The good, the bad, and the ugly from the first two days.
The Buffalo Bills have completed their first two days of mandatory minicamp, and there has been no shortage of standouts from the latest part of Buffalo’s offseason workout program.
Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off with thoughts and observations from Bills’ minicamp, highlighting who has made a great impression so far, led by cornerback Christian Benford and linebacker Joe Andreessen.
Observations so far from Bills mandatory minicamp
Reigning NFL MVP Josh Allen has had a terrific offseason so far, including signing a lucrative contract extension and getting married to actress/singer Hailee Steinfeld. But when the Bills gathered for Day 1 of their mandatory minicamp, Allen struggled, throwing three interceptions during the practice sessions. That all changed on Wednesday, when, during Day 2, Allen “didn’t have a ball hit the ground, much less a defender’s hands, through the early portion of the first 7-on-7 period of practice,” according to WGR 550’s Sal Capaccio.
What else stood out about the first two days of mandatory minicamp? Cornerback Christian Benford put on a dominant performance; linebacker Joe Andreessen took a big step forward with his development; rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston suffered an injury at the end of Wednesday’s sessions; wide receiver Keon Coleman had an up-and-down outing; and center Sedrick Van Pran-Granger is making the most of his opportunities at center.
- After marrying Hailee Steinfeld, Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen resumes quest for Super Bowl – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Josh Allen starts hot, but Tre’Davious White gets pick 6 – WGR 550
- Buffalo Bills minicamp Day 1: Josh Allen working to get in sync with new receivers – newyorkupstate.com
- Bills minicamp observations: Christian Benford dazzles, Joe Andreessen shows improvement, and more – The Athletic (subscription required)
- Legend of Buffalo Joe grows during minicamp: Can he take another step in 2025? – Democrat & Chronicle
- Bills minicamp takeaways: Keon Coleman’s ups and downs, Maxwell Hairston injury, and more – The Athletic (subscription required)
- ‘Got some hardware’ | Josh Allen is back on the field while Bills defense gets in productive first day of mandatory minicamp – BuffaloBills.com
- Bills WR Keon Coleman talks trash about himself and looks for Year 2 breakout – Democrat & Chronicle
- Minicamp Notebook | Keon Coleman’s honest self-assessment, Joey Bosa update and blitzing Bills in practice – BuffaloBills.com
- NFL minicamp 2025 live updates: Teams begin mandatory camps – ESPN
- NFL minicamp 2025 — Teams, rookies veterans we’re watching – ESPN
- Bills’ Josh Allen shows off new ring after marrying Hailee Steinfeld – newyorkupstate.com
RB James Cook reports to mandatory minicamp
Despite reports to the contrary from ESPN football insider Adam Schefter, who stated that Pro Bowl running back James Cook “won’t be in Buffalo anytime soon,” the talented Cook did report to Buffalo’s mandatory minicamp when it began on Tuesday.
- ‘I like my money’: James Cook avoids fines by joining Bills for mandatory minicamp – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- With James Cook aboard, Bills begin minicamp – WGR 550
- Bills’ James Cook is at mandatory minicamp: What does it mean? – newyorkupstate.com
- Bills running back James Cook reports to minicamp amid desire for new contract – The Athletic (subscription required)
- James Cook attends Bills minicamp despite contract dispute | wgrz.com
- Drama surrounding James Cook on pause as running back shows up for Bills minicamp – Democrat & Chronicle
- James Cook is in Buffalo for mandatory minicamp – WGR 550
- James Cook praised by Sean McDermott for attending Bills minicamp – ESPN.com Buffalo Bills blog
- ‘No hard feelings’ | Bills RB James Cook in attendance for mandatory minicamp – BuffaloBills.com
Bills add former first-round linebacker
The Buffalo Bills have signed another former Carolina Panthers linebacker Shaq Thompson, a former first-round selection in the 2015 NFL Draft who played for Bills head coach Sean McDermott when McDermott was the Panthers’ defensive coordinator
- Bills Notebook: Shaq Thompson reunites with Sean McDermott, Brandon Beane in Buffalo – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Buffalo Bills add veteran LB with Carolina Panthers connection – newyorkupstate.com
- Bills sign veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson to one-year contract – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Bills sign veteran linebacker Shaq Thompson to one-year deal – WGR 550
- Bills sign LB Shaq Thompson to one-year contract – BuffaloBills.com
- Bills expand their Carolina connection, sign former first-round pick – Democrat & Chronicle
Even more Bills news
We learn how tight end Dalton Kincaid is locked in heading into a pivotal season; hear why Josh Allen would love to quarterback Team USA in the flag football competition at the 2028 Summer Olympics; get to know how Buffalo is banking on defensive end Greg Rousseau, linebacker Terrel Bernard and cornerback Christian Benford to fuel its defense; share information on how you could become the next Billy Buffalo; and more!
- Dalton Kincaid locks in ahead of an all-important third year: ‘I feel like he lived here this offseason’ – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Josh Allen would love to quarterback Team USA in flag football at 2028 Olympics – Democrat & Chronicle
- Bills will rely heavily on ‘overlooked’ triplets for improved defensive output – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
- Buffalo Bills linebacker Dorian Williams stays ready for anything – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Buffalo Bills Recruitment: Become the next Billy Buffalo | wgrz.com
- Have you herd? Buffalo Bills hiring mascot handler to become the next Billy Buffalo – Democrat & Chronicle
Buffalo Bills articles recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings
- James Cook holdout appears to end at Buffalo Bills mandatory minicamp – Buffalo Rumblings
- James Cook tackles tough contract questions from Bills beat reporters – Buffalo Rumblings
- Bills rookie CB Maxwell Hairston injured during mandatory minicamp on Wednesday – Buffalo Rumblings
- Buffalo Bills sign LB Shaq Thompson, formerly of the Carolina Panthers – Buffalo Rumblings
- Josh Allen’s MVP win even more convincing after Associated Press mistake uncovered – Buffalo Rumblings
- Josh Allen’s wedding ring makes an on-field appearance for the Buffalo Bills – Buffalo Rumblings
- 90 Buffalo Bills players in 90 days: QB Mike White – Buffalo Rumblings