The Buffalo Bills wrapped up their 2025 offseason program on Thursday with the last of three practices during mandatory minicamp. Every player on the roster was in attendance for the week as they now depart for the final break prior to the start of training camp in late July at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford, N.Y. There were plenty of intriguing storylines throughout the spring workouts for a team primed to make another run toward the ultimate goal of reaching the Super Bowl. Here are some of my observations:
COOK WAS IN THE KITCHEN
Running back James Cook returned to the team for minicamp after skipping out on the voluntary portion of the program, including two weeks of practices during organized team activities. Cook, who tied the team record for rushing touchdowns in 2024, is seeking a contract extension heading into the final year of his rookie deal. “I like my money,” Cook said on Tuesday, referring to fines for missing mandatory sessions. “That’s why I’m here.” General Manager Brandon Beane said Thursday that interactions between Cook and the front office remain solid, and he expects Cook will be ready for training camp, but would not discuss if the two sides have had recent discussions about a new deal. Does this mean the saga is over? For now, but that remains a question heading into training camp. Will a deal get done before the season? Are the Bills content to let Cook leave in free agency, or might they choose to use the franchise tag? That would require the club to pay Cook the average of the top five highest-paid backs in the league for one season. From the sounds of it, Cook wants to avoid fines, and it would behoove him to have another big season to help him in his demands for more money, whether from the Bills or another team.
HAIRSTON BANGED UP
Rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston left team drills during Wednesday’s practice and did not participate on Thursday. Beane said afterward that Hairston tweaked his hamstring, but should be OK for training camp. He was spotted wearing a compression sleeve on his left leg while watching practice with this teammates on the sideline. The first-round draft pick is battling for a starting job with veteran Tre’Davious White, in his second stint with Buffalo, the most obvious competition for the spot. White had some good moments, including a pick-six interception off a deflected throw from Josh Allen. Hairston, meanwhile, has shown flashes this spring with his speed and athleticism, but it’s important that he also picks up the mental side of the game. The faster he does, the faster we could see him earn starters reps and playing time.
COLEMAN STEPPING UP
Second-year wide receiver Keon Coleman heard the public criticism of his rookie year from his coach and GM, but his own assessment is the most important. “That [expletive] trash,” Coleman said on Wednesday. “You’ve got to be better. Simple as that.” Coleman had some impressive moments during minicamp as he works to build greater rapport with Allen, but consistency is the key. He noted that he needed to get stronger and faster, work on his route-running and separation skills, and continue to learn the nuances of the position and opposing defenses. If Coleman can take steps to improve his game, it will go a long way in helping the Bills offense with a clear need for him to be a force.
MOORE, PALMER IMPRESS WITH NEW TEAM
Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore are the two most notable additions to the wide receiver group, and they both showed a knack for making plays when called upon. Each of them seemed to have a connection with Allen, providing smooth route-running and separation. Moore in particular looks explosive, while Palmer finds his way to open areas where he can make the catch. Their presence could make people quickly forget about the departures of Mack Hollins and Amari Cooper from last year’s squad. Additionally, younger receivers Jalen Virgil and Tyrell Shavers both caught the attention of observers with their play, and could be in for a fun battle to make the roster out of camp.
KINCAID FLASHES
Like the aforementioned Coleman, tight end Dalton Kincaid has much to prove after a difficult year dealing with injuries. He also shined at times during minicamp as a frequent target of Allen’s. On Thursday, he hauled in several touchdowns from the MVP quarterback during 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills. That included a great catch in the end zone over nickel defensive back Taron Johnson, who had good coverage, but Kincaid rose up and made the grab. Kincaid becoming more effective and efficient is another key area to watch in 2025.
MOUNTAINS OF MEN ON THE DEFENSIVE LINE
The Bills revamped their d-line this offseason with the additions of free agents Joey Bosa, Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi. Bosa, who injured his calf and did not practice during OTAs or minicamp, did work with trainers this week as he recovers. His injury history is concerning, so making sure he’s healthy for big games will be of utmost importance for the Bills defense this season. 2025 draft picks T.J. Sanders. Deone Walker and Landon Jackson will likely all be called upon to perform as rookies. While it’s difficult to critique line play during practices without any pads and little physicality, all three of them are massive men with athletic ability that was on display during practice.