Bills Overhaul and Coaching Changes Lift Buffalo to No. 4 in ESPN’s 2026 Roster Rankings

Higher external expectations now hinge on the defense's ability to gel under new coordinator Jim Leonhard.

Overview

This offseason the Bills fired Sean McDermott and promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to head coach to preserve offensive continuity.
Buffalo hired Jim Leonhard as defensive coordinator with plans to run a more aggressive, 3-4 influenced scheme.
General manager Brandon Beane reshaped the roster by trading for WR DJ Moore and adding veteran defenders Bradley Chubb, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Dee Alford.
ESPN placed the Bills fourth in its 2026 roster rankings in early July, citing Josh Allen’s dual-threat passing and rushing as the primary reason for the high grade.
The biggest unresolved issues are off-ball linebacker depth behind Terrel Bernard and whether rookies and new veterans can form a cohesive, healthier defense before training camp, which will shape Buffalo’s Super Bowl chances.