The Buffalo Bills, coming off a seventh consecutive playoff disappointment, made changes in four key areas that were seemingly in need of upgrades.
Three of the moves came on the defensive side of the ball, beginning with new coordinator Jim Leonhard. The former Bills’ safety, who was on the Denver Broncos’ staff last year, is spearheading an overhaul in Orchard Park.
First-year head coach Joe Brady’s ability to bring Leonhard on board could wind up being the most impactful addition of the offseason for an organization that has averaged 12+ wins per year since 2020. As Leonhard transitions the Bills’ defense to a 3-4 front, general manager Brandon Beane secured a couple of notable chess pieces to help.
On offense, Buffalo added a difference-maker to the receiving corps — another necessary move that should pay dividends.
In order of potential impact, here are the Bills’ top four additions for 2026.
1 — Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard
The Bills’ defense became stale under prior head coach Sean McDermott, repeatedly failing to deliver in the playoffs.
After moving on from McDermott, Buffalo found an exciting, ascending coach, who knows the market, to lead the defensive makeover. Leonhard, a 10-year NFL veteran, spent six seasons in charge of Wisconsin’s defense prior to landing in Denver in 2024. He also spent one season (2022) as the interim head coach at his alma mater.
“I think Jim Leonhard’s going to really help the defense be much more aggressive than what they’ve been,” said CBS senior analyst Pete Prisco on One Bills Live.