Four Things We Learned About Buffalo Bills at NFL League Meetings

Brandon Beane and Joe Brady revealed plenty during their media appearances at the annual NFL League Meetings in Phoenix this week.

Among the items discussed, Josh Allen’s health was at the top of the list, as the Bills’ franchise quarterback is set to be “good to go” for Buffalo’s offseason program. Beyond Allen’s status, there was much more on the docket between the Bills’ president of football operations/general manager and head coach.

Here are four things we learned from the Bills during the league meetings in the desert.

Important dates

Bills quarterback Josh Allen enters on crutches to a press conference at the Bills field house in Orchard Park on Jan. 29, 2026. He had minor foot surgery. | Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

The Bills plan to begin their offseason program on Tuesday, Apr. 7, which is two weeks earlier than most other NFL teams are permitted to begin their training for the upcoming 2026 season. They can start prior to other organizations because they have a new head coach, whereas teams with a returning head coach can begin their program on Apr. 20.

Additionally, the Bills will host their local pro day on Apr. 11, an event which will feature University at Buffalo linebacker Red Murdock, who may be one of the team’s draft targets in a few weeks.

Dorian Strong injury update

The Bills’ former sixth-round pick sustained a frightening neck injury during the 2025 season and underwent what Beane termed a “specialized surgery” this offseason to repair the ailment. It remains unclear if Strong will be able to continue his playing career.

“It’s just in the healing phase right now,” said Beane. “There’s not a lot of rehab to it. It’s just kind of see how it does.”

Strong’s status could impact what the Bills elect to do at the cornerback position over the next few weeks and months, as he projected well as a future contributor during his limited time on the field during his rookie year. However, if his medical condition forces him to hang up his cleats, Buffalo will need to pursue additional options on the boundary.

‘Wide-open competition’

With the free-agent addition of interior offensive lineman Austin Corbett, Beane is anticipating an all-out war for the left guard position left vacant by David Edwards’ departure for the New Orleans Saints.

“I think there’s going to be a good competition at left guard,” said Beane. “I wouldn’t want to give that to [Alec Anderson] or anyone else. You know, I would say because Alec’s been here, you know, if we played a game right now, he knows the system and would probably be out there first. But between now and when we get pads on and all that, I think it’ll be a wide-open competition.”

Tylan Grable, Chase Lundt and Sedrick Van-Pran Granger may factor into the positional battle in the trenches, but it looks like a starting role will come down to Anderson or Corbett this summer.

Shift at punt returner?

Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady during the 2026 NFL Annual League Meeting at the Arizona Biltmore. | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

One of the many considerations for the Bills entering the draft will be whether to select a player with punt-return experience. Buffalo has used its top wide receiver, Khalil Shakir, in that role the past two seasons, and Brady expressed his desire to change that.

“Khalil, as we know, is one of our best football players—just like Josh Allen,” said Brady. “When you’re back there, and Josh takes a hit, or he runs, and he doesn’t slide, I’m getting the plays in a little late cause I’m making sure he gets up. So, I feel that a little at times with Khalil. I’d love for Khalil not to be back there. But Khalil is a team player and whatever he has to do.”

It would be wise to keep Shakir out of harm’s way when it comes time for the special teams unit to take the field. The 26-year-old battled through a number of different bumps and bruises last season, and Buffalo should do whatever it can to ensure he remains on the field.