The Buffalo Bills roster battles ebbed and flowed frequently throughout training camp and the preseason, mostly because of key injuries. Now, general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott have to choose their final 53 players for the 2024 NFL season.
Buffalo announced its first wave of seven cuts on Sunday. The most notable name was linebacker Deion Jones. He was signed in free agency as a potential reserve linebacker, but the veteran failed to impress. The other releases must come before 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday.
This is the fourth Bills roster forecast of the offseason. Here are the first three for a look at how things have evolved over the past few months:
The Bills open the regular season on Sept. 8 when they welcome the Arizona Cardinals to Highmark Stadium.
2024 Buffalo Bills Roster 53-Man Projection (v4.0; Final Cuts)
Quarterbacks (2): Josh Allen, Mitchell Trubisky
Trubisky is in a race against time to recover from a knee injury before Week 1. The 2017 second-overall pick struggled throughout the summer, even before the injury, though. It’s unlikely the Bills will keep Ben DiNucci over him initially, but the backup role behind Josh Allen could still change hands if a more reliable veteran becomes available after cut-down day.
Running Backs (4): James Cook, Ty Johnson, Ray Davis, Reggie Gilliam (FB)
The running back room outlook has remained consistent since the Bills selected Davis in the draft. Fellow rookie Frank Gore Jr. was impressive in the preseason finale against the Carolina Panthers and would be a strong No. 4 RB candidate if Buffalo can sneak him onto the practice squad.
Wide Receivers (6): Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins, Tyrell Shavers
It’s possible Buffalo only keeps five wideouts. Nobody in the race for the sixth spot blew the doors off the audition. That said, Shavers has some untapped potential and can contribute on special teams. Samuel and MVS are dealing with injuries, which could lead to a veteran free-agent signing before Week 1.
Tight Ends (3): Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Quintin Morris
No changes here throughout the summer despite a strong showing from Zach Davidson. If the Bills can retain Davidson on the practice squad throughout the year, it’s possible he’s elevated to the main roster in 2025 with Knox being released in the offseason.
Offensive Line (10): Dion Dawkins, David Edwards, Connor McGovern, O’Cyrus Torrence, Spencer Brown, Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Alec Anderson, Ryan Van Demark, La’El Collins, Tylan Grable
The Bills offensive line opened the preseason with a total dud against the Chicago Bears. While the group did improve over the next two exhibition games, keeping an extra lineman could be in the cards to ensure there’s enough depth if the struggles return. Collins and Grable make the cut over a large group of other contenders.
EDGE (5): Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, Von Miller, Dawuane Smoot, Javon Solomon
Miller didn’t play in the preseason but there were some promising signs throughout camp that suggest he could bounce back after a miserable 2023. If he does, the Bills roster should feature one of the NFL’s most productive edge-rushing groups.
Defensive Tackles (4): Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, DeWayne Carter, Austin Johnson
If the Bills trim an extra offensive lineman, there’s a good chance the spot is used to keep DeShawn Williams as an added option on the defensive interior. Carter looked ready to make any immediate impact as a rookie, however, so it’s probably not a necessity.
Linebackers (5): Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Baylon Spector, Nicholas Morrow, Joe Andreessen
Matt Milano suffered a biceps injury that’s expected to sideline him until December. The expectation after that was the Bills roster would feature an extra linebacker. Andreessen’s breakthrough likely altered the plans again, though. Bringing the number back to five helps the depth elsewhere.
Cornerbacks (6): Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford, Taron Johnson, Kaiir Elam, Daequan Hardy, Ja’Marcus Ingram
Perhaps the most productive group throughout camp and the preseason. The Bills’ corners are under more pressure this season without the longtime safety tandem of Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer working behind them. They appear ready for the challenge.
Safeties (5): Cole Bishop, Taylor Rapp, Mike Edwards, Damar Hamlin, Cam Lewis
After an injury-plagued summer, the Bills are finally getting healthy at safety with Week 1 on the horizon. It’s still unclear who will start against the Cardinals, but the Bishop-Rapp combination has the most playmaking upside over the long haul. Lewis is a hybrid safety-slot corner who will provide depth in both roles.
Kicker (1): Tyler Bass
Bass missed a 51-yard field goal attempt Saturday against the Panthers. It capped a forgettable summer for the kicker, who regularly missed kicks in practice. The Bills have stood firmly behind him so far, but that could change if the inconsistency carries into the regular season.
Punter (1): Sam Martin
Martin also hasn’t enjoyed the most productive preseason preparations. Unlike Bass, he at least ended the exhibition slate on a high note with an average of 50 yards on three punts Saturday. That should give him a firm spot on the Bills roster to open the new campaign.
Long Snapper (1): Reid Ferguson
In the past, the Bills have released Ferguson during final cuts merely to create an extra roster spot while sorting through early injured-reserve placements and other technicalities. He’s always re-signed before the opener and the same will be true here. He’s one of the league’s best in the specialty role.
Main Image: Tina Maclntyre-Yee – USA Today Sports
