The Bills Mafia rued the absence of an excellent defensive line when the Chiefs eliminated them in the AFC Championship last month. Not only did well-built offenses like the LA Rams and Detroit Lions score 40+ points, but struggling New England Patriots also beat them in the last game of the season. HC Sean McDermott has learned his lesson. He wants to strengthen his D-line. The first and foremost step is hiring a leader like the Browns DE Myles Garrett who also wants a way out. That would be a crazy fit!

Garrett shocked everyone a few days back when he announced that he wanted a trade out of the Browns. He doubted their ability to win a Super Bowl. In this scenario, the. Bills emerge as a strong contender. With a dual-threat QB Josh Allen leading the attack, they have reached the playoffs quite easily. That’s where they get stuck (basically running into the red wall called Kansas City) and will need the firepower of the 2023 DPOY.

In 17 games in the 2024 season, Myles Garrett recorded 1 defended pass, 3 fumble recoveries, 14 sacks, 47 tackles (40 solo), and 28 QB hits. Analyst Kevin Siracuse also predicted two players that Sean McDermott could hire to give a boost to the Bills’ D-line. The first one was Raiders DT Adam Butler.

Butler has recorded at least 5 sacks in each of the last 5 seasons. In 2024, he had 5 sacks with 65 tackles (36 solo) and 10 QB hits. The other player Siracuse recommended is the Titans DE Sebastian Joseph-Day. At 6 feet 4 inches, he is a monster. In 2024, he recorded 2.5 sacks with 44 tackles (18 solo). So, the Bills could gain a massive advantage.

The franchise is also focusing on the combine ahead of the upcoming draft. They have already sorted out their staff to make sure they are prepared for the free agency and the draft.

Sean McDermott reveals huge coaching change

After the Chiefs eliminated them from the season, the Bills HC had claimed that he would retain his staff. But while speaking to the reporters in Indianapolis on the first day of NFL Scouting Combine, he revealed that they have fired special teams coordinator, Matthew Smiley. It was unexpected.

However, Sean McDermott cleared his stance and said, “Unfortunate part of the business, but a hard part of my job. And those decisions are hard decisions. And so, I know what I said after the season there, and for me, it’s wanting to take my time and go through it and making sure that I fully evaluate the position.” The decision is a huge change, as Smiley was with the team from 2017.

He was their assistant special teams coordinator from 2017 to 2021 before being their special teams coordinator from 2022 to 2024. So, the team needed to find a suitable person to fill the void. They have hired Chris Tabor as their new special teams coordinator.

Tabor has extensive experience as a special teams coordinator after working at the Bears (2008-2010, 2018-2021), Browns (2011-2017), and the Panthers  (2022-2024). He already knows the first indicator of success. Reaching the Super Bowl! Can they do it this year? The Eagles crushing the Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX has given everyone new hope.