Bills 53-man roster projection: Punter competition, Damar Hamlin trade candidate?
Most of the major parts are set but safety and special teams could have some tough decisions.
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Hello, everyone. It’s been a minute!
After some wonderful time away with our little one, I’m back in full force. But more importantly, we’re back for another rousing rendition of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University.
This year’s team is not the same run-it-back squad we’ve seen year after year. Sure, some of the top names remain, but this is as refreshed of a roster as the Bills have had since Josh Allen took a step forward as the team’s no-doubt-about-it franchise quarterback.
And with it come many questions about how the roster will take shape.
So what better way to dive back into the deep end than with a pre-camp 53-man roster projection?
Here’s how things are leaning heading into camp.
Quarterback (2)
Josh Allen, Mitchell TrubiskyAs soon as the Steelers let Trubisky walk in the offseason, it was only a matter of time before general manager Brandon Beane reunited Josh Allen with one of their better backups over the years. The Bills like Shane Buechele and likely hope to get him on the practice squad again this year.
Cut: Buechele
Running Back (4)
James Cook, Ty Johnson, Ray Davis, Reggie Gilliam (FB)It’s James Cook’s backfield, and now they have some youth and energy with differing skill sets in the two spots behind him. Ty Johnson brings much of what Cook does should Cook miss some time, while Davis brings the physical element to the offense that coach Sean McDermott has longed for over the years while still providing a pass-catching skill set. At least for now, the running back room looks well decided.
Cut: Frank Gore Jr., Darrynton Evans
Wide Receiver (6)
Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Mack Hollins, Justin ShorterThe receiver group was the first inflection point of the roster construction because there were so many new pieces. Shakir, Coleman, Samuel and Valdes-Scantling (fully guaranteed deal with void years) are all likely locks. Hollins and his $1.1 million guaranteed is a pretty good bet, too, though we’ve seen the Bills take the cap hit in the past (see: O.J. Howard) if the player gets outplayed for their final roster. The most challenging call was between Shorter and Chase Claypool, who would play the same position in the Bills offense. I gave the edge to Shorter because he’s signed for three more years on a rookie deal and is more of a special teams player than Claypool. But keep an eye on this group. Things could shift dramatically for those final two spots as camp and preseason go on.
Cut: Claypool, Tyrell Shavers, Andy Isabella, Bryan Thompson, KJ Hamler, Lawrence Keys, Xavier Johnson
Tight End (3)
Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Quintin MorrisAnother training camp and another year with the tight end group having a clearly defined group highly likely to make up the regular season depth chart. Kincaid and Knox are the top two, with Morris being the trusted depth and special teams asset. The team has liked how Tre’ McKitty and Zach Davidson developed, so the practice squad could be in their future.
Cut: McKitty, Davidson
La’El Collins’ guaranteed money might give him the edge on making the final roster. (Bryan M. Bennett / Getty Images)
Offensive Line (10)
Dion Dawkins, David Edwards, Connor McGovern, O’Cyrus Torrence, Spencer Brown, Ryan Van Demark, La’El Collins, Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, Alec Anderson, Tylan GrableThe offensive line was a tough call, not for any of the top nine not making the roster, but with how many would ultimately get included versus another position. Depending on performance, I could see Will Clapp pushing for the final roster, replacing one of Collins or Grable. But the guaranteed money is signaling Collins will get the benefit of the doubt over Clapp. Grable, a 2024 sixth-round pick, is a super athletic offensive tackle prospect. Beane will not mess around by subjecting Grable to waivers if he shows any potential in camp or preseason games. So Gable is the pick for No. 10 for now, taking a spot away from another position. If one or both of Collins or Clapp is outside their final roster plans, don’t rule out a late-August trade to get a future late-round draft pick.
Cut: Clapp, Kevin Jarvis, Richard Gouraige, Mike Edwards, Gunner Britton, Keaton Bills, Travis Clayton
Edge Rusher (6)
Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, Von Miller, Dawuane Smoot, Kingsley Jonathan, Javon SolomonRousseau, Epenesa and Miller are all locks. With $1.75 million guaranteed and four void years attached to lessen his 2024 cap hit, Smoot’s contract makes him a strong bet to make the team, too. The Bills could trim one of Javon Solomon or Kingsley Jonathan to gain a spot elsewhere, though they believe firmly in defensive line depth — especially in young and potentially ascending talent. Solomon, as a 2024 fifth-round pick, is probably on the team no matter what due to his draft status. Jonathan could be the odd man out, but they loved how he played last summer. If he can prove his worth on special teams, it will go a long way to secure a spot. The rest of the cut list likely has an uphill climb to get in roster contention.
Cut: Casey Toohill, Kameron Cline, David Ugwoegbu, Rondell Bothroyd
Defensive Tackle (4)
Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, DeWayne Carter, Austin JohnsonThe Bills only keep four defensive tackles on this projection, but Rousseau’s ability to slide inside to defensive tackle on pass-rushing downs gives them another versatile piece. The top four of Oliver, Jones, Carter and Johnson look like the rotation for the 2024 season, barring injury. DeShawn Williams would be the one on the cut list most likely to push for a roster spot, though his minimal guaranteed money ($15,000) and age (31) make him a prime veteran practice squad candidate.
Cut: Williams, Eli Ankou, Branson Deen, Gable Stevenson
Linebacker (6)
Matt Milano, Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Baylon Spector, Edefuan Ulofoshio, Nicholas MorrowIf the Bills needed a spot at another position, linebacker — and most likely Morrow — would be the one to keep an eye on. He has $750,000 in guaranteed money, but the Bills would save $750,000 on the cap to move on. It all depends on the state of their special teams units and how confident they feel in their young trio of drafted linebackers, Williams, Spector and Ulofoshio, as backups. Deion Jones is a recognizable name with starting experience, though he has no guaranteed money on his deal. He’ll need to outperform both Morrow and players at other positions to earn a spot.
Cut: Jones, Joe Andreessen
Cornerback (5)
Taron Johnson, Rasul Douglas, Christian Benford, Kaiir Elam, Ja’Marcus IngramFive cornerbacks may seem light, but don’t forget about safety Cam Lewis, who is also considered their backup nickel corner. This group came down to Ja’Marcus Ingram, a former undrafted free agent who has spent the past two years in the Bills’ defensive system on the practice squad, versus a 2024 sixth-round pick in Daequan Hardy. I went with Ingram because they would only have three boundary cornerbacks for their depth chart without him. Ingram has practiced both on the boundary and at nickel over the last two years, which helps his case. Hardy’s size may make him a nickel cornerback only, and Lewis being a roster lock hurts Hardy’s cause. However, with a good preseason, Hardy is one of those players who could make someone else at a different position — or even Ingram — susceptible to being cut.
Cut: Hardy, Kyron Brown, Te’Cory Couch, Keni-H Lovely
Safety (4)
Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, Mike Edwards, Cam LewisThe reworked safety room will have Rapp as the locked-in starter, with Bishop, Edwards and Lewis all vying to be the other starter to begin the year. The big question is if they’ll have a spot to keep Damar Hamlin. Hamlin’s gameday role last year was mostly a healthy scratch. On the final year of his rookie deal, the Bills could move on at final cuts. Hamlin might also be a trade candidate.
Cut: Hamlin, Kendall Williamson, Dee Delaney
Specialists (3)
Tyler Bass (K), Sam Martin (P), Reid Ferguson (LS)The Bills went without a punter competition in 2023, but back by popular demand, #Puntapalooza2024 is here. It features Jack Browning, an undrafted rookie sporting jersey No. 30, versus a longtime veteran in Martin. Martin’s dead money ($2.35 million) likely means he’ll be the punter in 2024. But if Browning comes through and outplays Martin, they could always try to trade the veteran. No matter what, you know me, I’ll have my stopwatch ready.
