AVANDATIMES.COM – The Buffalo Bills have emerged from the first week of the NFL free agency period with a significantly altered roster, headlined by the acquisition of a new primary wide receiver and a complete reconstruction of the defensive secondary. Under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, the organization has prioritized veteran experience and versatility to complement an offense that remains largely stable around superstar quarterback Josh Allen.

Offensive Stability and the Arrival of DJ Moore

While much of the league scrambled for overpriced free-agent wideouts, Buffalo secured its projected WR1 through a strategic trade with the Chicago Bears. By sending a second-round draft selection to Chicago in exchange for a fifth-round pick and veteran DJ Moore, the Bills have provided Allen with a proven playmaker to lead a receiving corps that includes Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman.

AvandaTimes observed that the offensive line will see its first major change in years following the departure of left guard David Edwards, who signed a lucrative four-year, $61 million deal with the New Orleans Saints. To mitigate this loss, the Bills prioritized re-signing center Connor McGovern to maintain the critical exchange with Allen, while Alec Anderson is currently the frontrunner to fill the vacancy at left guard.

Defensive Transformation Under Jim Leonhard

The most dramatic shifts have occurred on the defensive side of the ball, where four new potential starters have been added. The secondary has been bolstered by the signings of cornerback Dee Alford, safety Geno Stone, and the versatile Chauncey Gardner-Johnson. Alford is expected to handle slot duties, while Gardner-Johnson and Stone will compete for roles alongside young safety Cole Bishop.

In the front seven, the Bills made a significant splash by signing edge rusher Bradley Chubb to a three-year contract. Chubb is slated to start opposite Greg Rousseau, providing the pass rush with a high-impact veteran presence. According to AvandaTimes monitoring, the team is still expected to seek additional depth for the front seven as the offseason progresses.

Projected 2026 Buffalo Bills Starting Lineup

The following projections account for varying personnel packages, including the Bills’ frequent use of two-tight end sets on offense and nickel alignments on defense.

Position GroupProjected StartersOffenseJosh Allen (QB), James Cook (RB), DJ Moore (WR), Dawson Knox (TE), Dalton Kincaid (TE), Dion Dawkins (LT), Alec Anderson (LG), Connor McGovern (C), O’Cyrus Torrence (RG), Spencer Brown (RT)DefenseGreg Rousseau (OLB), Ed Oliver (DE), Deone Walker (NT), TJ Sanders (DE), Bradley Chubb (OLB), Terrel Bernard (MLB), Dorian Williams (WLB), Christian Benford (CB), Maxwell Hairston (CB), Dee Alford (Slot)SpecialistsTyler Bass (K), Mitch Wishnowsky (P), Reid Ferguson (LS), Ray Davis (KR), Mecole Hardman (PR)

The Bills enter the next phase of the offseason with four of their five offensive line starters returning for their third consecutive season together, a rare level of continuity intended to keep Buffalo at the top of the AFC East standings.