By Tuesday, the Buffalo Bills will finalize the 53-man roster for the 2024 NFL season. Most of them are present in the last game with training camp and some exhibition games in the rearview mirror. Now, general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott must decide who makes the final cut. Roster battles are stiff with key injuries and standout performances rounding out the projected lineup. With the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals on September 8, both fans and analysts alike will be keeping a close eye on who will retain a spot on the team.
Buffalo Bills Key Roster Cuts and Decisions
On Sunday, the Buffalo Bills completed the initial wave of cuts, which included releasing veteran linebacker Deion Jones to the streets. Jones was signed via free agency in hopes of strengthening the depth chart at linebacker, but so far he has not been able to practice like that. His release is a reminder of the tough decisions made by the coaching staff this week about balancing potential with present-day production.
The roster has taken many turns throughout the offseason. Many roster projections have been made for the Buffalo Bills, with each roster projection updated according to players’ performances and any eventual injuries. Some of these were a roster projection on June 1, an update on August 9, and another update on August 16. These changes have reflected the shifting needs of the team and its players over time.
Key Positions and Players
Quarterbacks
Josh Allen and Mitchell Trubisky should both be on the list, while Trubisky has been nursing a sore knee. He has not been very sharp this preseason and his backup job would appear safe for any event since Ben DiNucci doesn’t figure to make the final roster unless some more changes occur.
Running Backs
James Cook, Ty Johnson, Ray Davis, and fullback Reggie Gilliam make the roster. Rookie Frank Gore Jr. had a nice preseason and can be in line for the practice squad if he does not make the big roster.
Wide Receivers
Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins, and Tyrell Shavers are in the mix. The Buffalo Bills will probably only hold onto five receivers, with the final spot very likely the one speculatively going to Shaver’s because of his potential special teams contributions.
Tight End, Offensive Line
Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, and Quintin Morris should make it. Zach Davidson had a good enough preseason to likely be retained on the practice squad for future consideration. The Buffalo Bills will likely go into the regular season with 10 linemen, including Dion Dawkins and David Edwards. That is in part because the team must take some depth into the regular season after some putrid showings early in the preseason.
Defense and Special Teams
Defensive Tackles
Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, DeWayne Carter, and Austin Johnson would be on paper. Maybe a spot for DeShawn Williams would be available if the team opts to cut an extra offensive lineman.
Linebackers
Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Baylon Spector, Nicholas Morrow, and Joe Andreessen look primed and ready to go. Matt Milano is currently banged up, and the Bills have some linebacker depth that they have correspondingly changed.
Cornerbacks
The cornerbacks should be Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford, Taron Johnson, Kaiir Elam, Daequan Hardy, and Ja’Marcus Ingram. They must perform well without the duo in the secondary, which comprises veteran safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.
Safeties
Cole Bishop, Taylor Rapp, Mike Edwards, Damar Hamlin, and Cam Lewis will comprise the safety group. On paper, Bishop and Rapp seem to be a good combo for this season.
Special Teams
Kicker: It appears Tyler Bass will stay with the team, despite a shaky preseason. Bass’ regular-season performance remains to be seen.
Punter: Probably safe is Sam Martin, who closed out a solid preseason with a good game. Martin will be a big key to providing field position this season.
Long Snapper: Reid Ferguson should go back as one of the best players in his role, despite having been released for a brief period.
Conclusion
The final roster for the Buffalo Bills is mostly a result of strategic decisions and those influenced by player performance and injuries. As they narrow them to 53, there should be a huge focus on how best to balance talent with potential and immediate needs. The Buffalo Bills will be looking to get off to a good start with the coming season. Fans will be awaiting the final roster to see which players will be playing in the season opener against the Arizona Cardinals.
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