The Buffalo Bills were up against the NFL salary cap during the 2024 season. Entering this offseason, that’s likely going to be the situation for the Bills again.
For that reason, it would be surprising if Buffalo is a major player during NFL free agency in March. Bills general manager Brandon Beane confirmed that idea to the media in his end-of-season press conference.
Bills’ Brandon Beane Not Expecting To Make Major Moves in NFL Free Agency
As was the case in 2024, the Bills already have a lot of money tied in contracts with players on the roster. That will prevent Buffalo from doing anything major in free agency.
“Like I said last year, I don’t expect us to be big spenders,” Beane told reporters on Jan. 30.
“Like I said last year, I don’t expect us to be big spenders.”
–#Bills GM Brandon Beane#BillsMafia @BuffaloPlus
— Dan Fetes (@danfetes) January 30, 2025
According to Spotrac, the Bills are more than $8 million over the salary cap heading into 2025. They will need to cut players just to have room to sign the incoming rookie draft class.
In a similar situation last year, the Bills made smart, calculated moves in free agency for veterans such as receivers Mack Hollins and Curtis Samuel. Neither made a huge impact in 2025, but both were solid contributors. In the playoffs, Hollins caught a touchdown in the AFC Championship Game.
The Bills will need to find bargains in free agency. That means, in all likelihood, they will be targeting players more toward the bottom of PFN’s Top 100 NFL free agents list.
Who Could the Bills Target in NFL Free Agency?
The Bills might not be set to go on a spending spree. But after another disappointing playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, the Bills are likely motivated to add a few pieces that could help them end the Chiefs’ reign in the AFC.
Buffalo finished the regular season 17th in net passing yards yielded per attempt and 24th in passing yards and touchdowns allowed. The Bills could target a cornerback or pass rusher to help shore up those areas, and they have to replace veteran cornerback Rasul Douglas, who is an unrestricted free agent this offseason. Buffalo has multiple free agents along its defensive line as well.
Last year, the Bills traded wide receiver Stefon Diggs. While their offense wasn’t as explosive as a result, quarterback Josh Allen still finished third in the PFN QB+ metric.
Still, the Bills could always add another offensive playmaker to help Allen be more dangerous. Buffalo might lose both veteran receiver Amari Cooper and Hollins in free agency.
Douglas was not included on PFN’s Top 100 NFL free agents list. But Cooper was ranked at No. 31 after he had 20 catches for 297 yards and two touchdowns in eight games for Buffalo last season.
The Bills acquired Cooper from the Cleveland Browns at the NFL trade deadline. Cooper finished 2024 with 44 receptions, 547 yards, and four touchdowns overall.
Not expected to spend a lot of money in free agency, the Bills will likely once again count on the draft for significant improvements. Buffalo owns eight selections in the 2025 NFL draft, including a pair of second-round picks.
The Bills could also improve via their 2024 draft class taking significant strides during its second season. Buffalo drafted wide receiver Keon Coleman as its top selection last April.