Bills 'Shiny New Toys' Noted As ESPN Evaluates Major Moves On Defense

With a league MVP at quarterback, a veteran offensive line, and a respected coaching staff, the Buffalo Bills believe they have all they need to compete for a Super Bowl.

There is still one central question for the defending AFC East champions, though.

Can the Bills' defense finally match up well against the conference's best teams?

Buffalo's defense has undergone a major transformation over the last few seasons. They have said goodbye to aging veterans and replaced them with younger talent. During the 2025 offseason, the Bills added key veterans along the defensive line and secondary to help bolster their young group.

While appearing on One Bills Live this week, ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler commended the organization for their defensive improvements this offseason.

Especially with how dominant their offense should be.

"It's fun to get the shiny new toy on offense, but, really, when you dig down into it, this is a team that needed to replenish on defense," Fowler said. "From just a depth standpoint, an explosion standpoint, maybe a pass rush explosion standpoint, players with an edge, getting some new ideas in there, some new life."

Free agent additions like Michael Hoecht and Joey Bosa should complement a defensive-heavy draft class led by Deone Walker and Maxwell Hairston.

Will it be enough to get the Bills over the hump in the AFC?

That question remains unanswered at this moment. Buffalo is certainly younger than in recent years on the defensive side, and if they can play at a high level, they should be able to match up nicely against the Kansas City Chiefs or Baltimore Ravens.

Any inconsistencies, though, and the Bills will be in a challenging situation this season on the defensive end.