The 2025 NFL Draft is now in the books, giving the Buffalo Bills and their fans a better picture of what the roster could look like this season. Out of their nine total picks, the Bills used six on defensive players, aiming to strengthen a unit that struggled last year.
With some of these rookies potentially pushing for playing time, a few established veterans might find themselves on the way out. Let’s take a look at which veterans could be headed elsewhere.
3 Bills players in danger of not making Bills roster for 2025
CB Dane Jackson
The Bills have made several moves to bolster their secondary this offseason, particularly at the cornerback spot. Prior to the draft, they re-signed Dane Jackson and Tre’Davious White, then used their first-round pick on Maxwell Hairston—who appears poised to start alongside Christian Benford in Week 1.
That puts both Jackson and White in a tough spot as they compete for a roster spot. Slot corner Brandon Codrington is likely a lock to make the team, especially given his key role as a return specialist. Financially, the Bills aren’t heavily tied to Jackson—cutting him would result in just \$567,000 in dead cap, per Spotrac.
DE AJ Epenesa
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The Bills have revamped their edge rusher group this offseason, adding Joey Bosa, Michael Hoecht, and rookie Landon Jackson to a retooled defensive front. That raises questions about the future of some returning players.
A.J. Epenesa, who signed a two-year, \$12 million extension in 2024, enters the final year of his deal. Given the influx of talent and a desire to get younger and more cost-effective, the Bills could explore trading him. Moving Epenesa would free up \$6.2 million in cap space, per Spotrac. Meanwhile, 2024 fifth-round pick Javon Solomon impressed on special teams and contributed defensively, making a strong case to stay on the roster.
WR Laviska Shenault
The Bills will likely carry six wide receivers into the season, but that final spot will almost certainly need to go to someone who contributes on special teams. While Laviska Shenault offers value as a kick returner, seventh-round pick Kaden Prather—standing 6’3″ with 4.46 speed—could push for a roster spot as a gunner.
Shenault joined Buffalo after splitting the 2024 season between the Seahawks and Chargers, and even then, he was considered a long shot to make the team. With the additions of Prather through the draft and Elijah Moore via free agency, Shenault’s odds of sticking around continue to shrink.
