The Buffalo Bills' defense has been underperforming, and a new coordinator might be the key to turning things around! Jim Leonhard, while new to the NFL as a defensive coordinator, brings a proven track record from his six seasons at the University of Wisconsin. His defenses were absolute powerhouses, consistently ranking in the top 10 for total defense in five of those years and even leading the nation twice. Now, with a potential stint learning under Vance Joseph in Denver under his belt, Leonhard appears ready to inject some much-needed energy into the Bills' defense.
While Buffalo has some promising talent that could fit Leonhard's system, coaches often look to bring in familiar faces to ease the transition. As free agency looms, let's explore some players who could reunite with Leonhard and bolster the Bills' defense:
1. Leo Chenal, Linebacker (Kansas City Chiefs)
Chenal was a standout player for Leonhard at Wisconsin, emerging as a top linebacker in 2021. During his time with the Badgers, he racked up eight sacks, 17.5 tackles for loss, and 114 tackles in just 11 starts, also forcing two fumbles. In Kansas City, Chenal has developed into a dangerous blitzer and a solid run-stopper, while also showing improvement in coverage. A reunion with Leonhard could unlock Chenal's full athletic potential, giving him a more prominent role in Buffalo.
2. Jack Sanborn, Linebacker (Dallas Cowboys)
Another former Badger star, Sanborn was a key contributor under Leonhard. In his final season at Wisconsin, he recorded 91 total tackles (including 16 tackles for loss) and five sacks. After spending his initial NFL years with the Chicago Bears, Sanborn signed a one-year deal with the Cowboys. While he had a quieter year, appearing in only six games and making 34 tackles (1 tackle for loss), he could be a valuable, cost-effective addition for the Bills.
3. Alex Singleton, Linebacker (Denver Broncos)
Bills fans might remember Singleton for a crucial play in their divisional round loss to the Broncos, where he forced a fumble from James Cook. Singleton is a tackling machine, consistently recording 120 or more tackles in five of the last six seasons. He also boasts 25 tackles for loss, 22 quarterback hits, and five sacks over that period. Singleton's journey is particularly inspiring; after a successful college career, he spent time on practice squads before making a significant impact in the CFL, earning two CFL All-Star selections and being named the league's most outstanding defensive player in 2017. He even won the Grey Cup in 2018 before returning to the NFL. His tenacity and experience could be exactly what Buffalo needs.
4. P.J. Locke, Safety (Denver Broncos)
Locke has expressed a strong desire to retire with the Broncos, stating, "I obviously want to be back here. I would love to retire here." However, opportunity might be Buffalo's strongest selling point. Locke was a backup in Denver but stepped up admirably when injuries struck, notably recording an interception and forcing a fumble in the Broncos' playoff win against the Bills. Leonhard could offer the soon-to-be 29-year-old safety a starting role alongside Cole Bishop, a significant upgrade from his backup position.
5. John Franklin-Myers, Defensive Lineman (Denver Broncos)
Franklin-Myers is no stranger to the AFC East, having played for the New York Jets. After being traded to Denver, he thrived, recording 14.5 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and 14 tackles for loss in two seasons. With the Bills needing reinforcements on their defensive line, Franklin-Myers presents a compelling option.
But here's where it gets controversial... While bringing in familiar faces can be beneficial, is it always the best strategy? Could focusing solely on players with past ties to Leonhard limit the Bills' ability to find the absolute best talent available, regardless of their history? What do you think? Should the Bills prioritize reunion or pure talent acquisition for their defense?
