Buffalo Bills
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Buffalo Bills helmet on the sidelines before a game.
The Buffalo Bills are viewing the 2025 season as an opportunity to reach the Super Bowl finally.
After many years of trying to return to the big game, Buffalo has positioned itself well to attempt to get back to playing on the second Sunday in February.
Buffalo has one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL in Josh Allen, and whenever he takes the field, the team has a chance of pulling off a win, no matter what team they go up against.
While the Bills are looking ahead to the 2025 season, it’s never too early to consider the potential moves the team could make for 2026.
James Cook Could Be Leaving Buffalo In 2026
One big decision Buffalo will need to make next year is what to do with running back James Cook.
Cook is in the final year of his contract and, as of now, has not agreed to any long-term deal.
It has been believed that Cook is asking for $15 million a season, which would be a steep price for the team to pay.
If this is Cook’s last season in Buffalo, then the Bills will be looking for a new running back sometime next offseason.
Buffalo could sign a veteran free agent or take a rookie during the NFL Draft, but whoever is the next running back is going to need help on the offensive line to free them up.
The Bills could be looking to add a new center next offseason, with Connor McGovern’s contract potentially expiring in 2026.
The Bills Are Predicted To Draft Jake Slaughter
If Buffalo is looking for a new center, they should go the cheap route and take one in next year’s NFL Draft.Matt Miller from ESPN has the team taking Florida center Jake Slaughter with the No. 32 pick in a 2026 mock draft.
“Buffalo has had solid interior line play in Josh Allen’s tenure as a starting quarterback, but this would be a good place for the Bills to replenish with a starting-caliber player,” Miller wrote. “Slaughter didn’t allow a sack last season and was penalized only twice. He’s already pro-sized at 6-foot-5, 308 pounds, and is a clean pass protector with strength, quickness, and great awareness. Slaughter has the athletic profile to play guard or center in the NFL at a high level.”
Adding a rookie center is an excellent move for the Bills, and if they are picking at No. 32 next year, that likely means they will have won the Super Bowl, which is a fantastic outcome.
Buffalo should look towards 2026 and consider the moves they can make, but they cannot abandon their vision for 2025, as this might be the best chance the team has to win their first-ever Super Bowl.