​After the 2027 season, two of the Bills’ core players, Dalton Kincaid and Cole Bishop, will become free agents. While Buffalo could wait for their deals to expire, it would be wiser to finalize extensions as soon as possible. In the past, Bills President of Football Operations Brandon Beane has shown a willingness to lock up his draft picks early, which makes it more likely that Kincaid and Bishop will be the next in line. The Bills also have 2023 second-round pick O’Cyrus Torrence due for an extension soon, but Beane should turn his attention first to securing extensions with Bishop and Kincaid next offseason.
Bishop’s extension will have to wait until after next season, but by then it could feel overdue. After a rookie contract, players are eligible to sign an extension, and for Bishop that would come with the conclusion of the 2026-2027 season. Some might worry that it’s too soon to commit, but Bishop proved to be a bright spot on a middling Bills defense last year. With Jordan Poyer taking over the other starting safety spot, Bishop had the chance to breakout, and down the stretch he showcased the best football of his young career. In the playoffs, he made game-changing plays, including a game-sealing interception against the Jaguars in the Wild Card round. There were bumps in the road during his first year and a half, but the trajectory is clearly upward. His solid late-season play, coupled with the arrival of new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, gives Bills fans plenty to be excited about. If Beane and the Bills wait too long to extend Bishop, the deal could become too expensive to fit into their salary cap.
Kincaid has been a focal point of discussion during his first three seasons in Buffalo, and the time has come to decide whether he should remain with the Bills beyond his rookie contract. Since he was a first-round pick, Kincaid will play on the fifth-year option in 2027 before hitting free agency. If the Bills are serious about extending their competitive window, Kincaid should never reach the open market. His availability has been a concern at times, but the reality is that he is vital to the team’s success. Including the playoffs, Buffalo was 11-3 with him in the lineup last year. While a team’s record with or without a player isn’t always the best indicator of impact, the data in this case supports his importance. Kincaid led the Bills in two key categories, posting two 100-yard games and the most receiving touchdowns on the team, even though he missed five regular-season games. He also finished second in catches and receiving yards, trailing only Khalil Shakir.
In summary, Beane should prioritize locking in extensions for Bishop and Kincaid after the 2027 season, with Torrence’s situation on the horizon as a secondary priority. Extending Bishop promptly would help manage cap space to avoid a costly rush, while keeping Kincaid long-term would preserve the offense’s core and their ability to sustain a high level of play for years to come.