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So what’s next for the Buffalo Bills in 2023?

By Russell S. Baxter

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 22: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Buffalo Bills kneels on the ground after a play against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 22: Stefon Diggs #14 of the Buffalo Bills kneels on the ground after a play against the Cincinnati Bengals during the third quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Highmark Stadium on January 22, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /
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Another appearance in the playoffs, but another unsatisfying ending to the season for the Buffalo Bills. Will this be an offseason of numerous changes?

It’s a talented club that looked to get better this past offseason The Buffalo Bills bolstered their defensive front in an attempt to erase the memory of a 42-36 overtime playoff loss at Kansas City in which coordinator Leslie Frazier’s unit allowed a whopping 552 yards of total offense.

Sean McDermott’s club finished 13-3 this past season, but the playoffs were a disappointment for a team that has suddenly won three consecutive AFC East titles. The Bills struggled with the visiting Dolphins before emerging with a 34-31 win in the wild card round. A week later, McDermott’s and Frazier’s defense was gashed for 412 total yards in a 27-10 home loss to the Bengals.

What’s Next for the Buffalo Bills?

Of the club’s 21 potential unrestricted free agents (via Spotrac), safety Jordan Poyer and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds are the biggest names. The latter is a two-time Pro Bowler who has led the Bills in tackles in each of his five NFL seasons. Meanwhile, Mike Fisher of SI.com speculates that Poyer, who finished with 63 tackles and a team-best four interceptions this past season, may be headed elsewhere.

It will also be interesting to note the health of pass-rusher Von Miller, the team’s top offseason pickup who suffered a knee injury down the stretch and missed the final five regular-season games, as well as the playoffs. He played in just 11 contests but still managed to tie for the team lead with eight sacks.

Biggest Offseason Concern?

The Bills’ offensive unit totaled 50 touchdowns in 17 regular-season games, with 70 percent of those scores (35) through the air. Buffalo averaged the second-most points in the league behind the Chiefs. However, this was a club that struggled to take care of the football, which has been an issue in recent years.

Dating back to 2020, the Bills have committed 22, 22, and 27 turnovers, respectively, in the past three seasons. That included 13 lost fumbles, tied for the second-most in the NFL. Quarterback Josh Allen (14 interceptions, 5 lost fumbles) had 19 of those 27 miscues. It was a season in which he threw for 4,283 yards and 35 scores while running for 762 yards and seven touchdowns.

The Bills have reached the playoffs five times in six years under McDermott. However, the club has not only failed to reach at least one Super Bowl over that span but managed only one appearance in the AFC Championship Game (2020). Could there be a dramatic change of philosophy this offseason in Orchard Park on both sides of the ball?

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