The Buffalo Bills have been one of the best NFL teams in recent years, posting four consecutive seasons with double-digit wins and winning the AFC East the past three seasons. Months away from the 2023 NFL season, some believe the Bills could be under threat in the fall.
Buffalo had a relatively quiet offseason, adding players like running back Damien Harris and guard Connor McGovern while losing linebacker Tremaine Edmunds. While the Bills’ moves were restricted by limited cap space, the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets made marquee additions.
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Miami acquired All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey, hired renowned defensive coordinator Vic Fangio and further strengthened its defense with linebacker David Long Jr. After having one of the best NFL offenses in 2022, the Dolphins are projected to be a more well-rounded team this fall with one of the best NFL defenses in 2023.
- Buffalo Bills playoff record (2017-’22): 3-5
It will arguably be an even better offseason for the Jets. New York is poised to acquire four-time NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers, providing stability at a position lacking it for over a decade. Meanwhile, the Jets added wide receivers Allen Lazard and Mecole Hardman and is favored to land Odell Beckham Jr. later this spring. As the Dolphins and Jets rise, some around the NFL see mounting pressure on the Bills.
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Speaking to Mike Sando of The Athletic, a prominent NFL executive said he believes Buffalo could be under additional pressure this season with the AFC East improving.
“That is how I feel, and you have to throw in the abrupt departure of (defensive coordinator) Leslie Frazier for the year. There are some holes there. I think they are going to be feeling a lot of heat, with the Jets and Dolphins closing the gap.”
Anonymous NFL executive on the Buffalo Bills
Buffalo appeared to be an emerging NFL power in 2020, with quarterback Josh Allen emerging as a perennial NFL MVP candidate and a talented core emerging. Following the 38-24 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game, many expected the Bills to make the final leap the following year.
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They fell short in the AFC Divisional Round, losing in overtime to Kansas City. Buffalo responded by adding future Hall of Fame edge rusher Von Miller last offseason, leading to many labeling them as the favorites to win the Super Bowl.
Buffalo finished the regular season with a 13-3 record but then suffered a first-round playoff exit, losing 27-10 at home to the Cincinnati Bengals. Now, the Bills’ toughest competition in the division has greatly improved and Buffalo’s roster is aging.
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As multiple NFL executives told The Athletic, the Bills’ window for contention remains open as long as Allen is under center. With just $1.465 million in cap space next year, though, it will be imperative for the Bills to make a deep playoff run in the upcoming season.