In Buffalo, belief runs hot—until January hits. Josh Allen gave the Bills everything in 2024: 40 total touchdowns, an MVP trophy, and a swagger that had fans dreaming of confetti in February. But once again, the Chiefs turned those dreams into dust. Another AFC Championship loss. Another offseason of soul-searching. And this time, head coach Sean McDermott isn’t just tweaking the playbook—he’s overhauling the balance. Because when your offense ranks top five but your defense gives up over 340 yards per game, the message is clear: one side is doing too much heavy lifting.

Now, McDermott’s sights are locked on a key fix—possibly the third-best defensive player on the draft board—while Josh Allen’s offense quietly angles for veteran reinforcements. Despite Allen’s explosive offense, Buffalo ranked just 17th in total defense last season, allowing an average of 341.5 yards per game. That gap hurt morale—and cost them dearly in the postseason. The Bills know that shoring up the defense is essential if they want to go from contenders to champions.

On the April 21 episode of The Rich Eisen Show, former Raiders GM Mike Mayock spotlighted a potential fix. He projected that Buffalo would target Kentucky CB Maxwell Hairston, noting, “They say the heck with it. We’re going to get the fourth corner, Maxwell Hairston, from Kentucky. This kid gives them a dynamic outside player. As long as he competes and tackles physically, he’s got special ability to play at a high level.”

Hairston, who’s ranked third on CBS Sports’ list of top cornerbacks in the 2025 draft class, is turning heads across the league. The 5-foot-11, 183-pound cornerback impressed scouts at the NFL Combine with a blazing 4.28-second 40-yard dash—a time originally clocked at 4.29 before correction. His speed and ball skills have made him a standout, but like most rookies, he isn’t without flaws. Analysts agree that while his zone instincts and hands are NFL-ready, he’ll need coaching support in press coverage and run defense—areas McDermott and his staff are known for developing.

The Bills hold the 30th overall pick in the first round, and if Hairston is still on the board, he may be too valuable to pass up. Of course, draft night rarely goes as expected, and a trade up—or back—could still be in play. NFL analysts have praised his ball skills, handling ability. Yet the team that drafts him will have to work on his strength in press coverage and run support. Well, the Bills HC will take care of these things once he drafts him. They pick 30th in the first round. It’s a cat-and-mouse game of trading up and back.

While the draft creates drama in the league, the franchise is aiming for a veteran O-line player. They want to get enough options for Josh Allen.

Sean McDermott targeting veteran WR

While McDermott zeroes in on defense, the offensive staff isn’t sitting idle. With Stefon Diggs now in Houston and Gabe Davis in Jacksonville, Buffalo is searching for wide receiver reinforcements. One name emerging as a top free-agent target is Tyler Lockett.

As CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin put it, “A longtime model of consistency and durability in Seattle, the former Seahawks speedster is no spring chicken after a decade in the NFC West.” Lockett was released by the Seahawks last month after a highly productive 10-year run, registering 661 catches, 8,594 receiving yards, and 61 touchdowns across 161 games (134 starts).

At 32, Lockett’s best years may be behind him, but his route running and leadership could make him a valuable short-term addition to Josh Allen’s offense. Spotrac projects his market value at $7.7 million annually—manageable for a veteran WR2. The Bills aren’t expected to offer a long-term deal, but Lockett’s availability could align perfectly with Buffalo’s win-now window.

Of course, the Bills may also address the position in the draft. With a deep receiver class and Allen reportedly involved in personnel discussions, the front office is keeping its options open. For now, free agency might have to wait until after the draft dust settles in Green Bay.