Why the Buffalo Bills should be targeting these 10 players in free agency

BUFFALO, N.Y. — With the 2026 league year set to open in less than two weeks, the Buffalo Bills enter free-agency season facing a familiar reality: limited salary-cap space and a roster that still needs meaningful upgrades. While Brandon Beane is unlikely to chase every headline, the Bills can still be surgical, landing value deals that address glaring holes at wide receiver, linebacker, defensive line and along the interior offensive line. Here are 10 names—ranging from splashy to shrewd—that make sense for Buffalo’s 2026 blueprint.

1. Mike Evans, WR A future Hall of Famer coming off an injury-marred 2025 campaign, Evans would arrive as the instant WR1 Josh Allen has lacked since Stefon Diggs was traded. Critics point to age (32 in August) and health, yet a one- or two-year pact keeps risk minimal while preserving flexibility to double-dip at receiver in April’s draft. Evans’ 6-foot-5 frame and red-zone dominance would diversify an offense that finished 18th in touchdown rate inside the 20.

2. Alec Pierce, WR The Colts hope to re-sign their 25-year-old deep threat, but if Pierce reaches the open market he instantly becomes the top available wideout not named George Pickens. His 2025 line—47 catches, 1,010 yards—averages 21.5 yards per reception and hints at untapped upside. Projected annual price: $20 million-plus. Buffalo would have to creatively restructure contracts, yet the Allen-to-Pierce vertical element could resurrect the NFL’s 14th-ranked passing DVOA.

3. Romeo Doubs, WR Green Bay’s 24-year-old X-receiver posted 55-724-6 last season, out-gaining Bills leader Khalil Shakir (719). Doubs wins at the catch point, blocks with edge and would slot in as an immediate No. 2, allowing Buffalo to hunt alpha traits early in the draft.

4. Wyatt Teller, G If veteran David Edwards prices himself out of western New York, Beane could reunite with the guard he once traded to Cleveland. Teller, 30, is no longer All-Pro caliber but remains a powerful run blocker who enjoys a pre-existing rapport with Allen. A hometown-discount scenario could land him for roughly half of Edwards’ projected $9 million AAV.

5. Shelby Harris, DE/DT Versatility is currency under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, and Harris’ ability to kick inside on passing downs would give Buffalo a different look than last year’s base-heavy fronts. His 7.5 sacks in 2025 were a career best.

6. Leo Chenal, LB Leonhard coached Chenal at Wisconsin and trusts his instincts against the run. The 24-year-old Chiefs ‘backer has a Spotrac valuation of $4.6 million, but market competition could drive the figure higher. Chenal’s downhill style addresses Buffalo’s leaky run defense (4.7 yards per carry allowed, 25th) without asking him to cover slot receivers.

7. Trey Hendrickson, EDGE The ultimate boom-or-boomer. Hendrickson logged 17.5 sacks and All-Pro honors in 2024, then battled injuries and managed only four sacks in seven games last fall. Still two years younger than Von Miller when Buffalo signed the future Hall of Famer in 2023, Hendrickson could command $30 million per year. The front office must weigh that against Miller’s disappointing 36-game tenure, yet the pass rush finished 22nd in pressure rate—evidence that a difference-maker is needed.

8. Boye Mafe, EDGE Seattle’s 26-year-old rotational terror tallied modest sack totals but ranked top-15 in pass-rush win rate. Mafe’s projected $12 million AAV fits the budget better than Hendrickson, and his relentless motor aligns with Leonhard’s culture.

9. D.J. Reader, DT A longtime Bills nemesis during his Houston and Cincinnati days, Reader turns 32 this summer and profiles as a situational run stuffer. With DaQuan Jones, Larry Ogunjobi and Jordan Phillips all ticketed for free agency, Buffalo needs bodies beside Ed Oliver. Reader on a short deal keeps the cupboard stocked without blocking 2024 third-rounder DeWayne Carter’s eventual return.

10. Kaden Elliss, LB Atlanta’s signal-caller on defense amassed 107 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception in 2025, then victimized Buffalo with a forced fumble on Monday Night Football. Falcons GM Ian Cunningham stopped short of guaranteeing Elliss’ return, citing cap constraints. Elliss, 29, isn’t a youth movement, but his leadership and three-down versatility could stabilize a linebacker room currently penciling in second-year convert Joe Andreessen.

Conclusion Buffalo’s championship window remains open as long as Josh Allen is upright, yet the margins are shrinking. By blending calculated gambles (Evans, Hendrickson) with high-floor complements (Doubs, Chenal, Reader), the Bills can stretch every cap dollar and enter the draft free to take the best player available rather than reaching for need. Free agency officially opens March 16; the clock is ticking on Beane to turn fiscal restraint into roster reward.