NFL free agency has begun, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2025 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year began Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET, making free agent signings official. The first round of the 2025 NFL draft begins April 24 on ESPN.
The Buffalo Bills have made a few splash extensions in the last week, they first extended receiver Khalil Shakir then linebacker Terrel Bernard. On Saturday they offered defensive end Greg Rousseau a four-year extension, as well. The Bills released Von Miller and WR Mack Hollins agreed to terms with the New England Patriots while Bills quarterback Josh Allen got paid. Allen reached an agreement on a new record-setting six-year, $330 million contract that includes $250 million guaranteed, the largest guarantee ever given to an NFL player.
Here's a breakdown of every 2025 NFL free agent signing by the Bills and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Dane Jackson, CB
Jackson agreed to a one-year deal with the Bills.
What it means: Signing Jackson brings back a familiar face to Buffalo. The seventh-round pick by the Bills in 2020 spent one year in Carolina after playing the previous four in Buffalo. Jackson adds to a cornerback room that is under construction following the trade of Kaiir Elam, while Rasul Douglas' status is uncertain after hitting free agency. Depending on how much depth the Bills add at the position, Jackson could compete for a starting role opposite Christian Benford or provide valuable depth to the position.
What's the risk: Another low-risk move by the Bills. Jackson spent four years in a Sean McDermott-led defense. He has started 28 games for the Bills and has shown that he can be called upon in last-minute situations. Signing him to a one-year deal is a low-commitment move.
Kendrick Green, G
Green agreed to a one-year deal with the Bills.
What it means: The Bills are adding depth to the offensive line. Green brings experience playing along the interior at left guard, right guard and center. The entire starting offensive line is returning in 2025, so this is about building the group behind them. Green has made 19 career starts and his versatility will provide options as a backup, but he had a hard time getting on the field during his time with the Texans over the last two seasons.
What's the risk: As a backup offensive lineman on a one-year deal there's not much to risk with this move. The concerns here come with Green's on-field performance with an 86.2% pass block win rate in 2024 and a 68.4% run block win rate. There's not much to lose with a short deal, but the Bills may be looking to develop Green more.
Darrick Forrest, S
Forrest has agreed to a one-year deal with the Bills.
What it means: The Bills are continuing to add depth at the safety position. Forrest, 25, has 17 starts in his four-year career in Washington, most coming in 2022. He brings someone to the room that can play a role on special teams (52.6% of special teams snaps in 2024), while also competing in and adding depth to the safety room that now includes Taylor Rapp, Cole Bishop, Damar Hamlin and Forrest, in addition to defensive back Cam Lewis.
What's the risk: This is another logical one-year deal for Buffalo that doesn't come with much risks. Forrest seemed to be well-regarded in Washington and can help the Bills in multiple ways. A low-risk move as the defense continues to be built out.
Larry Ogunjobi, DT
Ogunjobi has agreed to a one-year deal with the Bills.
What it means: The Bills are adding size and experience to the interior of the defensive line with a player that has the capability to serve as a backup to both Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones. Ogunjobi offers the ability to help the defensive line, at three-technique but also one-technique, as needed, and adds depth and size -- 6-foot-3, 305-pounds -- to the middle of the line. The Bills could still get younger at defensive tackle through the draft, but Ogunjobi brings another versatile and experienced player to the group.
What's the risk: On a one-year deal, there's not much to risk here. Ogunjobi will be 31 when the season begins and that can come with some concerns, but he has played 14 or more games in every season of his career. The $8 million guaranteed for just one year isn't too big of an amount to make it a big gamble, so not much for the Bills to lose on this one.
Joey Bosa, DE
Bosa has agreed to a one-year deal with the Bills.
What it means: The Bills are addressing pass rusher with Bosa immediately as he becomes a key part of the defensive line rotation. The signing gives the Bills an accomplished veteran at the position after releasing Von Miller. However, Bosa is a player who has dealt with a variety of injuries over the past several years. The splash move emphasizes that the team is investing in getting after the quarterback with pass rusher a need for the Bills coming into the offseason.
What's the risk: The one-year deal helps provide low commitment, but Bosa's injuries have been prevalent as he enters the season at 30 years old. He has missed 23 games over the past three seasons with limited work due to leaving early and other reasons in several others. Bosa has found success with 14 sacks in those three seasons, and has certainly shown he can be a good pass rusher, but availability for this defense into the postseason is a major question mark here.
Ty Johnson,RB
Johson has agreed to a two-year deal with the Bills.
What it means: That the Bills offense is retaining a dynamic player that played a crucial role on third down this past season. Johnson, 27, finished the 2024 season with 41 carries for 213 yards and one rushing touchdown along with 18 receptions for 284 yards and three receiving touchdowns. He was a trusted target for quarterback Josh Allen, dependable blocker and capable of making big plays, especially as a receiver. Bringing him back retains a valuable piece of the offense and running back room.
What's the risk: There's no risk involved here. The Bills know exactly what they are getting in Johnson and he's only shown the ability to add to the offense. He fits what offensive coordinator Joe Brady wants to do and is a great compliment to the running back room with what he's shown on third down.
Michael Hoecht, DE
Hoecht agreed to a three-year deal with the Bills.
What it means: Adding Hoecht, 27, gives the Bills a versatile defensive presence who can play a variety of roles for the Bills, seeing snaps at different defensive positions during his four seasons with the Rams. Hoecht played as a defensive tackle originally and a pass rusher most recently for L.A. He has 13.5 career sacks and can add along the team's defensive line rotation in multiple with some free agents among last year's group, including notably to Hoecht's addition, lineman Dawuane Smoot. In the past two seasons, Hoecht has 548 pass rush snaps with a 7.8% pressure percentage and 17 quarterback hits.
What's the risk: The more specific contract details will play a part here with the deal worth up to $24 million, but this doesn't appear to be a risky move. Hoecht has been healthy over his career, playing in 17 games every season with the Rams. This is also a player that can add to the team's depth while continuing to invest in improving the defensive line.
Joshua Palmer, WR
Palmer agreed to a three-year deal with the Bills.
What it means: The Bills are building out their 2025 wide receiver room and Palmer brings a downfield outside target for quarterback Josh Allen. Palmer also has the ability to play in the slot. He can make contested catches and can create separation -- something that has lacked at times in this offense. His signing puts in further doubt the returns of Amari Cooper and Mack Hollins, who are both set to become free agents on Wednesday.
What's the risk: The risk is in the Bills committing to a wide receiver who has not put up big numbers consistently in his four years. His most productive season came in 2022 (72 receptions for 769 yards and three touchdowns). The exact structure of the contract (averaging $12 million a year) will help show some risk level. Palmer could fit into the Bills' wide receiver group well and addresses areas that have been lacking, but it no way means the team is done investing and building out the room.