Buffalo Bills Face Key Challenges As 2025 Season Approaches
As the Buffalo Bills prepare for the 2025 NFL season, several developments have emerged that could significantly impact the team's performance. Notably, wide receiver Khalil Shakir is recovering from a high-ankle sprain sustained during practice, while running back James Cook is seeking a contract extension amid a "hold-in" from training camp. Additionally, the team has bolstered its roster by signing veteran offensive lineman Dan Feeney and edge rusher Justin Hollins.
Shakir, 25, is expected to be ready for the team's regular-season opener despite the recent injury. Head coach Sean McDermott announced that Shakir remains on a day-to-day status but is anticipated to miss all three preseason games. Shakir had a strong performance last season, achieving career highs with 76 receptions, 100 targets, 821 receiving yards, and four touchdowns in 15 games. Since being drafted in the fifth round in 2022 out of Boise State, he has accumulated 125 catches for 1,593 yards and seven touchdowns across 46 games .
Cook, 25, is in the final year of his four-year, $5.8 million rookie deal and is prioritizing his health and mental readiness while negotiating a contract extension. In 2024, he set a franchise record with 16 rushing touchdowns and has amassed 2,638 rushing yards, 20 rushing touchdowns, and 883 receiving yards over 49 games since being drafted in the second round in 2022. Quarterback Josh Allen expressed strong support for Cook, emphasizing the running back's value to the team and stating that they "desperately" want him back on the field.
To strengthen their offensive line, the Bills signed veteran lineman Dan Feeney, 31, who brings eight seasons of NFL experience playing both guard and center. Feeney has appeared in 120 games with 65 starts across four teams: the Los Angeles Chargers , New York Jets , Chicago Bears , and Minnesota Vikings . He was originally drafted in the third round by the Chargers in 2017 out of Indiana University.
The Bills also bolstered their defensive line by signing veteran edge rusher Justin Hollins. At 29 years old, Hollins brings experience from five NFL teams over five seasons, during which he has accumulated 10.5 sacks, 123 tackles, and three forced fumbles across 67 games, including five starts. His NFL journey includes stints with the Denver Broncos, Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Los Angeles Chargers. Notably, Hollins was a fifth-round draft pick by the Broncos in 2019 and earned a Super Bowl ring with the Rams in 2021.
As the Bills continue to make strategic moves in the offseason, the team remains focused on addressing these challenges to position themselves for a successful 2025 season.
