Feb. 11, 2026, 6:58 p.m. ET

The Buffalo Bills ended their 2025 campaign feeling like an opportunity had been missed. Buffalo put together another strong season, ending the year with 12 wins. However, losses to New England, Miami, and Atlanta doomed the Bills, causing them to drop from the top of the AFC East standings for the first time in five seasons. 

The Bills season, once again, ended heartbreakingly. Buffalo could not finish the job in the AFC Divisional Playoff Round, falling to the Denver Broncos in overtime. 

Buffalo started their offseason with a bang, firing head coach Sean McDermott after nine seasons at the helm. Owner Terry Pegula highlighted McDermott’s inability to get the team to the Super Bowl as a primary reason for moving on from arguably the franchise’s second-best coach behind Marv Levy. 

This series of articles will explore each positional group ahead of free agency. This edition will focus on the Bills secondary.  

Season ReviewTampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Yaya Diaby heads towards Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen who was just getting the snap during first half action against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Nov 16, 2025 at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park. Guarding Allen are Buffalo Bills guard David Edwards and offensive tackle Dion Dawkins.

The one word that is often associated with the Bills offensive line is continuity. The unit grew under the guidance of position coach Aaron Kromer. Buffalo sported two solid tackles in Dion Dawkins and Spencer Brown. Dawkins, in particular, is consistently ranked among the best left tackles in the game. 

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The interior of the line was solid. Connor McGovern, David Edwards, and O’Cyrus Torrence were a force in the middle of the line. 

The group helped the Bills lead the NFL in rushing this season. Buffalo rushed for 30 total touchdowns. 

The one big change in the unit: the number of sacks conceded increased substantially over the past year. Josh Allen was sacked 40 times last year. As good as the unit has been, the uptick in hits that Josh Allen received was a problem this year. 

ContractsDec 29, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) and guard Connor McGovern (66) at the line of scrimmage in the third quarter against the New York Jets at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn ImagesNick Broecker–through 2026O’Cyrus Torrence–through 2026Dion Dawkins–through 2027Travis Clayton–through 2027Tylan Grable–through 2027Sedrick Van Pran-Granger–through 2027Spencer Brown–through 2028Chase Lundt–through 2028

Pending free agents:

Connor McGovernDavid EdwardsAlec Anderson (RFA)Ryan Van Demark (RFA)Big QuestionBills offensive linemen Spencer Brown and O'Cyrus Torrence create a hole for running back James Cook during second half action at Highmark Stadium on Nov. 3, 2024.

Who will replace the incumbents? 

Edwards and McGovern are on track to sign a big free agent payday this offseason. Buffalo’s cap situation leaves virtually no room for the Bills to bring back the veterans. 

The Bills have some possible options to replace the duo. Alec Anderson can play guard and center, while Sedrick Van Pran-Granger has more experience at center. It’s a bit unnerving that the Bills may have to start two inexperienced linemen as a part of this group, especially after seeing Josh Allen get banged around this year. 

Buffalo could look to sign a veteran free agent. However, they will be looking at the bargain bin for lineman, hoping to find a cost-effective option for line. 

Draft status

There’s a good chance that Buffalo will add to their offensive line at some point in this year’s draft. The offensive line is a lower priority in the draft for the Bills at this time, as Buffalo needs to address several other spots on this roster via the draft. However, if Buffalo can add a player or two with m