Identifying which Bills free agents could be back in 2026

The Buffalo Bills have 21 players who are considered unrestricted free agents this offseason, meaning they can sign anywhere they want once the NFL’s new year begins at 4 p.m. on March 11.

It’s a group that includes more than a few veterans who have started plenty of games for the Bills, including starting center Connor McGovern, starting left guard David Edwards, defensive linemen DaQuan Jones and A.J. Epenesa, linebacker Matt Milano, and defensive backs Tre’Davious White, Jordan Poyer, and Cam Lewis.

Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by exploring which of Buffalo’s internal free agents are most likely to return for the 2026 season, and which might have played their last game for the Bills.

Predicting which internal free agents could re-sign with the Bills

The full list of internal unrestricted free agents includes McGovern, Edwards, Jones, Epenesa, Milano, White, Poyer, Lewis, backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky, fullback Reggie Gilliam, wide receivers Brandin Cooks and Gabe Davis, defensive end Joey Bosa, defensive tackles Larry Ogunjobi and Jordan Phillips, linebacker Shaq Thompson, safeties Damar Hamlin, Sam Franklin, and Darnell Savage, kicker Matt Prater, and punter Mitch Wishnowsky.

One Bills beat writer predicts the team is most likely to re-sign McGovern, Trubisky, Gilliam, Thompson, White, and Wishnowsky, and let the others test free agency.

Plus, whether Buffalo should bring oft-injured safety Taylor Rapp back for another year; see which positions in free agency have the most available talent, and which positions are considered thin on talent; identify a few veterans who could be salary cap casualties; and more!

Even more Bills news

Assessing linebacker Terrel Bernard’s future with the Bills. Plus, versatile defensive lineman Michael Hoecht says he’s ahead of schedule as he works his way back from a torn right Achilles; what Buffalo bringing back Alec Anderson means for the rest of the Bills’ offensive line; and more!