Shockwaves hit Orchard Park as the front office prioritizes tight end depth over veteran wideouts, while a standout training camp cornerback faces a surprising trip to waivers.
The 2026 preseason has come and gone, and the Buffalo Bills have made their cuts to get down to the initial 53-man roster for the regular season. While most of the moves weren't surprises, there were some interesting decisions made heading into the year.
The Bills decided to keep only five wide receivers, releasing both Mecole Hardman Jr. and Trent Sherfield. What's more is that they kept four tight ends, including Keleki Latu.
On defense, the big surprise to many is the release of CB Kani Walker. After a strong training camp and preseason, there was a growing belief that he had done enough to make the roster. The team will likely try to add him to its practice squad should he clear waivers.
Check out the Bills' 53-man roster coming out of the preseason below. One thing to note, however, is that the roster can still change. It's always possible that a player is released to make room for a different player who was let go by another team.
Buffalo Bills First 53-Man Roster
Quarterback (2): Josh Allen, Kyle Allen
Running Back (3): James Cook, Ray Davis, Ty Johnson
Wide Receiver (5): DJ Moore, Khalil Shakir, Skyler Bell, Keon Coleman, Joshua Palmer
Tight End (4): Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, Jackson Hawes, Keleki Latu
Offensive Line (10): Dion Dawkins, Spencer Brown, O'Cyrus Torrence, Connor McGovern, Alec Anderson, Austin Corbett, Lloyd Cushenberry III, Tylan Grable, Jude Bowry, Armaj Reed-Adams
Defensive Line (6): Ed Oliver, Deone Walker, Landon Jackson, TJ Sanders, Greg Gaines, DeWayne Carter
Outside Linebacker (6): Gregory Rousseau, Bradley Chubb, Michael Hoecht, TJ Parker, Javon Solomon, Mike Danna
Insider Linebacker (4): Terrel Bernard, Dorian Williams, Kaleb Elarms-Orr, Joe Andreessen
Cornerback (5): Christian Benford, Maxwell Hairston, Davison Igbinosun, Dee Alford, Jordan Hancock
Safety (5): C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Cole Bishop, Jalen Kilgore, Damar Hamlin, Sam Franklin Jr.
Specialists (3): Tyler Bass, Tommy Doman Jr., Reid Ferguson
Reserved List Players: Tyrell Shavers (PUP), DL Zane Durant (IR), DL Phidarian Mathis (Suspended)
