The Buffalo Bills have carved out a reputation for fortifying their roster by focusing on the foundational aspect of their defense: the trenches. Over recent drafts, they’ve made a concerted effort to bolster their defensive line, bringing in talents such as Ed Oliver, Gregory Rousseau, Boogie Basham, and A.J. Epenesa, all of whom play critical roles as defensive tackles and edge rushers. Adding veteran presence to this mix, they made headlines by signing Von Miller ahead of the 2022 season, marking a significant step in their pursuit of defensive strength.
While the Bills have assembled a formidable lineup, it’s worth noting that while some players are on the cusp of greatness—Oliver stands out as a prime example—none have yet reached truly elite status at their respective positions. Still, there’s no denying the team’s steadfast commitment to this philosophy of building through the front seven.
Looking ahead, the big question is whether General Manager Brandon Beane and his front office will continue this trend in the upcoming offseason.
One player generating buzz is Khalil Mack, the star edge rusher currently with the Los Angeles Chargers. Financial constraints may make it challenging for the Chargers to retain him, which opens the door for Mack to explore free agency come March. If he does indeed hit the open market, speculative chatter hints at a potential reunion with the Bills.
Seth Trachtman of YardBarker notes, “Mack is a likely future Hall of Famer, but the Chargers might not be able to re-sign him this offseason. Teams will still line up for a player with Mack’s talent and pedigree, and he’s a natural fit as a University of Buffalo alum as the Bills possibly lose Von Miller.”
If the Bills do lose Miller, who has been something of a mixed bag since his lucrative sign-on—six years and $120 million—that leaves room for speculation about Mack stepping in as a replacement. The silver lining here is that the structure of Miller’s contract offers the Bills an out, allowing for a cut with a manageable dead cap hit of $15.417 million if they do it before June 1.
Mack would undoubtedly bring a new dimension to the Bills’ pass rush. While he may not quite be the defensive player of the year contender he once was, make no mistake—his ability to wreak havoc remains potent, as evidenced by his impressive 17-sack season just a year ago.
The hope for Bills fans is that the front office has learned from the Miller experience. If they can bring in Mack on a sensible contract—rather than extending massive financial commitments to another aging pass rusher—this addition could inject new life into their defensive unit. Such a move would significantly enhance the Bills’ outlook as they gear up for the 2025 season, potentially making their pass rush one of the more fearsome in the league once again.
