Bills Face Reality Check as 13 Former Players Remain Unsigned

The Buffalo Bills entered the 2025 season believing they possessed a championship-caliber roster, but the harsh reality of this year's free agency market tells a different story. More than three weeks into the NFL offseason, 13 of the team's 25 unrestricted free agents remain without contracts, a sobering statistic that has prompted serious questions about the organization's talent evaluation.

Among the notable names still searching for new homes are former defensive stalwarts Joey Bosa, A.J. Epenesa, DaQuan Jones, and Larry Ogunjobi. The defensive exodus continued with Jordan Phillips, Matt Milano, Shaq Thompson, and Baylon Spector also finding themselves in limbo. The secondary took perhaps the biggest hit, with veteran safety Jordan Poyer and cornerback Tre'Davious White both unsigned despite their previous contributions to Buffalo's defense.

The offensive side wasn't spared either. Veteran wide receiver Brandin Cooks, who was expected to provide reliable production, remains available. Gabe Davis, another key receiving target, has also failed to secure a deal. Even reliable kicker Matt Prater finds himself without a team heading into the offseason program.

The situation becomes more concerning when examining the circumstances surrounding these departures. Of Buffalo's original 25 unrestricted free agents, only six received new contracts with the Bills, while five found homes elsewhere. The remaining 13 represent a significant portion of last season's roster that other NFL teams have deemed expendable or overpriced.

Perhaps most telling is the case of A.J. Epenesa, who appeared closest to landing elsewhere. The former Bills defensive end had reportedly agreed to terms with the Cleveland Browns, only to have the deal fall through after the team expressed concerns following his physical examination. This development highlights the broader market skepticism surrounding several former Buffalo players.

Buffalo president of football operations Brandon Beane has suggested the possibility of bringing back certain players, particularly Cooks, indicating the team remains open to reunions under the right circumstances. However, the current market dynamics suggest these players may need to wait until training camps approach and team needs become more apparent.

The age factor cannot be ignored in this equation. Many of the unsigned players represent the veteran category, where teams typically exercise more caution regarding long-term commitments. These players often find themselves in holding patterns, waiting for younger options to be exhausted or for injury concerns to create sudden openings.

For the Bills organization, this situation provides a sobering assessment opportunity. The inability of more than half their free agents to attract interest from other franchises raises questions about roster construction and talent evaluation. It suggests that what appeared to be championship-level depth may have been inflated by the team's overall system success rather than individual player excellence.

As the offseason progresses toward training camp, some of these players will undoubtedly find landing spots. Veterans often secure deals closer to the season as teams identify specific needs and younger players prove insufficient. However, the current market silence speaks volumes about how the rest of the NFL viewed Buffalo's supporting cast.

The Bills must use this information constructively as they build toward the 2026 season. Understanding which departures were addition by subtraction versus genuine talent losses will prove crucial for their championship aspirations moving forward.