Bills' GM Brandon Beane's best roster moves of 2024

The Buffalo Bills lost several players after the 2023 season, but Brandon Beane did a terrific job setting up the Bills for success in 2024. Here are the five best moves of the 2024 season.

Ronnie Eastham | Jan 4, 2025

Nov 17, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane on the field before a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-Imagn Images / Mark Konezny-Imagn Images

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The Buffalo Bills weren't expected to be a contender in the 2024 season. Many prognosticators had the Bills finishing third in the AFC East, and out of the playoffs. They lost a number of key players, including Stefon Diggs, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, and Tre'Davious White. Josh Allen needed to restart with a new cast of pass catchers in the receiving corps, with only Khalil Shakir returning from the previous year.

Fans are quick to credit Allen for the Bills' success this season, and rightfully so, but General Manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott also deserve significant credit. They have orchestrated numerous player personnel moves through the draft and free agency that have yielded substantial dividends.

Here are the top four organization decisions of the 2024 season:

WR Keon Coleman -- Bills second-round pick, 2024 NFL draft

Dec 29, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Keon Coleman (0) makes a catch against New York Jets cornerback Isaiah Oliver (23) / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

There was considerable debate regarding the Bills' choice for their first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. We recently wrote about whether the Bills should have selected receiver Ladd McConkey, who is having an outstanding rookie season. McConkey is a similar player to the Bills' WR Khalil Shakir, while Coleman offers a different style that is exactly what the Bills needed in their receiving corps: a big-bodied receiver that can go up and get the ball. Despite missing four games due to injury, Coleman produced 27 receptions, 525 yards, and four touchdowns. Expect more from him in the playoffs and beyond.

WR Mack Hollins, 2024 NFL free agent signing

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Mack Hollins (13) scores a touchdown against the Los Angeles Rams. / Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Bills players have repeatedly talked about the current team's chemistry, love, and selflessness. That mentality is perfectly exemplified by the Bills' free agent addition, Mack Hollins. His personality has gelled beautifully with Allen and the rest of the team. He brings a vibe, enthusiasm and leadership to the team that has become infectious throughout the roster and among billsmafia. Hollins has been a success on the field too, with 28 receptions, 353 yards, and currently leads the team with five touchdowns.

Connor McGovern moved to center and David Edwards moved to guard

Buffalo Bills, Connor McGovern, Josh Allen

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) calls signals prior to the snap by Buffalo Bills center Connor McGovern (66). / Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The offseason loss of center Mitch Morse was one of the biggest concerns among fans and media. Morse was the starting center for several years and brought experience and stability to the offense line. With Morse gone, the Bills strategically moved starting guard Connor McGovern to center, and simultaneously elevated reserve guard David Edwards into the spot vacated by McGovern. McGovern was recognized for his outstanding play this year and named among the Pro Bowl alternates.

Josh Allen & Dion Dawkins have been named to the Pro Bowl. pic.twitter.com/GSFE2F9H0V
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) January 2, 2025

WR Amari Cooper, acquired via trade

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Amari Cooper (18) goes up for the touchdown pass. / Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

At times this season, the Bills wide receivers struggled to get separation which hindered the Bills ability to convert third downs and effectively move the ball through the air. The mid-season addition of Amari Cooper has opened up the passing game. Cooper excels at using his body, going up and getting contested catches, while also opening up opportunities for others by forcing defenses to defend him with double teams. Since joining the Bills, despite missing a few games with an injury, Cooper has 20 receptions, 297 yards and two touchdowns.