The Buffalo Bills officially resumed their offseason preparation on Monday, May 18, kicking off organized team activities (OTAs) at their facility in Orchard Park. Coming off another deep playoff appearance, this early offseason period represents the first tangible step toward building a championship-caliber roster for the 2026 NFL season.
Head Coach Joe Brady and General Manager Brandon Beane have spent the offseason refining and reshaping a roster that remains one of the most talented in the AFC. Despite having a franchise cornerstone in quarterback Josh Allen entering his ninth NFL season, Buffalo's depth chart still features significant competition, particularly on the offensive line and special teams units. As OTAs get underway, two players stand out as key figures in battles that will shape the final 53-man roster: offensive lineman Alec Anderson and punter Mitch Wishnowsky.
The Left Guard Battle Heats Up
Among the most closely watched competitions of the spring is the open contest at left guard. With Dion Dawkins firmly entrenched at left tackle and Spencer Brown holding down the right tackle spot, the interior offensive line remains a dynamic puzzle for the Bills coaching staff to solve.
Buffalo's depth at center includes veterans Connor McGovern and Austin Corbett, with Lloyd Cushenberry III also in the mix. However, left guard is a true free agent spot heading into training camp, and Alec Anderson has emerged as a frontrunner for the role.
Anderson, a versatile lineman who has steadily developed since joining the organization, has taken reps at guard and tackle positions, showcasing valuable flexibility. This spring, the coaching staff is focusing Anderson's efforts on the interior line, specifically left guard, to provide stability next to the promising right guard O'Cyrus Torrence.
The Bills' offensive line has been a priority investment to protect Josh Allen and establish a dominant run game, making this position battle significant. Anderson's performance against the Bills' own defensive line -- featuring All-Pro defensive tackle Ed Oliver along with rising rookies Deone Walker and T.J. Sanders -- will be a key indicator of his readiness. Strong showings in footwork, leverage, and one-on-one drills could position Anderson as the favorite heading into training camp for the starting left guard assignment.
Special Teams Spotlight: Punter Competition
On the other side of the ball, the special teams unit also enters the offseason with a notable competition brewing at the punter position. Mitch Wishnowsky, a veteran punter acquired by the Bills during the offseason, is competing for the gig against young contender Tommy Doman.
The Buffalo Bills have long emphasized field position as a pillar of their overall team strategy. Under the direction of special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers, the punter battle will be closely observed in OTAs and beyond.
Wishnowsky brings a seasoned leg with a history of pinning opponents deep inside their own territory, a skill critical for the Bills' defensive scheme, which thrives on short fields and quick stops. However, the competition remains wide open, as Doman's strong legs and potential give the special teams staff multiple options.
With kicker Tyler Bass locked in as the team's primary placekicker, the punter competition represents the only real special teams spot that will be decided through performance in the spring and summer. OTAs will offer the first chance for both Wishnowsky and Doman to showcase their talents in live practice conditions.
Defense Under New Leadership
Defensively, the Bills continue to evolve under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. The offseason departures of several veterans have paved the way for a younger, more athletic defense to emerge, and OTAs provide the coaching staff with an initial look at how the new group gels.
Anchored by veteran defensive tackle Ed Oliver, the defensive line boasts a deep rotation mixing physicality and youth. Kentucky second-year Deone Walker has impressed the staff with a rare blend of size and agility, complementing players like T.J. Sanders and Phidarian Mathis. Edge rusher Greg Rousseau remains the team's primary pass rush threat alongside specialist Bradley Chubb.
Linebacker Terrel Bernard has emerged as a key communicator and leader on defense, while Dorian Williams provides depth and athleticism at the position. The Bills' linebacker group will be a focal point of Leonhard's system, emphasizing versatility and speed.
Buffalo's defensive backfield is stocked with talent and depth. Cornerback Christian Benford returns as a starter, flanked by promising rookies Maxwell Hairston and Jordan Hancock. The safety corps is deep and competitive with C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Cole Bishop, Damar Hamlin, and Geno Stone all vying for significant roles. Their collective versatility allows Leonhard room to mix coverages and create pressure through occasional blitzes.
What to Expect from OTAs
While OTAs do not deliver definitive answers--players wear shorts, contact is limited, and the playbook is still a work in progress--they serve as an invaluable barometer for player readiness, chemistry, and effort.
For players such as Alec Anderson and Mitch Wishnowsky, this period represents the first meaningful opportunity to impress the coaching staff in drills that will translate to game situations. Their performances will set the tone for the spring and impact offseason narratives surrounding roster battles.
From a broader perspective, the Bills have made it clear their ultimate mission remains bringing a Lombardi Trophy to Buffalo. Emerging victorious in the highly competitive AFC East--where perennial challengers like the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins continue to reload and the New England Patriots rebuild--is vital.
Buffalo retains a commanding position within their division, thanks to Josh Allen's sustained excellence and a refreshed receiving corps featuring dynamic talents like Keon Coleman, DJ Moore, and Khalil Shakir. James Cook continues to anchor the running back duties. Provided the offensive line remains healthy and sturdy, the offense projects as one of the NFL's most potent units.
Though battles at left guard and punter may appear as minor storylines compared to marquee positions, these contests frequently influence critical late-season games where narrow margins separate victory from defeat. The Bills are keenly aware of this reality.
As OTAs progress through May into early June, competing players will intensify their efforts. The duels for starting roles--from the trenches on offense to the depths of special teams--will attract increasing attention.
For Buffalo Bills fans and NFL observers alike, the 2026 offseason holds promise and anticipation as the team builds toward another championship run. Keep an eye on Alec Anderson and Mitch Wishnowsky as they strive to make their bids count in Orchard Park's first spring practices.
Stay tuned--the race for roster spots is just beginning.