Bills players poised for a breakout season in 2024

Kincaid was drafted in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft and made an immediate impact in his first year with Buffalo.

His versatility as a receiving-tight end allowed him to line up in various positions while providing a reliable go-to target with elite hands to QB Josh Allen.

His role only increased as the season went on and OC Joe Brady took the reins of play calling on offense, and with a full year under Brady, he stands to increase his contributions further.

The second-year pro will have the opportunity to take on some of the workload and productivity of previous Bills such as WR Stefan Diggs and WR Cole Beasley, while carving his own niche as well.

The Bills have been looking to run more two tight end sets that, along with the departure of receivers like Diggs and Gabe Davis, could see an increase as well for Kincaid and TE Dawson Knox.

GM Brandon Beane has added a flush of 6’4 targets to the Bills’ passing game over the past two seasons, and the tight-end duo will represent the two biggest targets of that stature with the most experience with Brady and catching passes from Allen.

Samuel had a career year under Brady in Carolina, racking up over 1,000 all-purpose yards playing at the receiving and running back positions. 

And he was one of three receivers along with Robby “Chosen” Anderson and DJ Moore to put up at least 1,000 yards that season with QB Teddy Bridgewater under center, no less.

Brady has made it publicly known in the press and on the field in preseason play that the plans to use Samuel in the same diverse capacity.

Beane brought Samuel in on a three-year pact as the team’s biggest free agent signing this offseason to give Brady and the Bills a player with elite burst off the catch and speed on the ground who can give them their own Tyreek Hill-like weapon on offense.

With Samuel reuniting with Brady he figures to be a frequent part of Buffalo’s offensive attack, which could see him become a breakout candidate.

Rousseau came to Buffalo as a 2021 first-round draft pick with a lot of buzz surrounding his big frame and potential impact as a part of Buffalo’s defense.

His development has seen a steady increase each season as he enters the end of his rookie contract, and his sample size of preseason play against Russell Wilson and the Steelers suggests both that 2024 might be his breakout season, as well as that it might be best for the Bills to sign him to a new deal sooner than later.

Inside linebacker Matt Milano missed much of last season with an injury, and in his absence, LB Terrel Bernard emerged as a solid contributor while Williams saw rotation gameplay as well.

When Williams was drafted, his speed and full range of field coverage abilities were compared to that of Milano, whom the second-year linebacker said at the time that he’s modeled his playing style after.

With Milano now again set to miss at least a couple of months with an injury that could sideline him until December or all season, Williams will again have the opportunity to play in regular-season contests. That increased playing time along with his skill set could make him a breakout candidate this season.

While injuries to starters are never the ideal door to playing time, it is one that is open for Bishop to come in and make a difference.

With veteran safety Micah Hyde’s playing future still unknown, and fellow vets Taylor Rapp and Mike Edwards also slotted into the rotation at the safety position, he’ll have competition for playing time.

It’s unknown yet how much playing time the rookie will see in his first season with the Bills, but with his pro-ready skill set and speed and tackling abilities, he does figure to see the field in his first season with Buffalo and could earn his way into opportunities to make an impact.