Bills Reload With Key Offseason Additions

New defensive coordinator, star receiver, and pass rushers highlight Buffalo's offseason moves.

Apr. 6, 2026 at 1:04am

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The Buffalo Bills, coming off another disappointing playoff exit, made several key offseason additions to address their recent shortcomings. The team hired former Broncos assistant Jim Leonhard as their new defensive coordinator, traded for star wide receiver DJ Moore, and signed free agent pass rusher Bradley Chubb. They also added versatile defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson to bolster their secondary.

Why it matters

The Bills have been one of the NFL's top teams in recent years, but have failed to get over the hump in the playoffs. These offseason moves are aimed at taking the defense to the next level and giving quarterback Josh Allen more offensive weapons to work with.

The details

Leonhard, a former Bills safety, is tasked with overhauling the team's defense and transitioning to a 3-4 scheme. Moore provides a true WR1 target for Allen after the Bills' receiving corps struggled the past two seasons. Chubb, a two-time Pro Bowler, will boost the pass rush, while Gardner-Johnson brings energy and versatility to the secondary.

  • The Bills hired Leonhard as defensive coordinator in January 2026.
  • The team traded for Moore in March 2026.
  • Buffalo signed Chubb and Gardner-Johnson in free agency in March 2026.

The players

Jim Leonhard

The new defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills, Leonhard is a former NFL safety who previously served as the defensive coordinator for the Denver Broncos and interim head coach at Wisconsin.

DJ Moore

A former first-round pick, Moore is an elite wide receiver who the Bills acquired via trade. He has over 8,200 career receiving yards and has made at least 6 touchdown catches in each of the last 4 seasons.

Bradley Chubb

A two-time Pro Bowl pass rusher, Chubb signed a free agent contract with the Bills after missing the 2024 season due to a torn ACL. He had 8.5 sacks for the Dolphins in 2025.

Chauncey Gardner-Johnson

A versatile defensive back, Gardner-Johnson joined the Bills in free agency after winning the Super Bowl with the Eagles. He is known for his high-energy, aggressive style of play.

Josh Allen

The Bills' star quarterback, Allen will look to take the next step with an improved supporting cast around him on both offense and defense.

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What they’re saying

“I think Jim Leonhard's going to really help the defense be much more aggressive than what they've been.”

— Pete Prisco, CBS Senior Analyst

“They got a true dog.”

— LeSean McCoy

“I think everywhere he's gone, he's been a difference maker.”

— Jeffri Chadiha, NFL Media

What’s next

The Bills will look to integrate their new additions during the offseason program and training camp as they prepare for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Bills have made a concerted effort to address their recent playoff shortcomings by upgrading the defense and surrounding Josh Allen with more offensive firepower. These moves position the team to take the next step and compete for a Super Bowl title.