new defensive coordinator for the 2026 season.
The players
DeWayne Carter
A 2024 third-round draft pick of the Buffalo Bills who has struggled with injuries and inconsistent play in his first two NFL seasons.
Joe Brady
The new head coach of the Buffalo Bills, hired for the 2026 season.
Jim Leonhard
The new defensive coordinator of the Buffalo Bills, hired for the 2026 season and expected to implement a 3-4 defensive scheme.
What they’re saying
“I haven't got to speak to Coach Leonhard yet, I'm hoping to when I go back to Buffalo. When I'll meet him. Introduce myself and get an idea of what we're going to do next year.”
— DeWayne Carter, Bills Defensive Tackle (The Sick Podcast)
“Obviously, coming from the Broncos, they're another great defense. Specifically that front. That front was unreal. Those guys get after it every down—run, pass, whatever. They get after it. So, I'm excited to see what he brings from that as well, mixing it up with us and the guys we got in our room.”
— DeWayne Carter, Bills Defensive Tackle (The Sick Podcast)
What’s next
The Bills will evaluate DeWayne Carter's progress and performance throughout the offseason and training camp as he looks to prove he can fit into the team's new defensive scheme under coordinator Jim Leonhard.
The takeaway
DeWayne Carter's future with the Bills is uncertain as the team undergoes a coaching change and defensive system overhaul. He must demonstrate he can return to full health and productivity in order to earn a roster spot, highlighting the challenges players face when a new regime takes over an NFL franchise.
