The Buffalo Bills fell short in addressing their needs at Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, leaving them to rely on their current roster for the remainder of the season.
While the Bills are looking to clinch the Super Bowl in February, it’s never too early to start focusing on what the team needs to work on for next offseason.
What is The Bills’ Biggest Need For 2026
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon wrote about the ‘biggest need for every team in 2026 free agency‘ and has the interior offensive line for the Bills.
“Josh Allen’s Pro Bowl center, Connor McGovern, is a pending free agent, and the Bills are already looking thin at guard,” Gagnon wrote on Friday. “Focus from fans and media will be on the wide receiver position, but Buffalo has plenty of talent there. It’s critical that the line remains steady for Allen and Co.”
Gagnon makes a valid point regarding the Bills’ interior offensive line, which could turn into a weakness next season. McGovern’s three-year, $23.3 million contract is set to expire at the end of this season, and there’s a chance the Bills won’t bring him back.
Buffalo has already invested a significant amount in running back James Cook this offseason, agreeing to a four-year, $48 million deal. This means other areas of the team might not be able to return due to the lack of cap space.
Buffalo has one of the best offensive lines in the NFL, a key factor in its tremendous success over the past few years. If the Bills start losing offesive linemen, then the offense might take a hit, and it doesn’t matter who’s playing receiver because Allen won’t have time to throw the ball.
The Bills may have a better opportunity to strengthen their offensive line in the NFL Draft rather than relying on free agency, especially with so many talented offensive linemen projected to go in the first round.
Who Could Buffalo Target in The 2026 NFL Draft
CBS Sports Draft Analyst Mike Renner published his top 100 prospects for the 2026 NFL Draft as of Wednesday, featuring seven offensive linemen inside his top 32 players.
A name that stands out for the Bills to possibly select late in the first round is Alabama tackle Kadyn Proctor, who Renner has ranked at No. 21, but who is likely to play guard in the NFL.
“Proctor has shown some limitations in pass protection this year and is most likely going to kick inside at the next level outside of a few schemes,” Renner wrote. “You’re still getting the single best lineman at moving people against their will in the run game.”
The Bills need to have a great run-blocking unit, with Cook and Allen being one of the best quarterback/running back duos in the NFL.
The NFL Draft may be some time away. Still, it will be interesting to see how the Bills approach it next season, especially if they need interior offensive linemen as well as positions like wide receiver and cornerback.
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