Four Buffalo Bills' Newcomers With Most On The Line Entering 'Critical Summer'
Four Buffalo Bills' Newcomers With Most On The Line Entering 'Critical Summer'
The Buffalo Bills need to elevate their defensive performance in 2026, and that means the stakes are raised beginning in training camp.Ralph Ventre|
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Buffalo Bills | News, Scores, Schedules & StandingsThe Buffalo Bills have welcomed plenty of new pieces into the fold this offseason, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.
As part of an overhaul led by new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, the Bills remade their edge rusher room, signed two safeties with starting experience and drafted potential starters at cornerback and linebacker.
While multiple core pieces return, everyone must establish themselves in a new system in front of new coaches. That task is especially important for any newcomers who have aspirations to start.
Sports Illustrated senior reporter Albert Breer mentioned four defensive newcomers who will be tested during training camp.
"Speaking of new coaches, the Bills’s shift in philosophy comes on the head-coaching side, since new boss Joe Brady was promoted from the offensive coordinator spot. So veteran additions such as Bradley Chubb, C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Geno Stone, and draft picks like DE T.J. Parker are headed into a critical summer," said Breer.
Conversely, Breer suggested that wide receiver DJ Moore's familiarity with head coach Joe Brady will make matters less challenging for him this summer.
As for what's at stake and how they will fare, here's are some thoughts on the four potential defensive starters.
OLB Bradley Chubb
Chubb is changing teams, but he's joining a familiar scheme that could potentially bring out the best in him.
"He's played in very similar defenses the majority of his career, even at Miami, so excited to have him for the player that he is - the experience, the versatility he has, and the leadership," said Leonhard.
In a positive development for the Bills, the former No. 5 overall draft pick has already started establishing himself as a leader. In that spirit, Chubb invited Parker to train with him in South Florida during the current break.
Although Chubb, whose 8.5 sacks were enough to lead the Bills in 2025, is the presumed starter opposite Greg Rousseau, he must work to leave no doubt this summer. Buffalo needs him to become the closer that the pass rush has lacked for years.
S Chauncey Gardner-Johnson
Gardner-Johnson's explosive personality has resulted in the talented defensive back playing for four different teams in the past three seasons. Although it's still early, the fiery safety has seemingly struck all the right chords thus far.
"We're excited about just his passion and energy for the game and what he brings into the building every day," said Leonhard.
We wrote about the Super Bowl LIX champion making his presence felt during June minicamp when he managed to pick off a pass from Josh Allen.
"He's a competitor. He's the loudest guy in the room at all times. He's a constant competitor, and nothing that he does is half speed. He does it full speed," said Allen.
Gardner-Johnson, who notched two six-interception seasons for the Philadelphia Eagles (2022, 2024), is the favorite to start at safety alongside 2024 second-round pick Cole Bishop.
S Geno Stone
Stone has seemingly flown under the radar a bit since signing with the Bills in mid-March. The 27-year-old, who has not missed a game in the last four seasons, figures to compete against the Gardner-Johnson for a starting role.
"They're gonna get a guy that's gonna compete everyday, a guy that's gonna be in the right spots at the right time, and a leader. Now, I'm seven years in the league. I feel like I've been around a lot to know what it takes to be a pro in this league and what it takes to win," said Stone back in March.
Stone, who decided to sign with the Bills on the recommendation by fellow Iowa alumnus Micah Hyde, has made 36 consecutive starts and likely intends to extend that streak with the Bills. We recently named the safety, who had seven interceptions for the Baltimore Ravens in 2023, as one of three most under-appreciated offseason additions.
With veteran Damar Hamlin also in the mix, Stone will face plenty of competition this summer.
OLB TJ Parker (R)
A rookie's first summer is always an important one, especially if the player is expecting to hold a meaningful role in the months ahead.
If he plans to break into the edge rusher rotation, it's imperative that Parker is available to learn on the field during training camp and become acclimated to the speed of the pro game. Ideally, the Clemson product can rediscover his 2024 form when he totaled 11.0 sacks.
Bills' veteran Ed Oliver called Parker a "cheat code" during June minicamp, and the rookie looks like he belongs although the pads have to come on.
"We’re really excited to get him," said Leonhard. "We had our eyes on him early in the [draft] process, and just excited to see his mentality, his work ethic, and just the buy-in with the program."
With Greg Rousseau and Chubb the probable starters, and Michael Hoecht likely to see ample time, Parker projects as the Bills' fourth edge rusher heading into training camp.
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Published 49 minutes ago
RALPH VENTRERalph, a former college football conference administrator, brings 20+ years of media experience to Buffalo Bills ON SI. Prior to focusing on the Bills, he spent two years covering the New York Jets. Ventre initially joined the ON SI family in 2021, providing NCAA Football Championship Subdivision for NFL Draft Bible on FanNation. Ventre remains as an official voter for the Stats Perform FCS Top 25 and the annual legacy awards. The Fordham University graduate is a member of the Pro Football Writers of America.
Don’t forget San Diego’s July 4 fiasco — then vote the bums out
Don't forget SD's July 4 fiasco — then vote the bums out- US News
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Skip to main content OpinionDon’t forget San Diego’s July 4 fiasco — then vote the bums out
By CA Post Editorial Board Published July 1, 2026, 9:57 p.m. ETSee more of our coverage in your search results.
Add The California Post on GoogleRipped from the headlines of the satirical Babylon Bee:
A DEI extravaganza to mark the 250th birthday of the USA!
Oh wait.
That’s not the Bee; it’s actually a thing: San Diego County plans an identity-politics spectacular this July 4.
Wanna go?
5
5
The San Diego County Board of Supervisors voted this year to align the county’s Independence Day event with “equity and racial justice” goals.
Per a social media post from the mayor of El Cajon, the three-hour program will feature: a “tribal intimate blessing welcoming to land”; a tribal invocation; the American and black national anthems; local tribal community stories; Latino community stories; Asian American, Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander community stories; LGBTQIA+ community stories; and black and African community stories.
Whew. It’s exhausting just to read about.
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But more to the point: all of this … on July 4 of America’s 250th year? What message does the county of San Diego mean to send?
Not one that elevates fun, family, unity, respect, gratitude and patriotism — traditional Independence Day fare.
Instead, the county stoops to woke pandering.
5
Extolling favored groups on the nation’s birthday is e pluribus unum in reverse: ex uno, plura.
It’s divisive. It’s ill-timed. And it’s disrespectful to the nation, to its founding values and to the US Armed Forces who have fought and sometimes died to guard the rights the grievance crowd takes for granted.
In the very recent past, Americans of all stars and stripes could agree on some things, including the Fourth of July and its fun family patriotic fare.
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Remember the iconic jingle, “We love baseball, hot dogs, apple pie and Chevrolet?”
Those were days when Americans united around major holidays, around a shared heritage of freedom and around pride in a country that’s the freest in the world.
No longer.
5
These days, the scolds can’t be satisfied, the socialists win elections from New York to Colorado (unthinkable not long ago) and divisive Fourth of July programs emerge in once-moderate places like San Diego County.
Increasingly, elected officials want to shove a thumb in the eye of the nation, its founding, its traditions and its glory.
Enough.
Note to the radicals who rush to tear America down on perhaps its most cherished holiday:
Stop being petulant about losing national elections.
5
Love your country even if you don’t love its current leader.
Teach, respect and appreciate the values of 1776: liberty, individual rights, equality, limited government and the rule of law.
Ditch the woke bilge and restore the picnics, US flags and fireworks.
Restore e pluribus unum.
Skip the lecture series and let the people have fun.
And a bonus memo to San Diego County voters: Remember this farce next election.
Just maybe, in another grand American tradition, you’ll do this:
Throw the bums out.
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