After what felt like a different year, the same story played out. The Kansas City Chiefs sent the Buffalo Bills packing once again. After another playoff heartbreak, it’s easy to take many aspects of success for granted, but there was much to be proud of from the Bills this season. So, where does the Bills organization and its fanbase go from here?
Reflection
What’s most likely the most difficult step going forward is for the organization to reflect on why the team came up just short once again.
This year is arguably the most frustrating as the Bills have now been beaten in every way by Kansas City. They’ve lost because of poor coaching and turnovers in the past, but this was not the case this time around. Sean McDermott was aggressive this time going for it on fourth down six times, and the Bills won the turnover battle.
The answer from the organization will likely be viewed under the personnel category adding more talent to the roster as this season was viewed as a retooling year.
Staff Changes
Part of the reflection process also includes making difficult decisions about who stays and goes on a coaching staff. Very rarely will a coaching staff stay completely the same year to year.
Some movement has already occurred with nickels coach Scott Booker heading to New England and re-joining Mike Vrabel. Other coaching names to keep an eye out for are special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley and defensive line coach Marcus West. Both of which have faced exterior criticism from the fanbase. It is also possible that names such as quarterbacks coach Ronald Curry and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer leave for a coordinator position.
Free Agency/Draft
With what was a strapped against the cap 2024 offseason, the Bills will once again have to make do with limited cap space to spend entering the 2025 offseason. The Bills are set to enter free agency with $9.1M in cap space, per Over the Cap. With likely restructures from Josh Allen, Matt Milano, and others, the Bills could have over $30M in cap space. Potential post-June 1 cuts could be Von Miller ($17.44M) and Tyler Bass ($3.65M).
Brandon Beane and his staff will also have to make decisions about free agents such as Amari Cooper, Rasul Douglas, Damar Hamlin, Mack Hollins, Reggie Gilliam, and Ty Johnson.
As it stands now the Bills will have eight draft picks come April, three of which are in the top two rounds. Beane will certainly have flexibility if he would like to move one of his picks or keep it and use the quality of the pick for next year’s team.
With the playoff heartbreak in the past, the Bills must look ahead. After all, if there’s one reason to be optimistic about a future Super Bowl, it is because the Bills have Josh Allen. If the Bills have #17, they will always have a chance.