The Buffalo Bills enter the 2025 NFL season amid high expectations but also significant controversy surrounding a crucial $12.6 million signing. Quarterback Josh Allen leads a team bolstered by key additions, yet the defensive choices made by head coach Sean McDermott have sparked debate, casting doubt on Buffalo’s Super Bowl aspirations. As contract disputes and suspensions deepen uncertainties, the Bills’ challenge to reach the championship stage faces serious obstacles.
Buffalo Arrives as a Contender Despite Lingering Team Challenges
The Buffalo Bills are widely recognized as one of the NFL’s top contenders heading into the 2025 season, trailing only teams like the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles in many expert rankings. Coming off a 13-4 record driven by Josh Allen’s MVP-caliber performance, the offense looks more dynamic with new additions Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore joining a receiving corps anchored by Khalil Shakir, who achieved more than 800 yards on 76 catches last season. Rising star Keon Coleman, with 556 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his rookie year, could elevate the unit even further. With such offensive weapons combined with Allen’s adaptability, Buffalo appears primed to compete at the highest level.
NFL analyst Eric Edholm describes the Bills as boasting
“a strong roster, even a borderline elite one,”
adding that
“this remains one of the more talented NFL squads.”
However, despite the offensive firepower, questions remain about the squad’s depth and internal cohesion, threatening to undermine their championship push.
Unsettled Contract Talks with Running Back James Cook Raise Concerns
One pressing issue facing the Bills involves their running back James Cook, who is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025 and is seeking a lucrative extension. With top NFL running backs like Derrick Henry and Saquon Barkley having secured recent multi-year deals, Cook is reportedly aiming for a salary in the neighborhood of $15 million per year, a figure comparable to Henry’s contract but below Barkley’s. Despite Cook’s strong recent performances—with over 1,100 and 1,000 rushing yards in the last two seasons—progress on an extension has stalled.
General Manager Brandon Beane openly acknowledged the stalled negotiations, stating,
“It didn’t lead to anything as far as closing in on a deal, and, so we moved onto the guys we were more on the same page with.”
Cook’s frustration is evident, as he skipped offseason training activities and listed his home for sale, signaling his uncertainty with the franchise. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Cook is “unhappy” and has “disconnected” himself from Buffalo’s environment. When asked about his commitment during minicamp, Cook admitted plainly,
“I like my money. I do, I definitely do. That’s why I’m here.”
However, any extension deal remains elusive as negotiations drag on.
Impact of Defensive Suspensions on Team Stability
The Buffalo Bills’ defense enters the season with significant handicaps, particularly in their pass-rush unit. Last year, Buffalo recorded 39 sacks, ranking near the middle of the league, which exposed a need for improvement. To strengthen their defensive front, the Bills signed defensive ends Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi earlier this year, committing $29.3 million collectively. However, both players are set to miss the first six games due to suspensions related to performance-enhancing drug violations, severely thinning Buffalo’s edge-rushing capability in the early part of the season.
General Manager Brandon Beane explained that the team was aware of Hoecht’s pending suspension before acquiring him, but Ogunjobi’s situation only became clear after he agreed to terms. Consequently, their absence will force other defensive tackles into heavier workloads until both return in week seven, creating uncertainty in a unit that must improve to support Allen’s efforts.
Joey Bosa’s $12.6 Million Contract and Injury Concerns Heighten Scrutiny
Perhaps the most controversial move by Sean McDermott this offseason was signing veteran defensive end Joey Bosa to a one-year, $12.6 million contract intended to bolster the Bills’ pass rush alongside Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa. On paper, Bosa’s resume is impressive, featuring five Pro Bowl selections, an NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award, nearly 350 tackles, and 72 career sacks. However, his recent injury history raises doubts about his ability to impact the team.
Bosa missed 12 games in 2022 after a groin tear and core muscle surgery. The following year, he was sidelined late season with a foot sprain after tallying 6.5 sacks in nine contests. In 2024, despite playing more consistently, Bosa dealt with multiple physical setbacks including a hand injury during a joint practice and a back tweak in the season opener. He also missed offseason training activities due to a calf injury.
Head coach Sean McDermott commented on Bosa’s condition:
“Joey Bosa will not participate today, he pulled a calf. I believe it was late last week, Thursday I believe. So, he’ll be out for, more than likely, the foreseeable springtime, at least, and then we’ll get into training camp, should be good to go by training camp.”
With these injury concerns and the early season suspensions of other defensive players, the effectiveness of Buffalo’s defensive enhancements remains uncertain.
Buffalo’s Prospects Hang in the Balance as Key Issues Demand Resolution
The Bills have assembled an offense that looks poised to challenge for the Super Bowl, powered by Josh Allen’s elite playmaking, an expanded and talented receiver set, and the breakthrough potential of Keon Coleman. However, several unresolved issues cast a shadow over these ambitions. The ongoing contract dispute with James Cook threatens running back stability. Defensive unit suspensions and Joey Bosa’s injury history limit pass-rush depth at a critical juncture. These factors expose cracks in a team otherwise rich with talent and promise.
The decisions made by Sean McDermott, including the $12.6 million investment in Bosa and handling of suspended players, will be closely scrutinized as the season unfolds. For Buffalo to translate their offensive firepower into a championship, swift solutions and resilience will be necessary. The Bills’ ability to navigate these challenges will ultimately determine whether Josh Allen’s brilliance can overcome these obstacles and deliver the franchise its long-sought Super Bowl victory.