The 62,000-seat stadium is currently being built across the street from the Bills' current home in Orchard Park, New York. Buffalo has played at its current field since 1973, when it was originally known as Rich Stadium.
Groundbreaking for the new stadium began in June 2023.
The latest cost estimate for this stadium is $2.1 billion, per John Wawrow of the Associated Press. Taxpayers are on the hook for $850 million.
The Bills have released multiple reports on the open-air stadium's amenities, with a few exampleshere.
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In essence, the "guiding principles" for the fan experience are to bring fans closer to the action (the last row is 54 feet closer in the new stadium than the old one) and to "reduce the impact" of wind and weather (64 percent of the seats will be covered by a roof canopy).
For now, the Bills have one more season in the old stadium as reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen and crew look to win the franchise's first AFC title since 1993 and first Super Bowl in franchise history.
Jordan Hancock NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report for Buffalo Bills CB
Matt Holder
Apr 22, 2025
The Buffalo Bills selected Ohio State CB Jordan Hancock with the No. 170 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Jordan Hancock is an intriguing draft prospect primarily because of his positional versatility in the secondary. His primary experience is at the nickel spot, but he's taken snaps on the boundary and at both safety positions. He's also a willing run defender and sure tackler to contribute in both phases of the game.
Jordan Hancock Highlights
While Hancock has good long speed and posted an impressive RAS, his lack of change-of-direction skills will be an issue at cornerback in the NFL. He sat out of the agility drills during the predraft process and often takes rounded cuts against sharp routes, leading to separation.
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Overall, the Ohio State product projects as a solid backup defensive back who can come off the bench and contribute at either nickel corner or safety. He'd be best in a zone-heavy scheme and can add value on special teams with his speed and tackling skills.
MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS
HEIGHT: 6'0"
WEIGHT: 195
HAND: 8⅝”
ARM: 30¾”
WINGSPAN: 76⅛”
40-YARD DASH: 4.42
VERTICAL: 41.5"
BROAD: 10'6"
POSITIVES
— Versatile defensive back. Has experience playing outside and inside corner as well as both safety spots.
— Uses his hands well to get reroutes or help stay in phase.
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— Good eyes in man and zone coverage. Doesn’t fall for double-moves in man and locates threats in zone.
— Impressive long speed to stay on top of deep routes. Solid at driving shorter routes to play through the wide receiver's back and get PBUs.
— Physical and willing run defender who is a sure tackler, using good pad level and wrapping up consistently.
— Tested well at the NFL combine, earning a 9.82 RAS.
NEGATIVES
— Route recognition is a little slow. Can be late to react to wide receivers' breaks and doesn't recognize pick/rub concepts well.
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— Subpar change of direction, allowing separation against 90-degree routes.
— Pretty reliant on using his hands to stay in phase against wide receivers and gets grabby when he gets beat.
— Thin frame and lacks the size to hold his ground against tight ends in the running game.
NOTES
— Born Aug. 12, 2003
— A 4-star recruit in the 2021 class, per 247Sports
— Injuries: 2022 (Hamstring, missed 6 games returned and missed 2 more)
The Buffalo Bills selected Kentucky DL Deone Walker with the No. 109 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Deone Walker is a massive human with a basketball background that shows up in his movement skills on the gridiron. He's pretty quick for his size and has the agility to beat offensive linemen across their faces.
With his combination of upper body strength and size, Walker can win at the point of attack to be hard to move as a run defender against one-on-one blocks and can collapse the pocket when bull rushing. He's also flashed an impressive swim move and shown the ability to use his quickness to win as a pass-rusher and defeat blocks against the run.
Deone Walker Highlights
Ultimately, the Kentucky product can be physically dominant when he wants to be or has a full tank of gas. The problem is he can get lazy, and his conditioning is poor, leading to him getting beat at certain points during a game more often than he should be losing for someone with his profile.
That and playing with high pad level are Walker's most significant issues heading to the next level, and it seems like those two weaknesses correlate. The good news is he has plenty of size to spare if he can get in better shape.
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Schematically, Walker is somewhat unique since he has the size of a nose tackle but the quickness of a 3-technique. Until he starts playing with better leverage and improves against double teams, he'd probably be best lining up at the latter, though.
MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS
HEIGHT: 6'7"
WEIGHT: 331
HAND: 10⅝”
ARM: 34¼”
WINGSPAN: 84⅛”
40-YARD DASH: 5.28
VERTICAL: 25"
BROAD: 8'8"
POSITIVES
— Great size and moves well for his size, heightening his ceiling at the next level.
— Against the run, he has the upper body strength to lock out offensive linemen and shed blocks. He's shown swim and hump moves to get off blocks too.
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— Can take away two gaps with his strength at the point of attack and agility to work across the offensive lineman's face to make tackles in the adjacent gap.
— As a pass-rusher, he's decent at keeping his feet moving through contact to collapse the pocket as a bull rusher.
— Also uses a swim move to win as a pass-rusher and has fairly limber hips to clear his lower half when winning as a rusher.
— Used at several different alignments from nose tackle to standup outside linebacker/edge at Kentucky.
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NEGATIVES
— Consistency throughout the game is a major issue, as his conditioning needs improvement. Could benefit from some weight management. He will show laziness either at the beginning of games to conserve energy or at the end when he runs out of gas.
— Stands up out of his stance and plays with very high pad level, causing him issues against offensive linemen who play with good leverage and combo blocks/double teams.
— Isn't explosive off the ball outside of short-yardage situations.
— Sub-par accuracy with his hands as a pass-rusher.
T.J. Sanders NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report for Buffalo Bills DL
Matt Holder
Apr 22, 2025
The Buffalo Bills selected South Carolina DL T.J. Sanders with the No. 41 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
T.J. Sanders is an impressive run defender with plenty of pop in his hands to win at the point of attack. That helps him gain control of blocks and occasionally stand-up interior offensive linemen at the line of scrimmage. He also appears to have long arms to help get extension and escape blocks.
Sanders has also shown a strong rip move to help get penetration when slanting or be an effective pass-rush move. However, his pad level could use work and he takes on blocks with a narrow base, causing him issues when anchoring against double teams and down blocks. Additionally, his lack of lateral movement skills can be an issue against outside-zone runs.
TJ Sanders Highlights
As a pass-rusher, the Gamecock can succeed with the rip move mentioned above and has shown a solid hand-swipe move and bull rush. Also, he's solid at working the hands and getting his hands up to bat passes at the line of scrimmage.
Overall, Sanders can be a solid 3-technique in even fronts or lineup as a 4i-technique in odd fronts. He'd probably be best in more of a rotational role as he struggles to make an impact for all four quarters.
MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS
HEIGHT: 6'4"
WEIGHT: 297
HAND: 10¼”
ARM: 33⅛”
WINGSPAN: 80⅞”
40-YARD DASH: 4.99
3-CONE: 7.7
SHUTTLE: 4.67
VERTICAL: 31.5"
BROAD: 9'4"
POSITIVES
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— Solid get-off/acceleration off the line of scrimmage.
— Violent and strong at the point of attack against the run.
— Appears to have long arms to help get extension and has the upper body strength to shed blocks.
— Has shown decent hand-swipe and rip moves as a pass-rusher, and has a good bull rush when he keeps his feet moving.
— Works the hands well when rushing the passer.
— Played several different alignments in college from a 4i-technique defensive end to nose tackle.
NEGATIVES
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— Has sub-par pad level out of his stance, leading to issues against double teams/combos and down blocks.
— Lacks lateral movement skills or agility, susceptible to getting reached.
— Tends to stop his feet on contact, hurting the consistency of his bull rush.
— Not very agile and quick to execute line games or stunts as the looper.
— Conditioning could use some work, he will get gassed toward the end of games or long drives.
James Cook Skips Start of Bills' Voluntary Workouts amid NFL Contract Rumors
Julia Stumbaugh
Apr 22, 2025
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook hasn't joined his team for the start of OTAs, general manager Brandon Beane said Tuesday.
"Can't tell you when he's definitely coming or not... I mean, it's voluntary," Beane said, per The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia.
Cook, who is currently signed through the 2025 season at a base salary of $5.3 million, is seeking an extension worth $15 million per season, per ESPN.
Beane said it was "not fair" to assume Cook's absence was related to those negotiations.
"He hasn't told me that. Doesn't mean he won't be here next week or the week after. He'll be ready to go," Beane said, per WGR 550's Sal Capaccio.
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The Philadelphia Eagles' Saquon Barkley and San Francisco 49ers' Christian McCaffrey are the only running backs currently signed to contracts worth more than $15 million per season, according to Over the Cap.
Cook made his case to rank among the league's top running backs by tying the Baltimore Ravens' Derrick Henry and Detroit Lions' Jahmyr Gibbs with 16 rushing touchdowns in 2024.
The Bills' voluntary offseason workout program began Monday, with players including newly extended quarterback Josh Allen in attendance.
When asked about Cook on Tuesday, Allen said he knows "James is working out, and getting the work done there too."
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"I think the guys in this locker room understand the business side of it... Hopefully that gets figured out, but it'll get figured out when it gets figured out," Allen said (h/t 13WHAM's Mike Catalana.)
OTA offseason workouts are scheduled for May 27-29, June 2-3 and June 5, followed by the start of mandatory minicamp on June 10.
Cook is currently set to become an unrestricted free agent following the 2025 season. NBC Sports' Mike Florio noted that holding out completely from his fourth NFL season would make Cook ineligible for free agency until 2026.
Beane said at the NFL owners' meetings in late March that the Bills are focused on this weekend's draft and don't expect to finalize an extension "anytime soon."
The Buffalo Bills selected Virginia Tech CB Dorian Strong with the No. 177 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Strong is a long-limbed cornerback who leverages his size and athleticism to disrupt routes and make plays on the ball. His press-man coverage skills and ball-hawking tendencies make him a highly competitive defender, but he has areas to clean up in his technique and consistency.
Dorian Strong Highlights
Strong excels in press-man coverage, utilizing his length and footwork to disrupt routes at the line of scrimmage. His smooth athleticism allows him to swivel his hips and transition well on shorter routes, showcasing good ball skills in intermediate zones. However, he struggles with maintaining proper pad level, often leading to separation on deeper routes. His gambling nature and reliance on undercutting routes can sometimes pull him out of phase, and his lack of elite recovery speed is a concern downfield.
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Strong is willing to engage in the run game, with secure wrap tackling being one of his strengths. His ability to close on ball-carriers in space helps his overall run defense, though his size and physicality are still developing. He takes sound angles and demonstrates a strong understanding of leverage, making him reliable in run support.
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Dorian Strong projects as a mid-round pick, offering potential as a starting outside cornerback with the right coaching. His length, ball skills, and press coverage ability make him valuable in man-heavy schemes. However, he must improve his technique, especially in downfield coverage, to avoid giving up big plays.
MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS
HEIGHT: 6'1"
WEIGHT: 185
HAND: 9¼”
ARM: 30⅞”
WINGSPAN: 76⅛"
40-YARD DASH: 4.50
3-CONE: 6.60
SHUTTLE: 4.05
VERTICAL: 36"
BROAD: 10'0"
POSITIVES
— Long-limbed athlete with good overall size. Does a great job of using his length to his advantage.
— Smooth athlete who shows to have loose hips to flip and swivel.
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— Strong press man defender who slides his feet well to keep leverage and uses his hands well to disrupt routes.
— Very good ball skills. Does a good job of getting his head around to find the ball and ability to play the ball, more so with short and intermediate routes.
— Wrap tackler who shows to be secure in open field tackling.
NEGATIVES
— Inconsistent with pad level which inhibits his transitions.
—Can get too handsy when working downfield, especially when caught out of position. Lacks recovery speed downfield.
— Gambler who consistently looks to undercut routes, taking poor angles and losing positioning. He often falls out of phase with receivers.
— Reverts to face guarding downfield, as he is slow to get his head around to find them ball.
Landon Jackson NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report for Buffalo Bills Edge
Matt Holder
Apr 21, 2025
The Buffalo Bills selected Arkansas EDGE Landon Jackson with the No. 72 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
The first thing that stands out about Landon Jackson is his size as he certainly looks the part of an NFL defensive end. Even better, he carries his frame well and has room for growth if a team wants to add some weight to him.
Jackson is a pretty good run defender. He has the strength and length to lock out offensive tackles and set the edge. Also, he shows decent block recognition to consistently be in the right spot and is physical when taking on pullers. He needs to improve at getting off blocks by being more violent when shedding or developing a move to escape.
Landon Jackson Highlights
As a pass rusher, the Razorback is technically sound. He uses his hands well and has a couple of solid moves with a cross-chop and long-arm. However, he is robotic and stiff which could impact his ability to get pressure at the next level.
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Jackson isn't quick-twitched and lacks some lateral movement skills which makes it difficult for him to set up his pass-rush moves and win around the edge. Additionally, his hips are a little tight which hinders his ability to clear his lower half and get clean wins as a rusher. Right now, he's pretty reliant on his use of hands and motor to get sacks and pressures.
Overall, the Arkansas product has the makings of being a solid every-down contributor as a traditional defensive end in even fronts or a 4i- to 5-technique in odd fronts. He may not be a perennial Pro Bowler/All-Pro who consistently gets double-digit sacks, but he can be a plus starter teams can win within the NFL.
MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS
HEIGHT: 6'6"
WEIGHT: 273
HAND: 10"
ARM: 33¼”
WINGSPAN: 83⅝”
40-YARD DASH: 4.68
3-CONE: 7.13
SHUTTLE: 4.55
VERTICAL: 40.5"
BROAD: 10'9"
POSITIVES
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— Great length and size for an NFL defensive end. He has room for growth on his frame too if need be.
— As a run defender, he's physical at the point of attack and takes on blocks with decent leverage for a tall player.
— Strength and length allow him to get extension against offensive tackles and set the edge.
— Good block recognition and recognizes when he's unblocked to stay tight to the line of scrimmage.
— Has active hands as a pass-rusher to help "defeat the hands, defeat the man"
— Good cross-chop and long-arm moves that he can win with.
— Effective on line games/stunts, he has decent agility to avoid losing ground while working laterally as the looper and his physicality helps get offensive linemen off-balance as the pick player.
— High motor as a pass-rusher.
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NEGATIVES
— A little robotic with his movement, not quick or very athletic.
— Lacks acceleration off the line of scrimmage to win with speed around the edge despite the good 40-yard dash time.
— Bull rush is underwhelming for his size. His pad level rises when rushing the passer.
— Bend at the top of the rush is just average.
— Not a violent block shedder and doesn't have a move to get off blocks at the next level consistently.
— Hand placement can be a little wide as a run defender.
The Buffalo Bills selected Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Hairston is a long and rangy cornerback prospect with a well-built frame for the position at 6'1" and 186 pounds. Known for his ball skills and high turnover rate, Hairston has shown the ability to capitalize on opportunities and plays with good instincts. His size and awareness make him an intriguing option for NFL teams seeking a cornerback who can contribute in multiple coverage schemes.
Hairston excels in press coverage, where his long arms allow him to get hands on receivers and disrupt routes early. He's adept at riding receivers downfield and staying in phase when given a cushion. His vision and awareness highlight his zone coverage abilities, as he does a great job of reading the quarterback's eyes while tracking threats. Hairston is opportunistic, often looking to capitalize on tipped or overthrown passes. However, he can get stretched vertically by faster receivers as his speed on tape doesn't always match his 40-time. His footwork can also be inconsistent at times, leading to wasted steps out of breaks and limiting his burst in tight coverage.
Maxwell Hairston Highlights
Though he's more than a willing tackler, Hairston's physicality in tackling is inconsistent, particularly in the open field. While he's capable of blitzing and contributing against the run, his tackling leaves much to be desired, and he tends to shy away from contact at times. His lack of physicality when tackling could limit his effectiveness in specific defensive schemes that require corners to play a more aggressive role against the run.
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Maxwell Hairston projects as a day two pick with the potential to develop into a high-level contributor in the NFL. His combination of length, press coverage skills, and zone awareness makes him an intriguing option for teams that play a lot of zone or press-man coverage. However, his inconsistent footwork and tackling ability will need refinement at the next level. With proper development, Hairston could become a solid starting cornerback in the NFL.
MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS
HEIGHT: 5'11"
WEIGHT: 183
HAND: 8¾”
ARM: 31"
WINGSPAN: 76⅝”
40-YARD DASH: 4.28
VERTICAL: 39.5"
BROAD: 10'9"
POSITIVES
— Long arms and a good size frame to play at all levels. Shows well as a blitzer.
— Press defender who likes to get his hands on and ride receivers downfield.
— Shows great vision and awareness in zone coverage. Plays the quarterback's eyes while feeling threats.
— Opportunistic player who looks to capitalize on tipped or overthrown passes.
NEGATIVES
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— Speed on tape doesn't always match his 40-time. He can get stretched vertically at times.
— Inconsistent footwork can lead to wasted steps out of breaks.
— Poor eye discipline in coverage. Eyes in the backfield can pull him out of position.
— Lacks consistent physicality in tackling, especially in the open field.
Jacob Bayer NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report for Buffalo Bills IOL
Alex Kay
Apr 21, 2025
The Buffalo Bills added Arkansas State IOL Jacob Bayer as an undrafted free agent after the 2025 NFL draft.
Jacob Bayer is a four-year starter at center, including 24 career starts at Arkansas State, including 12 in 2024 inside the team's 53-47 run-pass split, inside zone-based, downhill run scheme. Bayer has a thick, sturdy, and well-rounded build with adequate athletic ability and good play strength.
Jacob Bayer Highlights
Bayer wins as a run blocker with a wide-bodied base, good upper-body strength, and an effective double-under technique to cover up, lift, and displace defensive tackles in the post on double-teams and angle-drive blocks. He has enough quicks to overtake and reach shades in the outside zone run game but does his best work on inside zone and gap concepts where he can work downhill. Bayer shows some lower half stiffness that saps his ability to sustain, redirect, and recover late in the rep. He also needs to work on churning his feet and stepping on the toes of defenders to close space and not get overextended against the push-pull technique.
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In pass protection, Bayer is a stout presence against power, and he quickly absorbs and grinds the bull-rush down in his anchor while creating a lift using the double-under. He has a stiff, jolting punch and physical mindset when uncovered to clear the pocket. Bayer's feet tend to get stuck against rushers that can string together moves, creating easy access to his edges and gradual penetration when isolated.
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Overall, Bayer has below-average movement skills but brings the size, play strength, and demeanor to compete for a backup role at center with the upside to get onto the field during his rookie contract if he can clean up his footwork.
MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS
HEIGHT: 6'2"
WEIGHT: 306
HAND: 10¼"
ARM: 32½"
WINGSPAN: 78⅛"
40-YARD DASH: 5.20
3-CONE: 8.01
SHUTTLE: 4.83
VERTICAL: 28"
BROAD: 8'6"
POSITIVES
— Thick, sturdy and well-rounded build with good play strength.
— Has a stiff punch with tight, inside hand placement using a double-under technique.
— Excels on base blocks and in the post on double-teams covering up, lifting and uprooting defensive tackles
— Grinds the bull-rush down with a strong, firm anchor.
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NEGATIVES
— Struggles to sustain and finish blocks late in the rep due to not always bringing his feet and failing to step on the toes of defenders.
— Gradually lets his pads rise, gets overextended and is vulnerable to getting shed by the push=pull technique.
— Adequate lateral quickness and recovery skills.
NOTES
— Born Dec. 12, 2002
— 2-star recruit from the 2021 class, per 247Sports
— Originally committed to Lamar University in Texas where he started 22 games at center before transferring to Arkansas State before the 2023 season
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— 46 career starts at center
— Suffered a torn ACL during spring practice before the 2024 season and returned five months later in Week 2
Chase Lundt NFL Draft 2025 Scouting Report for Buffalo Bills OT
Nicholas Nathanson
Apr 20, 2025
The Buffalo Bills selected UConn OT Chase Lundt with the No. 206 overall pick in the 2025 NFL draft.
Chase Lundt is a four-year starter at right tackle with 13 starts at the position in 2024 inside Connecticut's 56-44 run-pass split, zone-based run scheme. Lundt has a tall frame with a lean, muscular and well-rounded build, adequate arm length and very good athletic ability.
Lundt is a twitched-up, fluid mover in the run game who executes wide zone concepts at a high level by closing ground quickly on targets to reach his landmarks with good hand placement and leg drive. Once latched, Lundt works hard to expand, widen, and seal off rush lanes on frontside kick-outs with the grip strength to keep defenders walled off. He is adept at cutting off the backside using refined footwork and quickness with the ability to intersect second and third-level targets on his climbs.
Chase Lundt Highlights
In pass protection, Lundt is a loose, explosive mover who regularly beats rushers to the spot with active, effective strikes to disrupt their timing and refit quickly once engaged. He has the range to expand his set points and carry rushers up the arc if they get on his outside edge while smoothly transitioning into his anchor against the bull rush. While his lower half mobility and able to transition into his anchor is there, his lack of mass, girth and middling lower-body strength sap his balance and ability to hold ground against defensive tackles and power rushers. Lundt also carries his hands low, leaving his chest exposed to the long arm. He breaks contact well with the trap technique but lacks the strength to prevent getting buckled when giving up the first meaningful contact.
Overall, Lundt is an experienced right tackle with a tall frame, well-rounded build and very good athletic ability to protect his edges on an island in pass protection and excel in a wide zone run scheme. His lack of mass and girth sap his ability to brace and anchor against power which calls into his ability to be an everyday starter in the NFL (especially due to being an older prospect) but he should be able to carve out a role with spot starter potential during his rookie contract.
MEASUREMENT AND WORKOUT RESULTS
HEIGHT: 6'7½"
WEIGHT: 304
HAND: 9⅝"
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ARM: 32⅝"
WINGSPAN: 77¾"
40-YARD DASH: 5.40
3-CONE: N/A
SHUTTLE: N/A
VERTICAL: N/A
BROAD: N/A
POSITIVES
— Loose, fluid and twitchy mover who quickly covers ground out of his stance to reach his set points and landmarks.
— Impressive range and ability to expand his set points to widen, mirror and carry high-side rushers up the arc.
— Understands how to settle and not bite when being set up by stutters and hesitations in pass protection.
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— Active, accurate strikes with quick refits keep him in the fight and engaged through counter moves.
— Very good mobility in his lower half aids in quickly transitioning into his anchor.
— Adept wide zone run blocker who can kick out and cut off targets consistently.
NEGATIVES
— Light in the pants with below-average lower body strength, mass, and girth.
— Anchor technique is there but regularly is buckled, compressed and unable to sit down against power.
— Low hand carriage in pass protection leaves his chest open and exposed to the long-arm technique.
— Below average arm length for his height.
NOTES
— Born June 16, 2000
— 2-star recruit from the 2019 class, per 247Sports
