Locked On Bills - Daily Podcast On The Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills face pivotal special teams decisions as Tyler Bass’s injury and Matt Prater’s clutch playoff performance spark debate: who will handle kicking duties in 2026? Joe Marino examines the team’s options at kicker, including the uncertain outlook for Bass, veteran reliability from Prater, and the big-legged but unproven Maddox Trujillo.
With punter Mitch Wishnowski’s steady play and potential free-agent target Blake Gillikin on the radar, the Bills must also solidify the punting position. Reed Ferguson’s reliability continues at long snapper, but a pressing need for a dynamic punt returner remains, despite Ray Davis’s All-Pro status on kick returns. Can new special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers cut down on costly penalties and transform Buffalo’s return game? Don’t miss this comprehensive review of the Bills’ special teams landscape and what it means for the upcoming NFL season.
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Buffalo Bills face a pivotal offseason at safety as Cole Bishop emerges as a defensive difference-maker. Can the front office find the right partner to maximize his playmaking skills and stabilize the secondary? With Taylor Rapp’s struggles and contract questions looming, the search for a true center fielder becomes crucial to unlock Bishop’s potential in Jim Leonhard’s aggressive coverage schemes. Joe Marino spotlights shifting roles for veterans like Jordan Poyer, weighs the uncertain future of prospects such as Jordan Hancock, and reviews the impact of special teams ace Sam Franklin. Key topics include potential free agent targets like P.J. Locke, the developmental upside of Wandae Owens, and Buffalo’s urgent need for depth and range on the back end. Which moves will give the Bills the edge in a rapidly evolving AFC East?
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Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/lockedonnfl.
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00:00 "Trading Dawkins???"
06:29 "Dion Dawkins: Elite O-Line Traits"
08:12 Offensive Line Traits and Technique
10:56 Bills’ Leadership and Offensive Strategy
13:50 Spotrac's Mike Ginnitti joins for Dawkins Trade & Cap Talk
18:41 Contract Renegotiation and Cap Strategy
22:32 NFL Trends: Dead Money Growth
25:06 "McGovern Extension and Cap Strategy"
28:51 Max Crosby Trade Cap Strategy
33:31 Buffalo Roster Moves and Speculation
35:18 "Bill Squad: FanDuel & Winter Games"
37:30 "Green Bay-Style Rebuild Philosophy"
41:03 "Waddle Trade Speculation for Bills"
46:29 "Aiyuk: Missed Opportunity or Star?"
48:02 "Tampa's Loyalty and Mike Evans"
52:32 "Winning Without Perfection"
54:09 Highmark Stadium's First Opponent?
 
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Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/lockedonnfl.

 
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Buffalo Bills’ cornerback duo Christian Benford and Maxwell Hairston stand out as one of the AFC’s most promising pairings—can their complementary skill sets elevate the secondary into elite territory? Questions linger about depth on the outside and the future of the slot, especially with Taron Johnson’s recent struggles and aging starters like Tredavious White facing uncertain contract statuses.
Joe Marino evaluates the Bills’ cornerback room, spotlighting Benford’s all-around impact, Haiston's rookie growth, and the pivotal role injuries played in 2025. The conversation tackles Dorian Strong’s neck injury, Cam Lewis’s versatility, and the need for a reliable CB3. Marino addresses how Jim Leonhard’s new defensive scheme could reshape the slot position, potentially demanding a fresh approach and long-term answers. Can Buffalo’s secondary stay healthy and adapt to this new era of defense? Stay tuned for a comprehensive breakdown ahead of the 2026 season.
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TurboTax
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FanDuel
The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/lockedonnfl.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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Buffalo Bills face critical linebacker uncertainty as Terrel Bernard’s contract and performance spark major questions for 2026. How will new defensive coordinator Jim Leohnard navigate aging veterans like Matt Milano and Shaq Thompson, injury concerns, and the evolving roles of Dorian Williams and Joe Andreesen? The Bills must decide: is it time to overhaul the linebacker group for cost control and developmental upside, or should they rely on familiar faces amid transition?
Joe Marino breaks down Buffalo’s linebacker landscape, examining Bernard’s struggles, Williams’ physicality, and Milano’s expiring deal. Key discussion points include Shaq Thompson’s underrated impact, special teams ace Joe Andreesen’s fit for Leonard’s scheme, and future roster needs—highlighting the urgency for new talent. With only Bernard signed long-term and depth issues looming, Buffalo’s defense could look drastically different next season. Will the Bills draft their next defensive centerpiece or chase veteran stability as they shift schemes?
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Locked On NFL League-Wide: Every Team, Fantasy, Draft & More
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Everydayer Club  
If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. 
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Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
TurboTax
For a limited time, you can have your taxes done by a local TurboTax expert for just $150 — all in, if a TurboTax expert didn’t file for you last year. Just file by February 28. Visit http://TurboTax.com/local to book your appointment today.
FanDuel
The Winter Games are on. And there’s no better way to follow them than with a bet on FanDuel. FanDuel - Play your game.
Indeed
Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/lockedonnfl.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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