5 ways the Buffalo Bills can level up in 2025

It’s a popular idea among Bills fans and the press since the veteran went public with a trade request from the Browns.

Garrett is one of the top talents and sack-getters of his generation, adding him would fetch the Bills the type of game-wrecker they’ve sought, and exponentially increase their chances of reaching the Super Bowl.

While the Bills hit on early-round selections like Josh Allen, Greg Rousseau, Dalton Kincaid, and James Cook, they’ve missed on other early-round selections. They also know exactly what they would be getting in a proven commodity like Garrett, who would likely cost a few early current and future draft assets in return.

Even though they may be able to trade up for an impact pass-rush talent in the draft, the cost may not justify the return in ability level. Plus, Garrett lines up on the right which would complete the pass rush with Greg Rousseau who lines up on the left.

While it would take some economic maneuvering and restructuring of contracts and roster to make such a move, these are some of GM Brandon Beane’s specialties.

And while the general public take has been that it would require or signal the end of outside linebacker Von Miller’s tenure in Buffalo, it could be just as likely he stays to round out the pass rush. The flexible approach he’s taken in recent years toward his contract, as well as his desire to remain in Buffalo and compete for a Super Bowl, could compel him to work things out to create cap space and play alongside Garrett in the event of a trade.

Beane does not shy away from making moves to get the talent needed to fill positions, and while it would take some of his BBB-caliber work with the payroll to make it work he and some of the current Bills could make some adjustments that would create that landing spot on Buffalo’s roster.

After all, just like Beane himself has pointed out, a talent like that isn’t available very often. Garrett would be a key addition that could take their team to the next level.

This is the top position the Bills could select as the upcoming NFL Draft class is deep at the position and would be a strong move for Buffalo.

It presents the chance to add the impact talent they’ve been seeking for the defensive line that could elevate the Bills’ trenches to a new level of play.

Regardless of whether the team trades their first-round pick this year in a deal for Garrett, they are in a position to package 2025 and future draft assets to move up in the draft.

Look for Beane and company to go for a defensive tackle early in the draft.

Speed, good hands, and a reliable perimeter threat downfield are missing from the Buffalo passing game.

A strong offseason program could elevate the roles and contributions of receivers Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, and receiving tight end Dalton Kincaid, and re-signing receiver Mack Hollins for another year or two to develop in Joe Brady’s offense and Josh Allen’s passing game would help.

Given his fit with the team, culture, and fan base, free agent receiver Amari Cooper could re-sign on a reasonable deal to compete for a Super Bowl, given the unselfish nature of the offensive players.

Even if all those players are back and taking the next step with the offense, however, the missing piece remains a fast, deep-threat wideout that can make big catches. At this stage of Josh Allen’s career, a veteran like Marquise “Hollywood” Brown at 27 years old fits the bill.

The addition could complete the receiver corps for a competitive window that would also open up the offense for those other targets.

The Bills have a depth need in their defensive backs group which saw some depletion in the playoffs due to injuries.

Former first-round pick Kaiir Elam struggled in relief as a starter. Given the Bills track record of developing players who outside voices often insist they should move on from, Elam’s tenure might continue in Buffalo. He is, however, one of the team’s potential trade candidates.

While a low-cost high-reward addition in free agency, a young talent in the draft, or addition via trade could all be possibilities, Brandon Beane and company have a good record of adding good and versatile secondary talent to the Buffalo roster.

While the likelihood of such a move is unknown, another low-cost, short-term possibility is bringing back former Bills corner Tre White to provide some backup depth, veteran experience, and leadership to the position group.

While Beane does aim to address positions of need in free agency in order to draft the best players available, last year and this year the draft is more where the front office is looking to bring in affordable, cost-controlled talent on four-year rookie contracts.

The Bills could add a defensive back in the early rounds.

For Buffalo, it’s most important while adding personnel this offseason that they hit on their top key positional needs for immediate contributors and difference-makers.

Those positions are pass rush, defensive tackle, receiver, and defensive back.

They have the present and future assets to package to move up in the early rounds of this year’s NFL Draft to add some of those players to maximize their current window.

Buffalo has a single 1st, two 2nd, two 4th, two 5th, and three 6th-round picks.

The Bills are also projected to receive two compensatory draft picks, one in the fourth round for the departure of WR Gabe Davis, and one in the fifth round due to the departure of DE Leonard Floyd.

The linebacker and defensive end groups could see the re-signing of short-term rotation players and the Bills have depth players at those positions and others that can allow them to take a year off from adding developmental talent.

If the Bills sign RB James Cook and other players eligible to extensions, trade for Garrett, or add Brown in free agency, they’ll still have the draft capital and trade chips to move up and add several year-one contributors in the early rounds on cap-friendly rookie deals.