With the NFL Combine approaching, free agency is also right around the corner—even if it doesn’t quite feel like it yet. The Buffalo Bills will have some difficult roster decisions to make this offseason. Whether through free agency or the draft, general manager Brandon Beane and his staff will have to make moves that could impact several current players.
One player who no longer has to worry about his future is wide receiver Khalil Shakir, who signed a four-year, $60 million contract extension with the Bills on Tuesday. His new deal not only provides the team with financial flexibility but also ensures that Shakir will remain in Buffalo for the next five seasons.
However, several longtime fan-favorites might see their replacements arrive this offseason, whether fans like it or not.
LB Terrel Bernard
When Tremaine Edmunds left Buffalo, it initially seemed like a major void in the middle of the defense. Instead, it created an opportunity for Terrel Bernard to step up and secure a starting role in his second season. Despite missing the preseason and facing little competition from Tyrel Dodson, Bernard took over as the starter and has thrived ever since.
Part of Buffalo’s 2022 draft class—which produced four eventual starters in Bernard, James Cook, Khalil Shakir, and Christian Benford—Bernard has yet to receive a contract extension, unlike Shakir. Given his position, the Bills may look to find a younger linebacker who can take over after 2025.
DT DaQuan Jones
Over the past three seasons, DaQuan Jones has been a key run-stopper, frequently absorbing double teams to free up Ed Oliver and other defenders. However, his 2024 performance wasn’t as strong, at least from an eye-test perspective. Now entering the final year of his contract, it wouldn’t be surprising if the Bills add a young defensive tackle to groom as his eventual successor.
Buffalo already drafted DeWayne Carter last year, but injuries and healthy scratches kept him sidelined for much of his rookie season. While Carter could still develop into Jones’ replacement, the Bills will likely be looking at additional options for the future.
RB James Cook
This one could spark some debate. James Cook isn’t doing himself any favors by making his contract demands public, as he’s reportedly seeking $15 million per year—a number that would make him the second-highest-paid running back in the league.
Brandon Beane addressed the situation at the NFL Combine, noting that while both sides aren’t on the same page right now, that could change. The Bills typically operate a committee backfield, and while rookie Ray Davis showed flashes of promise, he isn’t Cook.
If the Bills even consider moving on from Cook after his rookie deal expires in 2025, they’ll need to find a viable replacement at running back.
LB Matt Milano
Including a player like Matt Milano on this list is painful. He has been the heart and soul of Buffalo’s defense for years, but injuries have become a growing concern. After a season-ending injury in 2023, he suffered a biceps injury before the 2024 season, keeping him sidelined until Week 13.
Once the most valuable player on Buffalo’s defense, Milano is now more of a risk due to his durability issues. The Bills saw glimpses of promise from Dorian Williams in 2024, but it wouldn’t be surprising if they bring in another linebacker to develop into Milano’s long-term replacement.
