The Buffalo Bills enter the 2025 season with championship aspirations once again. With a strong roster and a franchise quarterback secured for the future, expectations are sky-high. But with that comes intense competition for roster spots. As minicamp wraps up, several veteran players find themselves on the roster bubble, potentially edged out by younger, more cost-effective talent. The team’s commitment to building depth and maintaining salary cap flexibility has created a high-stakes environment. With the preseason fast approaching, some of Buffalo’s established names are running out of time to show they deserve a place on the final 53-man roster.
Busy and Strategic Offseason
The Bills’ most significant move this offseason wasn’t bringing in new talent, but restructuring their franchise cornerstone’s deal. They tore up the final four years of Josh Allen’s contract and signed him to a new agreement worth \$55 million per year, including a record-setting \$250 million in guaranteed money. While Allen isn’t a new addition, securing him long-term for less than the top quarterback deal on the market is still a major win for Buffalo.
General manager Brandon Beane and the Bills’ front office rewarded key defensive standouts this offseason, extending cornerback Christian Benford, edge rusher Gregory Rousseau, and linebacker Terrel Bernard—each of whom has become a cornerstone of Buffalo’s defense.
Beyond retaining their core players, the Bills made a high-profile addition by signing five-time Pro Bowler Joey Bosa. The former Chargers star is expected to make an immediate impact on a pass rush that finished tied for 18th in the league with 39 sacks last season. Buffalo also reinforced its defensive line through the draft, selecting the athletic edge rusher Landon Jackson along with SEC defensive tackles TJ Sanders and Deone Walker.
The secondary also received attention, with Beane selecting cornerback Maxwell Hairston in the first round. After Christian Benford’s injury exposed Buffalo’s lack of depth during the AFC Championship Game, bolstering the position was a clear priority.
However, the wide receiver group saw fewer upgrades. The signing of Joshua Palmer may not have generated much buzz, but he brings speed and could become a deep threat for Josh Allen, helping to offset the departure of Mack Hollins and providing added competition in the WR room.
With these moves, Buffalo has built one of its deepest rosters in years—but that depth means tough decisions are ahead. Some veterans could be squeezed out as younger, more affordable talent rises.
Here’s a look at two Buffalo Bills players who may be on the chopping block following 2025 minicamp.
1. Numbers Game May Spell the End
Last offseason, the Bills signed wide receiver Curtis Samuel to a three-year, \$24 million deal, expecting his versatility to bring a new element to Josh Allen’s aerial attack. But after a disappointing debut season in Buffalo, Samuel’s place on the 53-man roster is far from guaranteed.
He wrapped up the 2024 season with just 253 receiving yards and a single touchdown—underwhelming production for a player carrying a 2025 cap hit of over \$9 million. While releasing him would result in minimal cap savings (around \$430,000), the Bills may be willing to absorb that cost in pursuit of a younger, more explosive receiving corps.
Buffalo’s new additions have only increased the pressure on Samuel. Joshua Palmer offers more big-play potential, Elijah Moore brings polish in the slot, and rookie Kaden Prather has impressed during OTAs. It’s not that Samuel can’t contribute—it’s that his value is questionable. In a win-now window, keeping a high-priced receiver with limited impact might be a luxury the Bills can’t justify.
2. Cap Casualty Waiting to Happen?
Defensive tackle DaQuan Jones has been a steady, if unspectacular, contributor on Buffalo’s defensive front since arriving in 2022. However, with the team prioritizing youth and cost-efficiency along the line, the 32-year-old could be a potential roster casualty.
Injuries have hampered Jones’ impact recently—he’s managed just nine starts over the last two seasons after starting all 16 games in 2022. While his leadership and experience are valuable, the NFL is driven by performance and availability, and Jones has struggled to deliver consistently on both fronts.
The Bills’ recent draft strategy suggests a shift in direction. With the addition of three young, high-upside defensive linemen, the team appears focused on injecting fresh talent into the trenches. These rookies bring physical traits that Jones can no longer match and offer a more affordable alternative, putting his roster spot in serious jeopardy.
There’s also a financial consideration. Releasing Jones after June 1 would create \$5.5 million in cap space for the Bills. For a team balancing championship aspirations with tight salary cap limitations, that kind of flexibility could prove essential.
Final Thoughts
The Bills enter the 2025 season with one of the most well-rounded and talented rosters in the league. However, that depth creates difficult choices. Veterans like Curtis Samuel and DaQuan Jones are now under close scrutiny—not necessarily due to poor play, but because the team is shifting its focus toward youth, value, and durability.
Both players have had meaningful contributions throughout their careers, and their experience shouldn’t be dismissed. Still, if younger players and recent additions continue to shine, Buffalo may decide to part ways in favor of a more streamlined and efficient 53-man roster. With training camp fast approaching, time is running out—and there’s little room for missteps.