Three biggest snubs from Bills' initial 53-man roster

A QB and two defensive backs make up the list

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Shane Buechele (6) reacts to a timeout in the first quarter at Raymond James Stadium. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills announced their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday, and some notable names stand out who didn't make the cut. However, some absences are more glaring than others.

Here is a list of three players who had a lot going for them but ultimately didn't make the roster.

1. Shane Buechele, QB

Aug 23, 2025; Tampa, Florida, USA; Shane Buechele (6) drops back to pass in the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. | Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Buechele was in a room with four quarterbacks that had two off the roster, but he made a case for himself with an excellent outing against the Buccaneers on Saturday, going 25-of-30 for 278 yards and a touchdown in the Bills' 23-19 win.

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The fourth-year veteran should at least find himself on the practice squad with some potential in case either Josh Allen or Mitchell Trubisky are injured.

2. Darrick Forrest, S

Jun 11, 2025; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Darrick Forrest (28) makes a catch during minicamp at Highmark Stadium. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Safety was found to be a very problematic position in the second week of preseason, and Forrest, who had four interceptions in 2022 with Washington, was kept off the roster along with Tre Herndon in a battle in which everyone had a good shot to be a starter alongside Taylor Rapp.

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Forrest was the lone free-agent safety addition for the Bills this offseason, and an argument can be made that he should've been given a shot with the state of the safety position in Buffalo where it is now.

3. Dane Jackson, CB

Aug 9, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Lil'Jordan Humphrey (81) makes a catch against Dane Jackson (23) during the first half at Highmark Stadium. | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

Cornerback was another problem area with several injuries, most notably to first-round pick Max Hairston and former All-Pro returnee Tre'Davious White, and Jackson was on the chopping block.

Jackson, a seventh-round pick of the Bills in 2020, was already familiar with Sean McDermott's defense, so it can be argued that he could be a mentor to rookie Max Hairston, much like Tre'Davious White can be seen as such now.

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These players can find themselves on the roster given the right circumstances, but for now, they'll have to go through other avenues to find their place in the NFL.

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