Some of the Bills’ players are entering important years with the team heading into 2026.
GM and President of Football Operations Brandon Beane has been reconstructing the club’s payroll and roster over recent seasons, and figures to continue to do so in pursuit of Super Bowl championship contention.
As that process will continue wherever needed to reach that goal, here are the Buffalo Bills’ make-or-break players entering 2026…
Keon Coleman, WR
Coleman’s 2025 was, by the numbers, a step back: 66.1 PFF receiving grade (55th of 81 qualifying WRs), 404 receiving yards, four touchdowns. The Bills drafted him in the second round to be the contested-catch X threat opposite Shakir. In 2026, he needs to take the next step after missing on-field time to off-field tardiness last season.
Bradley Chubb, EDGE
With 766 snaps (14th among edge defenders), 48 pressures, and a 54.5 PFF grade — 100th of 115 qualifying edge players, it would appear that Buffalo paid a bottom-decile graded edge defender for a near-every-down workload. But the catch is that this is Bradley Chubb being reunited with Jim Leonhard and the defensive system he was drafted to play in. It’s also Buffalo, not Miami; Chubb’s going to have a real chance to play more meaningful snaps and postseason football on a true contender. He’ll be tasked with justifying the multi-year pact he was given, and results will be expected right away in his first season with Buffalo.
Dion Dawkins, OT
The story here is that Dawkins’ cap hit is one of the biggest on the team. And with his current cap hit hasn’t helped free up competitive spending. As Josh Allen’s protection, he’s been serviceable and successful for the most part, though he did lead the team in penalties last season, in a tie with fellow tackle Spencer Brown. The Bills have added a potential heir-apparent player in rookie Jude Bowry, and with Dawkins signed through the 2027 season, the veteran will need to play worthy of his current price tag in order to earn another new deal to remain with Buffalo.
Ed Oliver, DT
Oliver’s career has been a slow burn, although his play during a breakout season earned him a new deal at the time. Coaches and fans have long waited to see if he’ll progress to being that disruptor consistently since being drafted 9th overall in 2019. And his new DC Leonhard believes he’ll have the opportunity to do just that in the team’s new-look defense. For Oliver, with multiple similar profile players in his position group rotation behind him on the depth chart, it will be an important season and opportunity for him to play to his billing.
Joshua Palmer, WR
Palmer was slowed by injury last season and has yet to produce at a level on the field close to justifying the 3-year deal the Bills gave him as a free agent. The team has more options at receiver now, and the recently acquired D.J. Moore is set to take over WR1 duties. With Keon Coleman expected to see more snaps and targets, and the important roles that Khalil Shakir and Dalton Kincaid are playing in the passing game, that contract could make Palmer a cap casualty and/or trade chip, with veteran Brandin Cooks still standing by in free agency and rookie Skyler Bell looking to earn playing time. His productivity and status with a team looking to make it to and win a Super Bowl will be one to watch to see if he rises to the occasion this season.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: Who are the Bills’ make-or-break players entering 2026 NFL season?
Reporting by David Benjamin De Cristofaro, Bills Wire / Bills Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By David Benjamin De Cristofaro, Bills Wire | USA TODAY Network
