Former Bills Coach Sean McDermott Faces Scrutiny Over Unsigned Players

McDermott's defensive-focused roster decisions draw praise and criticism as his former players remain unsigned in free agency.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 1:53pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting a football game or match, with sharp, overlapping geometric shapes in muted navy, green, and grey tones, conveying the complex nature of roster management in the NFL.The complex roster decisions of former Bills coach Sean McDermott are reflected in a deconstructed, geometric illustration of the game he once led.Buffalo Today

Former Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott is facing both praise and criticism over the status of many of his former core defensive players who remain unsigned in free agency, weeks after his firing. While some analysts see McDermott's ability to get strong performances out of a group of players that the rest of the NFL doesn't seem to value, others question whether he held onto those players too long.

Why it matters

McDermott's roster decisions and the fate of his former players in free agency provide insight into his coaching philosophy and approach, as well as the ongoing debate over whether he or general manager Brandon Beane had more control over the Bills' roster. This story also highlights the challenges coaches face in building sustainable success in the NFL.

The details

Many of McDermott's former defensive starters, including cornerback Tre'Davious White and linebacker Matt Milano, remain unsigned nearly a month into free agency. Some analysts see this as a testament to McDermott's ability to get the most out of his players, while others question whether he held onto those players too long. The Bills have made some moves to part ways with former key players, releasing cornerback Dane Jackson and safety Taylor Rapp, and trading nickel cornerback Taron Johnson to the Las Vegas Raiders. However, the team has also brought back safety Damar Hamlin on a one-year deal.

  • McDermott was fired by the Bills in January 2026.
  • Free agency began in March 2026.

The players

Sean McDermott

The former head coach of the Buffalo Bills, who was fired in January 2026 after leading the team to five straight AFC East division titles but failing to advance beyond the AFC Championship game.

Terry Pegula

The owner of the Buffalo Bills, who fired McDermott citing the team's inability to get over the hump in the competitive AFC.

Tre'Davious White

A cornerback who was a core defensive player for the Bills under McDermott's tenure.

Matt Milano

A linebacker who was a core defensive player for the Bills under McDermott's tenure.

Damar Hamlin

A safety who was a key reserve for the Bills, filling in as a starter during injuries and serving as a regular on special teams.

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What they’re saying

“McDermott really made a league average defense out of a bunch of guys no one else wants.”

— Joe DiBiase, Reporter

“This isn't just about the fact that Bosa's brother, Nick, is one of the premier edge rushers in the NFL and locked in long term with the 49ers, although that doesn't hurt. Bosa had a bit of a resurgence last year in Buffalo, playing in 15 games, his most since 2021. He also made an impact, tallying five sacks and leading the league with five forced fumbles.”

— Saad Yousuf, Reporter

What’s next

It remains to be seen where some of McDermott's former defensive core players will end up, as teams continue to evaluate their options in free agency.

The takeaway

McDermott's roster decisions and the fate of his former players in free agency highlight the ongoing debate over his coaching philosophy and approach, as well as the challenges coaches face in building sustainable success in the NFL. While some praise his ability to get the most out of his players, others question whether he held onto those players too long, leading to their current unsigned status.