Five Biggest Takeaways from The Buffalo Bills' 53-Man Roster

The initial 53-man roster is set for the Buffalo Bills. While most of the roster shaped up as expected, there were a few moves that surprised a few people, including myself.

From the decision to go with four tight ends to the release of Kani Walker, here are the four biggest surprises on the Bills' first 53-man roster. 

Before getting into it, it's important to note that this roster could change in the next couple of days as Buffalo looks at who else was released around the NFL on Sunday.

Four Tight Ends

I mentioned it already, but rolling with four tight ends was a definite surprise. It was always expected that Dalton Kincaid, Dawson Knox, and Jackson Hawes would be the three tight ends. What wasn't expected was that Keleki Latu would do enough to be a part of the roster. After spending 2025 on the practice squad, the former undrafted free agent is now on an NFL roster. His spot, I feel, might not last long if a different option at the next position we talk about becomes available.

Five Wide Receivers

With Keon Coleman and Khalil Shakir nursing injuries to end the preseason, I expected Buffalo to keep at least six rostered receivers. Instead, they went with five, which should be viewed as a good sign ahead of Week 1 on September 13.

Still, maybe Joe Brady and Brandon Beane are keeping an eye out for another receiver to add to the room. Possibly someone who was released, like Charlie Jones from Cincinnati or Trebor Pena from Jacksonville, who can come and return punts. 

No Kani Walker

I'll tell you, I really thought Kani Walker was going to make the team. And I know I wasn't alone. Walker looked comfortable on the field, made a few mistakes, and fit in with the team. That wasn't enough to make the 53-man roster. The team wants him back on the practice squad, but they'll have to see if he gets claimed on waivers first.

DeWayne Carter Stays...For Now

The beneficiary of a suspension and an injury, DeWayne Carter didn't put together the best summer for the Bills. Still, he played well enough to be a depth option while Phidarian Mathis serves his suspension and Zane Durant recovers from his injury that will keep him out at least four weeks. He has a chance to prove he should remain on the roster, but it's still an uphill battle. 

Mike Danna

I've had him in my roster projections since training camp opened, and Mike Danna sticking around feels like a bit of vindication. The former Super Bowl champion showed off his motor all preseason and, even in the final preseason game, played like it was a regular-season game. He'll be used in rotation as a pass rusher and has the skill to make impact plays when his number's called.