The Buffalo Bills have been among the most busy teams in the NFL this off-season. After falling short in the postseason (again), they decided to move on from head coach Sean McDermott. To replace him, they promoted Joe Brady from offensive coordinator to head coach, which led to drastic changes on their coaching staff as well.
Notably, defensive coordinator Bobby Babich was not retained and allowed to pursue an opportunity with the Green Bay Packers. He was replaced by Denver Broncos pass game coordinator and assistant head coach Jim Leonhard, one of the brightest young up-and-coming defensive minds in the game.
Following this changes, the Bills were able to focus on retooling their roster, and many believe they may finally have the makings of a Super Bowl contender.
Buffalo Bills roster named third-best in the NFL amid free agency
Buffalo Bills, Josh Allen, NFL, NFL free agency
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen keeps the ball and gets about five yards on the play during first half action at Empower FIeld at Mile High in Denver, Colorado on Jan. 17, 2026.
NFL free agency has not really ended, but last week saw the biggest names (mostly) signed off the market. Indeed, the next significant moves any team will make are likely going to be in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Indeed, the Bills have been busy, having traded for wide receiver DJ Moore and signing Pro Bowl pass rusher Bradley Chubb (among other transactions).
And Bleacher Report believes that the work they have put into their roster thus far has made it the third-best in the NFL:
“The Bills have suffered playoff heartbreak year after year, but their loaded rosters are the reason they’ve been Super Bowl contenders. Chubb, Gardner-Johnson and Stone could help them find a breakthrough.
“The Bills’ defensive acquisitions pushed them ahead of the Philadelphia Eagles for the No. 3 spot.”
There is no doubt that Buffalo has better defensive players now following the start of free agency than they did before. Undoubtedly, Chubb and CJ Gardner-Johnson will have immediate and profound impacts on the Bills defense.
This all being said, the main reason why these players are going to have the level of impact that they will is because of Leonhard, the new defensive coordinator. By promoting Brady to head coach, the Bills signaled that they are more than confident in his offensive abilities and the way the team plays centered around quarterback Josh Allen.
The main difference, then, is bringing in Leonhard to reshape and perfect the defense. A former defensive coordinator and interim head coach at Wisconsin, the former Bills star has a reputation for getting more out of his players than anyone thought possible. He also is considered one of the best teachers of the game among the coaching ranks.
If this Bills roster is better because of their defensive signings, the addition of Leonhard cannot be understated in its importance this off-season.
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