One of the notable changes involved the coaching staff. The Bills moved on from head coach Sean McDermott and promoted offensive coordinator Joe Brady to take the helm. While Brady’s background is anchored in offense, McDermott’s tenure was defined by a strong defensive identity. This shift raised questions about how the defense would adapt under new leadership and whether that unit could rise to complement a high-powered offense led by quarterback Josh Allen.
Alongside the coaching transition, Buffalo pursued aggressive roster upgrades on the edge rush. The club signed Bradley Chubb in free agency, signaling an emphasis on pressuring opposing quarterbacks. The Bills reportedly explored even bigger moves, aiming to add a premier pass-rusher to the lineup. In particular, there were discussions about trading for Myles Garrett, the longtime Defensive Player of the Year, with the intention of pairing him with Chubb to create a formidable tandem off the edge.
Reports indicated that the Bills reached out to Cleveland about Garrett’s availability on the day trade conversations surrounding him were public. The broader context suggested the Rams were nearing a deal to acquire Garrett, but the Browns did not move him. Evaluators speculated that the Bills’ willingness to include a rising young player such as Jared Verse in any potential deal might have been a critical factor in Cleveland’s decision-making. Verse, a rookie on a rookie contract, was viewed as a strategic asset that could have sweetened a trade package in a way that would appeal to the Browns.
If Buffalo had managed to land Garrett, the impact could have been substantial. Allen has long kept the offense competitive and dynamic, but adding a veteran defender of Garrett’s caliber could have transformed the Bills’ overall balance. A dominant pass rush often translates into quicker decisions for quarterbacks, more disruptive plays, and a greater ability to bend games in Buffalo’s favor. Such an upgrade might have altered perceptions league-wide about the Bills’ ability to contend for a Super Bowl, potentially elevating the franchise from consistent playoff presence to championship favorite status.
Beyond Garrett, the Bills’ offseason moves reflected a broader strategy: fortify the roster on both sides of the ball while evaluating how a new coaching regime could maximize talent. The combination of offensive continuity under Allen and a strengthened defensive front would be expected to improve Buffalo’s chances of competing for the league’s top honors.
In sum, Buffalo’s 2026 offseason centered on high-stakes decisions: reshaping the coaching staff, upgrading the edge rushing corps, and weighing a blockbuster trade for a premier defender. While the team did sign Bradley Chubb to bolster pressure off the edge, the pursuit of Myles Garrett underscored how aggressively Buffalo sought to position itself among the elite in the league. The outcome of these moves would depend on how effectively Brady’s offense integrates with a retooled defense and how the added talent translates to on-field performance during the regular season and beyond.
