As the Buffalo Bills gear up for training camp, the stakes feel higher than ever. With a reloaded roster, contract drama, and fierce position battles, the next few weeks could shape the trajectory of the entire 2025 season. Let’s break down five of the biggest storylines to watch:
1. Who Will Start Opposite Christian Benford at Cornerback?
The Bills may have found their corner of the future in first-round pick Maxwell Hairston, who’s entering camp with plenty of eyes on him. Hairston impressed throughout OTAs and rookie minicamp, and the expectation is he’ll win the job with a strong camp performance. That would be ideal for a team in transition — getting production from a rookie contract is gold in today’s NFL.
Still, veterans like Tre'Davious White and Dane Jackson provide invaluable depth and leadership. White, especially, brings more than just experience — he brings culture. “It makes coming to work every day easier,” he said this spring. “These guys are genuine brothers.”
2. Can the Safety Room Sort Itself Out?
Buffalo’s safety group is as crowded as it is talented. Returners Taylor Rapp, Damar Hamlin, and Cole Bishop are joined by new faces like Darrick Forrest and rookie Jordan Hancock, creating a wide-open competition. Rapp acknowledged Hamlin’s deep knowledge of the system, while Forrest noted, “The opportunity is very large. I just have to go in and do my job.”
Who emerges as the starters could depend as much on health and fit as it does on pure talent.
3. Will James Cook Get Paid — or Get Run Into the Ground?
James Cook wants to be paid like a top-three running back, reportedly seeking $15 million per year. But GM Brandon Beane hasn’t sounded optimistic about a deal getting done soon. Cook is in a contract year, which adds tension to how the team will use him.
Do the Bills give him a full workload and risk overuse, or pivot to a committee with rookie Ray Davis and pass-catching back Ty Johnson? Cook showed up for minicamp, so all eyes will be on whether the situation turns sour — or results in a surprise extension.
4. Can the Receiving Corps Step Up and Lighten Allen’s Load?
While Josh Allen remains the engine of Buffalo’s offense, the 2025 season may hinge on whether his supporting cast can take more of the pressure off his shoulders. The front office didn’t chase a blockbuster wide receiver this offseason, instead building a deeper, more balanced group.
Veteran additions Josh Palmer and Elijah Moore bring steady production and versatility, while Khalil Shakir — fresh off an extension — remains Allen’s go-to option on critical downs. But the biggest X-factors could be rookie Keon Coleman and second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid, both of whom are looking to bounce back from injury-plagued seasons. If either can make a leap, it would go a long way in helping Buffalo avoid over-relying on Allen’s arm and legs in crunch time.
5. Will the Defense Rebound Under Pressure?
Last season, Buffalo's defense slipped out of the top 10 in scoring and gave up more yards than it had since 2017. While that still placed them 11th and 17th respectively, it wasn’t enough in an ultra-competitive AFC.
To help turn things around, the Bills signed pass rusher Joey Bosa, hoping he can elevate their middling sack totals. But Bosa already enters camp nursing a calf injury — not exactly ideal for a player with a lengthy injury history.
The secondary remains a question mark as well. While White and Jackson return, the hope is that Hairston emerges as a long-term solution. If not, depth could quickly become a liability.
Final Thought
Training camp is always full of questions — and this year, the Bills may have more than usual. But with strong leadership, emerging stars, and the league MVP quarterback in his prime, they’re still one of the most dangerous teams in the league. This looks like a Superbowl push more than a reload. Whether that's the case or not will start to take shape in the coming weeks.
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