Bills players and coaches optimistic for 2023 outlook

Next season will look different for every player whether they’re hitting the free agency market, will be back in Buffalo, or are itching to return to the field after an injury sidelined them last season. For the 2022 rookies, their first NFL season is in the books and their focus is set on preparing for the transition from year one to year two.

“Faster, stronger, and watch and learn from tape as well,” WR Khalil Shakir said. “Trying to expand my knowledge on defenses as far as getting more of a better feel for the game as well and things like that. So, it’s going to be a big jump from the first to the second year. Just kind of make sure that I focus in on a lot of those deep key details as well the small details as far as within my route running and cleaning things up with that as well.”

“We got roles for all of ’em,” GM Brandon Beane said on the 2022 rookies. “I think going forward, explaining the cap situation, that we’re going to count on all these guys to be even more involved as we get into 2023.”

Speaking of the cap situation, reconstructing the roster to fit within the set in stone number is high on the GM’s to-do list. Since Beane last spoke to the media, the NFL announced that the 2023 salary cap would be a record $224.8 million per club which is a $16.6 million leap from last season.

With expected changes coming to the roster, Beane’s eyes and creative mind are focused on how to strengthen the team in the months leading up to the season opener. Between draft picks, potential free agents, and returning players, he is looking to find a role for everybody so he can put as strong of a team as he can together come September.

“It’s back at it,” Beane said. “We’re all going to work through this, and we’re going to work on answers for 2023 and hopefully get the outcome we’re looking for next year.”