Written by Alexander LeMere – A.KA. MereKat
Preseason is a wrap, and now it’s crunch time. The Bills have to get the roster down to 53, and you know there are going to be some tough calls & surprise cuts.
Beane and McDermott usually roll with about 25 on offense, 25 on defense, and 3 specialists, but every year there are a few curveballs.
After being locked in on camp, preseason action, and all the latest injury/suspension updates — it’s now time to put it all together. Here’s my official Buffalo Bills 53-man roster prediction for 2025. Bills Mafia, let’s dive in.
Quarterbacks (2)
- Josh Allen
- Mitchell Trubisky
Allen and Trubisky will retain the QB combo, no surprise. The backup job was decided by the second pre-season game, when Mike White was struggling and essentially turned over the job to Trubisky. Trubisky’s experience and mobility within Buffalo’s system made him the “no brainer” option at QB2. The Bills have just two quarterbacks typically active on the roster, and this season is no exception.
White should be re-signed to the practice squad if he’s not picked up elsewhere, insurance behind Trubisky. Though personally, I do believe that there is a pretty good possibility Buechele winds up the Practice Squad guy after that dominant final pre-season game, where we already know what Mike White is.
Backfield (4)
- James Cook
- Ray Davis
- Ty Johnson
- Reggie Gilliam
Buffalo brings the same backfield quartet from the prior season, which revitalized a superior ground attack in 2024. Cook is still the feature back, cemented after his breakout year and extension. The rookie Ray Davis impressed behind him as a physical runner and will split carries with the speedy Ty Johnson. Johnson is also great at pass protection and receiving – Allen has mentioned him repeatedly as an elite third-down guy.
Gilliam sticks around the roster with his specialized fullback spot and contribution on special units, which he’s given since 2019. The Bills have 3 halfbacks + fullback standard, so this four-man unit is commensurate with the typical construction of the roster.
Frank Gore Jr. impressed during preseason but, with the crowded halfback room, he’s bound for the practice squad as injury insurance…unless he’s plucked elsewhere.
Wide Receivers (6)
- Khalil Shakir
- Keon Coleman
- Joshua Palmer
- Curtis Samuel
- Elijah Moore
- Tyrell Shavers
The Bills are expected to carry six wide receivers this season, a return to their standard build after opening with just five in 2024. Shakir, Coleman, and Palmer are locked in as the top three targets. Curtis Samuel holds onto his roster spot despite missing nearly all of training camp and the entire preseason with a hamstring injury—cutting him would come with a steep cap penalty, and his strong finish last season, especially in the playoffs, gives the team reason to believe he’ll be impactful once healthy.
Elijah Moore also stays, though he failed to make any “big splash” this offseason which has been a bit disappointing considering expectations after his offseason acquisition. Coaches remain confident his versatility will show once he gets into rhythm with Josh Allen.
The breakout of camp and preseason was Tyrell Shavers, who went from fringe roster hopeful to virtual lock after a dominant showing on special teams and a jaw-dropping one-handed touchdown grab in the preseason finale. That play, combined with his coverage ability and early exit from the final game—a classic McDermott signal that a spot is secured—cements his rise.
On the outside looking in are Laviska Shenault Jr. and KJ Hamler, both of whom brought value but are likely practice squad stashes if they clear waivers.
Tight Ends (3)
- Dalton Kincaid
- Dawson Knox
- Jackson Hawes
No surprises at tight end: the Bills will carry three, sticking with their usual approach. Knox and Kincaid are entrenched as the top duo of course. Knox remains a red-zone threat and team leader, while Kincaid is expected to take on an expanded role as a dynamic slot and seam target in year three.
Rookie Jackson Hawes claims the third spot, drafted for his blocking ability and solidifying that role throughout camp.
With the team moving away from a traditional fullback, Hawes offers value as both an in-line blocker and H-back. This was widely seen as the easiest position group to predict, with no real challengers threatening the trio.
Fan-favorite Zach Davidson made noise due to his quirky punting ability, but couldn’t justify a roster spot. Buffalo sticks with three tight ends again in 2025, allocating depth to more injury-prone areas.
Offensive Line (9)
- Dion Dawkins
- Connor McGovern
- O’Cyrus Torrence
- Spencer Brown
- David Edwards
- Ryan Van Demark
- Tylan Grable
- Alec Anderson
- Kendrick Green
Buffalo’s offensive line outlook includes nine projected players, though injuries have complicated things. The core of this Bills line is set with Dawkins, McGovern, Torrence, Brown and David Edwards holding things down. Anderson’s versatility across the line gives makes him invaluable in this offense. Kendrick Green, added late in the offseason, makes the team as a backup center/guard thanks to his starting experience and value as interior insurance.
Tackle depth comes from Ryan Van Demark, who’s steadily progressed in Buffalo’s system, and Tylan Grable, a 2024 sixth-rounder who bounced back from a camp concussion to show enough development to stick. Notably absent is rookie fifth-round center Sedrick Van Pran-Granger, who’s been sidelined with a calf injury. The expectation is he begins the year on IR, clearing a roster spot while he recovers—part of why Green’s presence is so important.
Though Buffalo could temporarily carry 10 linemen due to health concerns (such as undrafted rookie Chase Lundt), nine is the likely number heading into Week 1. Flexibility from Anderson and Green allows the Bills to manage, and this mirrors last year’s approach when injured linemen were placed on IR post-cutdown.
Defensive Line (10)
- Greg Rousseau
- Joey Bosa
- A.J. Epenesa
- Landon Jackson
- Javon Solomon
- Ed Oliver
- DaQuan Jones
- Jordan Phillips
- Deone Walker
- T.J. Sanders
The Bills are keeping 10 defensive linemen for 2025, sticking with their usual “build the trenches” philosophy. Joey Bosa headlines the group after signing this offseason, pairing with Greg Rousseau to form a dangerous edge duo. A.J. Epenesa returns as a key rotational rusher, while rookie Landon Jackson makes the cut despite inconsistency thanks to his upside and draft investment. Inside, Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones anchor the unit, with young talents Deone Walker and T.J. Sanders rounding out the depth.
Buffalo has the luxury of carrying extra bodies early thanks to six-game suspensions for Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi, who won’t count against the 53 until Week 7. Javon Solomon sticks as a special teams ace and situational pass rusher. But the signing of Jordan Phillips yesterday basically guarantees him a roster spot — and that throws a wrench into the mix. As much as he’s a fan favorite, the move feels puzzling.
Unless the Bills carry 11 linemen (which would be unusual), someone has to go, and the obvious odd man out is last year’s third-rounder DeWayne Carter. If that’s the case, it’s a tough pill to swallow — Phillips brings experience, but sacrificing a young investment so quickly is disappointing.
Linebackers (5)
- Matt Milano
- Terrel Bernard
- Dorian Williams
- Joe Andreessen
- Shaq Thompson
The Bills will carry five linebackers in 2025, returning to their typical structure after keeping six last year due to injuries. Matt Milano is back healthy and ready to lead the group, with Terrel Bernard starting alongside him at middle linebacker. Their combination of instincts and range gives the defense stability.
Dorian Williams returns as the top backup and rotational option, especially useful in heavier defensive packages.
Local favorite Joe Andreessen earns a spot again after another strong preseason and remains a core special teamer. Veteran Shaq Thompson rounds out the group, bringing experience and versatility in sub-packages. He edged out surprise offseason standout Jimmy Ciarlo, who will be a top practice squad candidate.
Cornerbacks (7)
- Tre’Davious White
- Christian Benford
- Taron Johnson
- Dane Jackson
- Ja’Marcus Ingram
- Dorian Strong
- Cam Lewis
Cornerback remains one of Buffalo’s most fluid spots, mainly due to health uncertainty. The Bills are expected to carry seven — five outside corners and two slot defenders. Tre’Davious White and Christian Benford were set to start on the boundary, and while early reports suggest White’s injury may not be serious, if he does miss time, we’re in trouble. There’s no one on this roster with his pedigree or ability, and it’ll be very interesting — and possibly nerve-wracking — to see who steps up opposite Benford in that scenario.
Taron Johnson is firmly locked in as the starting nickel and one of the league’s best slot corners. Rookie first-rounder Maxwell Hairston will start the season on short-term IR after an LCL sprain, meaning he won’t be available until at least Week 5.
In Hairston’s absence, the Bills keep veteran Dane Jackson, breakout camp performer Ja’Marcus Ingram, and sixth-round rookie Dorian Strong. Jackson’s experience and knowledge of the scheme are vital insurance, especially if White isn’t ready. Ingram, a UB product, was pulled early from the final preseason game — a clear signal the staff sees him in the plans. Strong had a volatile camp but showed promising coverage traits and was also rested early, indicating roster security.
Cam Lewis rounds out the group as a hybrid slot corner/safety, giving the Bills flexibility and special teams help. I believe the uncertainity at Safety is enough to edge out Codrington for this final roster spot. Brandon Codrington, who flashed as a return man but gets edged out by Jackson’s reliability and Lewis’ versatility. It wouldn’t be surprising to see Codrington stashed on the practice squad and elevated on game days if return duties become a concern — with Shakir, Davis, Johnson or hopefully Shavers – who had 3 special teams touchdowns in college – likely to handle those roles in the meantime.
Safeties (4)
- Taylor Rapp
- Cole Bishop
- Damar Hamlin
- Jordan Hancock
The Bills will carry four safeties into Week 1, opting for youth over a veteran addition after cutting Kareem Jackson late in camp. Taylor Rapp steps into a starting role after a mixed 2024, but he’s been steady throughout camp and brings leadership, physicality, and experience.
Lining up next to him is 2024 second-rounder Cole Bishop, who missed time in camp with another injury and has looked shaky overall despite an okay preseason finale. I’ve never seen the Bills brass try to force a player into being “a thing” like they have with Bishop—who, to this point, looks like a potentially disastrous draft pick. Still, the staff appears committed to letting him grow through early-season reps, betting on long-term upside.
Damar Hamlin is the top backup and special teams core player; though his coverage was spotty in preseason, he remains a dependable tackler and knows the defense better than anyone in the room.
Rookie fifth-rounder Jordan Hancock flashed impressive instincts and range before a minor shoulder injury, and the Bills won’t risk waiving him—he’ll be eased in but could challenge for a bigger role later in the year and i am here for it.
With Cam Lewis able to serve as an emergency fifth safety, Buffalo sticks with four for now, though a late veteran signing remains possible if the right name shakes free.
Specialists (3)
- Tyler Bass
- Brad Robbins
- Reid Ferguson
Buffalo’s special teams trio is set. Tyler Bass returns as kicker and, despite a minor camp injury and a preseason chip-shot miss, his job is secure thanks to a multi-year deal and Pro Bowl résumé. Reid Ferguson, the longest-tenured Bill (since 2016), is back at long snapper — no competition, no drama. We love Mr. Nice.
The only real change is at punter: Brad Robbins replaces Sam Martin after effectively winning the job before camp even started. Robbins impressed enough as a rookie backup that the team moved on from Martin, and he’s delivered in preseason with a big leg, sharper directional punting, and clean holding for kicks. There was never a true competition here — Bass kicks, Robbins punts, Ferguson snaps.
If Robbins falters, Martin or another veteran could be brought back, but for now, special teams coordinator Matthew Smiley has a reliable group heading into 2025.
Practice Squad and Reserve Lists: Beyond the 53 players listed above, Buffalo will assemble a 16-man practice squad. We’ve alluded to several likely practice squad candidates: QB Mike White or Shane Buchele (I’m leaning Shane), RB Frank Gore Jr., WR Laviska Shenault Jr., WR/RS Brandon Codrington, OL Chase Lundt, LB Edefuan Ulofoshio, CB Kyron Brown, S Jared Mayden, etc.
The practice squad can also include veteran players under new NFL rules, so expect Buffalo to stash a mix of rookies and experienced depth there. Additionally, as noted, CB Maxwell Hairston is projected to start the year on Injured Reserve (designated to return), meaning he won’t count against the 53 until he’s activated (Week 5 at the earliest). The Bills also have two players – DE Michael Hoecht and DT Larry Ogunjobi – who will be on the Reserve/Suspended list for the first six weeks of the season. They likewise do not count against the roster. Once they are eligible to return, the team will have to make corresponding cuts or moves to fit them in.
For the moment, this 53-man roster profile is the Bills’ balanced strategy: remain deep at the trench positions, keep numerous defensive backs on hand to compensate for injuries, and rely upon young talent to rise up. It follows reports from most recent camps and the pattern of seasons past. If so, Buffalo will begin the 2025 season with a roster capable of competing — a combination of stardom and youth on the rise that’s prepared to make its presence felt. The final cuts will be announced soon, but as head coach Sean McDermott may have put it, “this is the 53 that best positions us to win” as the Bills pursue that Super Bowl this season.
Follow me @MereKatKat & Trainwreck Sports on X for more content
Check out out latest blogs!
