Russell Baxter

Russell Baxter

Joined: Jan 27, 2025

Russell S. Baxter has been writing and researching the game of football for more than 40 years, and on numerous platforms. That includes television, as he spent more than two decades at ESPN, and was part of shows that garnered five Emmy Awards. He also spent the 2015 NFL season with Thursday Night Football on CBS/NFLN.

Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos defensive tackle Malcolm Roach (97) tackles Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) during the second quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Dec 20, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore (2) runs after the catch against Green Bay Packers guard Lecitus Smith (68) during the first quarter at Soldier Field

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) smiles at something someone said before the Buffalo Bills wild card game against the Denver Broncos at Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park on Jan. 12, 2025.

Jan 17, 2026; Denver, CO, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) scores a touchdown during the third quarter of an AFC Divisional Round playoff game against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford (20) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium.

Under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, the Bills must get back to forcing their opponents into mistakes.

Mar 31, 2026; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore.

The Buffalo Bills will be looking to reach the playoffs for an eighth consecutive season in 2026.

Buffalo Bills’ Bruce Smith pressures Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino during the fourth quarter in 1995.

A look at the Bills' draft history when it comes to the first seven rounds.

Jan 11, 2026; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane before an an AFC Wild Card Round game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at EverBank Stadium.

Could the Bills move out of the first round for the second time in three years?

Dec 20, 2025; College Station, TX, USA; Texas A&M Aggies defensive end Cashius Howell (9) tackles Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Malachi Toney (10) during the game between the Aggies and the Hurricanes

Another mock draft has the Bills' addressing their defense in the first round.

Nov 30, 2025; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Bradley Chubb (2) leaves the field following a game against the New Orleans Saints at Hard Rock Stadium

Have the Buffalo Bills done enough this offseason to fix a defense that has come up small in the playoffs?

Brandon Beane, president of football operations and general manager for the Buffalo BIlls, and head coach Joe Brady take turns answering questions during a press conference that introduced Brady as the new head coach in Orchard Park on Jan. 29, 2026.

The talented Buffalo Bills are hoping a pair of key acquisitons deliver this season.

Sep 7, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns guard Joel Bitonio (75) at Huntington Bank Field

Brandon Beane has a spot to fill on the Bills' offensive line.

Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center.

Buffalo's defense is still in need of playmakers. Chauncey Gardner-Johnson brings a little moxie to the team.

Feb 28, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Texas A&M wideout KC Concepcion (WO16) during the NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium.

Buffalo's offense could finally add a big-play element to its passing attack.

Wisconsin interim head coach Jim Leonhard arrives before a NCAA Big Ten Conference football game against Iowa, Saturday, Nov. 12, 2022, at Kinnick Stadium

The Buffalo Bills' defense often disappointed come playoff time.

Clemson head coach Dabo Swinney with defensive lineman Peter Woods (11) before kickoff with Furman University at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, SC, Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Buffalo's run defense was a major liability in 2025.