The New England Patriots reclaimed their AFC East crown in 2025, winning the division for the first time since 2019. They've made a strong effort to add to the roster and keep their grip on the division strong, but so have the rival Buffalo Bills.
The Patriots finished 5-1 in the division last season, with their only loss coming at home against the Josh Allen-led Bills. Allen led the offense to 28.3 PPG during the regular season, a total that tied them for fourth most in the league.
Defensively, however, the Bills didn't have the same production. Ranking 12th in the league overall, the unit was solid, but it put a high level of pressure on Allen to outscore other teams rather than leaning on the defense.
A major reason for the defense's shortcomings was the Bills' horrific run defense, which ranked 28th in the league. They were one of five teams to allow over 135 rushing yards per game. Looking at their efforts on the road, they allowed just shy of 150 rush yards per game, ranking them 31st.
Over the last few weeks, a new avenue has opened for the Bills: the opportunity to add a two-time Pro Bowl nose tackle to their ranks.
Vita Vea to the Bills would be a nightmare for the Patriots
The Bills' run defense was their primary issue last season, and it became evident when Daquan Jones missed time. Rookie Deone Walker was a strong option for them on the inside, but the absence of Jones for five games, along with Ed Oliver playing in only three regular season games, weakened the defense in a major way.
Across the Bills' four losses, two games saw them allow 170+ yards to a single rusher: Bijan Robinson in Week 6 and De'Von Achane in Week 10. The Patriots blew their 24-7 halftime lead against the Bills in Week 15, but that game saw TreVeyon Henderson total 148 yards on the ground.
While Robinson won't be a player the Bills face this season, both Achane and Henderson will be opponents twice.
In a recent article from Chris Landers of FanSided, it's suggested the Bills could look to fix their issues in run defense by trading for Vita Vea. The 31-year-old nose tackle is a behemoth at 347 pounds, a Super Bowl Champion, and a two-time Pro Bowler. He's also holding out for a new contract.
Landers cites Josh Allen's prime as a reason to go all in, sending a second-round pick to Tampa Bay for Vea. The former Washington Husky is older and holding out, making a first-round pick less likely compensation in a trade.
The Bills are likely to have a pick at the end of the second round, however, meaning they may have to add a sweetener to outbid other teams offering the same compensation.
Despite Vea's size, he's been a productive pass rusher, averaging just shy of six sacks over the last four seasons. With Jones gone and the addition of Bradley Chubb, Joe Brady's coaching staff may look to play with heavier fronts.
With the additions of T.J. Sanders, DeWayne Carter, and Zane Durant over the last three drafts, the Bills have youth and depth along the defensive line.
Vea would complement Ed Oliver on the interior of the Bills' defense, and paired with the likes of Walker, Chubb, and Gregory Rousseau, the Bills could have one of the deepest and best defensive lines in the league in 2026. If they can get their hands on the former first-round pick, the Patriots and the rest of the AFC will be in big trouble.
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