Retrospect has changed the narrative around the Buffalo Bills’ season. Entering the year, the Bills had the third-best odds to win their division, after making major roster changes in the offseason. However, an MVP year from Josh Allen paved the way for a run to the AFC Championship Game.
Unfortunately, Buffalo came up short once again, prompting changes all across the roster in the offseason. The primary focus, however, was clear. While the offense, thanks to the dual-threat abilities of Allen, was among the best in the league, the defense was left far behind. After rebuilding the unit, one analyst has a final piece of the puzzle in mind.
Can the Buffalo Bills Turn Their Defense Around?
Last season, Buffalo was a below-average defense, ranking 18th on PFSN’s Defense+ metric. In the summer, improving that unit was a clear priority. Starting with free agency, the focus was visibly apparent.
Adding Michael Hoecht, Larry Ogunjobi, Dane Jackson, and Joey Bosa was the first selection of smart moves, especially with head coach Sean McDermott deciding to move on from Von Miller. Their next pitstop came at the 2025 NFL Draft.
Spending six picks on defense, they added cornerbacks Maxwell Hairston, Jordan Hancock, and Dorian Strong, while also adding two defensive tackles in T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker. To round out the group, the Bills also got Combine standouts Landon Jackson on the edge.
However, their work might not be over. With some quality free agents still on the board, Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated put together a list of teams that would be the best imaginable fit for the unsigned free agents.
For the Buffalo Bills, his ideal target was Za’Darius Smith. A decade into his NFL career, Smith has become a true veteran of the sport with three Pro Bowl appearances and an All-Pro selection behind him. Even though not at peak performance anymore, he can still provide some solid contributions.
ONE free agent at every spot I hope #Bills can somehow acquire. YES, I know we can’t get them all.
WR: Josh Palmer
Edge: Za’Darius Smith AND Dante Fowler Jr.
IDL: Sebastian Joseph-Day
CB: Charvarius Ward
S: Andre CiscoRetain Johnson, Gilliam, Hollins, Morris pic.twitter.com/ZpVUppuY1E
— Air Raid | Buffalo (@TheBillsGuys) March 10, 2025
A midseason trade last year to the Detroit Lions proved his value, as he helped Detroit maintain a top-five defense, even with Aidan Hutchinson out for the season. As a result, Manzano believes Smith could work similar magic for the Bills.
“The Bills have already added Joey Bosa, but he has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons and recently injured his calf. Even if Bosa stays healthy when the season arrives, Buffalo still needs depth behind No. 1 edge rusher Gregory Rousseau.”
With an elite offense led by Josh Allen, the biggest hurdle for the Bills last year was the defense. If the improvements of the offseason, including a potential Za’Darius Smith signing, leads to better results on the field, then this could finally be the year Buffalo makes it back to the Super Bowl.
