Buffalo Bills bold training camp predictions
The Buffalo Bills open training camp in less than three weeks at St. John Fisher University.
The team returns intact primarily after a run to the AFC title game in 2024. Bills general manager Brandon Beane reshaped the defensive line with several moves in free agency and the NFL Draft. The offense features a few new faces but will primarily rely on familiar ones, led by reigning NFL MVP quarterback Josh Allen.
What should fans expect when the Bills roll out the footballs for camp?
We’re predicting the biggest storylines of the summer by making a few big, bold predictions for training camp. Please let us know your thoughts on our predictions and share any additional insights you may have.
1. Dalton Kincaid breakout brewing
Kincaid’s dropped pass on 4th down in the final moments of the AFC Championship game last season against the Kansas City Chiefs was the lasting memory of the former first-round pick’s sophomore season. It was a disappointing statistical performance after Kincaid broke the franchise record for receptions by a tight end in his rookie season (73).
Kincaid spent this offseason adding size and strength, and his quarterback appears determined to elevate Kincaid in his third year.
” I got to be better for him,” Allen said back in January. “I didn’t feel like I put him in enough good situations this year, ball placement-wise. … He’s going to be so much better next year.”
Kincaid has the opportunity to become the focal point of a Bills offense that doesn’t feature a No. 1 wide receiver. Within the “Everyone Eats” mantra the team has adopted since offensive coordinator Joe Brady took over, Kincaid should be the top dog. He had a great spring and showed glimpses of what it can look like when he’s making big plays. I expect him to become the team’s No. 1 weapon in the passing game. – Parrino
2. The summer of Rousseau
Greg Rousseau has been a solid player in his tenure with the Bills, but his best will come in 2025. Fresh off a four-year, $80 million extension, Rousseau will build on his 2024 campaign, in which he set career highs in pressures (59) and pressure rate (13.8%), starting at St. John Fisher University.
Rousseau has notched eight sacks in two of the past three seasons, but this is the year that total will reach double-digits thanks to Rousseau’s continued development as a player and the addition of Ryan Nielsen to the coaching staff. Nielsen has been credited with developing multiple defensive linemen in his coaching career, with Trey Hendrickson topping the list. Rousseau will be the next in line.
Despite Buffalo having outstanding offensive tackles, Rousseau will be unblockable throughout the summer and go on to have a breakout campaign in 2025. – Talbot
3. Matt Milano not a lock to start in 2025?
When Milano was healthy last season, he started for the Bills at their weakside linebacker spot. He started four games after returning from a torn biceps injury that cost him most of the season. He then went on to start every playoff game for Buffalo.
But Milano dealt with a few nagging injuries along the way. He had a groin injury that forced him out of a December game against the Patriots, and then he played through a hamstring injury in the playoffs.
Milano turns 31 shortly after camp begins in July. It’s expected that the former All-Pro will sit atop the depth chart when the Bills start practicing, but third-year linebacker Dorian Williams should push him for snaps this summer.
Williams started 11 games last year and led the Bills with 117 tackles on the season. He’s a bit of a loose cannon at times, but plays fast and physical. His toughness was on display when he played through an elbow injury late in the season.
Milano is a valuable player for the Bills with loads of experience, but Williams’ youth and athleticism may earn him the job. Milano, in a backup role, provides the Bills with great depth and veteran leadership, potentially keeping him healthier throughout the season. Even if Milano technically remains the starter, the Bills should find ways to get Williams on the field in 2025. – Parrino
4. A new QB2
This prediction may not be as bold as the others, but Mitch Trubisky’s time as the Bills’ No. 2 quarterback comes to an end this summer.
The former No. 2 overall pick of the Chicago Bears is well-liked by Buffalo’s front office, coaching staff and in the locker room, but his play leaves much to be desired on the field. This summer, Trubisky has legitimate competition for the job in Mike White.
White will need to be better than he was in the regular season finale last year, when he completed just 3-of-11 passes for 28 yards against the Patriots, but his willingness to push the ball down the field gives him a chance over Trubisky, a quarterback known for dinking and dunking the football.
At St. John Fisher University, White outplays Trubisky to earn the job behind Josh Allen. Regardless of the outcome, Buffalo will need Josh Allen to stay healthy all season to have any shot of making a run to the Super Bowl this season. – Talbot