Buffalo Bills outline projected 53-man roster as training camp opens
The Bills' new coaching staff and defensive scheme prompt a detailed projection of the 2026 roster, highlighting players likely to make the 53-man squad and those on the bubble.
Buffalo began its 2026 training camp on Wednesday at St. John Fisher University, facing a roster overhaul that includes a new head coach, defensive coordinator and several defensive additions. General manager Brandon Beane must trim the squad ahead of final cuts, and analysts have mapped out a likely 53-man roster.
Quarterback Josh Allen is expected to start, with Kyle Allen as the backup, while Shane Buechele is projected to be cut. The running back group likely retains James Cook, Ray Davis and Ty Johnson, and adds undrafted rookie Jackson Acker as the fullback, releasing Frank Gore Jr., Ian Wheeler and Ben VanSumeren.
Wide receiver selections include DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer and rookie Skyler Bell, with Mecole Hardman, Trent Sherfield and others expected to be cut. Tight ends Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox and Jackson Hawes appear set to make the roster, while Keleki Latu and Shane Zylstra are likely to be released.
On the offensive line, ten players are projected to stay, including Dion Dawkins, Connor McGovern and O’Cyrus Torrence, with Chase Lundt identified as a trade candidate and several others slated for release. The defensive line may keep Ed Oliver, Deone Walker, T.J. Sanders, Landon Jackson, DeWayne Carter and Zane Durant, cutting Phidarian Mathis and others.
Edge rushers and outside linebackers such as Greg Rousseau, Bradley Chubb, T.J. Parker, Michael Hoecht, Mike Danna and Javon Solomon are projected to make the team, with Andre Jones Jr. and Cade Denhoff expected to be cut. Inside linebackers Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Kaleb Elarms-Orr and Joe Andreessen are likely roster locks, while several others are projected to leave.
Nickel back Dee Alford and Jordan Hancock are expected to fill the two-slot corner role, with Te’Cory Couch cut. Cornerbacks Christian Benford, Maxwell Hairston and Davison Igbinosun are projected to stay, with a veteran possibly added later. Safety selections include Cole Bishop, C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Geno Stone, Jalon Kilgore and Sam Franklin Jr., while Damar Hamlin and Wande Owens are expected to be released.
Special teams may see rookie punter Tommy Doman replace incumbent Mitch Wishnowsky, while kicker Tyler Bass and long snapper Reid Ferguson remain on the roster.