Reaching the Conference Championship game after four years, the Bills were confident about making it to the Super Bowl. However, the Chiefs stopped them. Yet, Kansas City fell short on the bigger stage. Now, in the offseason, both head coaches—Andy Reid and Sean McDermott—are in battle mode once again.

This time, it is to strengthen their team. Both teams need a defensive tackle. And can’t leave anything to chance. The efforts are ON. If we look at the defensive depth, then the Chiefs look more desperate.

Their DT Tershawn Wharton moved to the Panthers with a 3-year $54 million in the free agency. The safety Justin Reid also signed a 3-year $31.50 million deal with the Saints. The Bills, though, have kept their defensive line mostly the same, but they also need someone with solidity. Last season, they gave up 4.51 yards per rush. It needs to be lower than that. But what are Andy Reid and Sean McDermott doing, then?

Florida State Seminoles DT Joshua Farmer made a revelation by announcing that he was in touch with both teams. In fact, he said, “I talk to the Bills and Kansas City every day. They say I’m the most versatile (defensive tackle in the draft).” That’s interesting.

In 4 years of college career, he recorded 2 defended passes, 11 sacks, and 80 tackles (32 solo). That’s pretty impressive. While Andy Reid has defeated Sean McDermott in all the playoff games till now, this time, the Bills HC can turn the tables on him. They pick 30th in the 2025 draft, while the Chiefs pick 31st. Will the AFC West franchise move up the draft ladder? It’s imperative if they really want to sign Farmer.

Both coaches have a fundamental difference in their working style. While the Bills HC believes in ‘draft, develop, re-sign, the Chiefs HC believes more in keeping the core intact. And even that can become dispensable if the conditions become such.

Sean McDermott extends key player

Andy Reid has players like WR Tyreek Hill and JuJu Smith-Schuster. But he didn’t keep them with heavy contracts. Instead, he moved on to other players. It has been their story every year. But Sean McDermott has a unique philosophy. They just gave their QB Josh Allen a record 6-year $330 million extension with $250 million guaranteed. There’s another player they re-signed on Saturday, March 29.

Talking about their CB Christian Benford, Bills GM Brandon Beane said, “Love Christian and excited he’ll be back this season, and we’ll see if it works out now, later, down the road, to keep him here.” The 6th round pick (185th overall) of the 2022 NFL Draft quickly became a consistent starter for the Bills. Sean McDermott believed in his abilities and signed a 4-year, $76 million extension.

The $19 million AAV puts him among the top 15 players for the position. That’s great. The Bills want to solidify their campaign by keeping their key players on their roster. In 3 years, Benford played 39 games (34 starters) and recorded 5 interceptions, 25 defended passes, 1 sack, and 142 tackles (110 solo). His numbers speak for themselves.

Earlier, Sean McDermott signed a 4-year $84 million extension ($54 million guaranteed) with DE Greg Rousseau and a 4-year $50 million extension with LB Terrel Bernard. So, their aim is clear. They saw an opening this year after the Eagles defeated the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX. And they are going all-in.