The Buffalo Bills suffered yet another heartbreaking postseason defeat on Saturday in their dramatic 33-30 overtime loss to the Denver Broncos, beginning their offseason.
Despite winning the AFC East once again and boasting one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses, the Bills now face tough decisions about which veterans and role players are worth retaining. With salary cap pressure looming and several players entering free agency, here are three Buffalo Bills players who may not be on the roster when the 2026 season kicks off.
Matt Milano — LB
Linebacker Matt Milano has been one of the most respected defenders in Buffalo’s modern defense. A longtime Bills leader and former Pro Bowler, Milano’s contributions were significant when healthy. In 2025, he recorded 67 tackles, 3.5 sacks, and a forced fumble over 12 games despite battling injuries.
After reworking his contract prior to the 2025 season, Milano is set to hit free agency in 2026, and it has become increasingly likely that he’s played his final game in Buffalo. He will turn 32 years old at the start of training camp next season, and the Bills will likely be reluctant to throw money at an aging player who played in just 21 combined games in the lat three years.
Connor McGovern — OL
Veteran center Connor McGovern has been a consistent force on the Bills’ offensive line since joining the team in 2023. After transitioning from guard to center, McGovern started all 17 games in 2024 and earned his first Pro Bowl nod thanks to strong pass-blocking performance and reliability in the run game. He continued as the full-time starter throughout the 2025 season, anchoring Buffalo’s offensive front and helping protect quarterback Josh Allen.
However, McGovern’s contract is set to expire, and he’ll be an unrestricted free agent in 2026, leaving Buffalo with a choice to extend or let him test the open market. With cap space tight and the Bills also needing to address multiple key positions, McGovern could command a raise that the franchise may be reluctant to match. Despite his performance and importance, financial realities could make McGovern one of the notable departures this offseason.
AJ Epenesa — DE
A.J. Epenesa has been a rotational fixture in Buffalo’s defensive front since being drafted in the second round in 2020, but his future with the team is far from guaranteed. During the 2025 season, Epenesa continued to play a situational role as part of a deep edge rotation, contributing pressures and occasional splash plays.
Epenesa is set to hit unrestricted free agency in 2026, and the Bills will have to decide whether retaining him at market value makes sense. With Buffalo already investing heavily in its defensive line and potentially looking to get younger and more explosive off the edge, Epenesa could be forced to walk by circumstance rather than performance.
