Lance Lysowski

@llysowski.bsky.social

Reporter covering the Buffalo Bills for The Buffalo News.

Cole Bishop’s strengths are on Jim Leonhard’s mind as the Bills’ defensive coordinator trims his high-volume menu of plays. “Cole is such a good player, we should be talking about how we tailor the system to him …” More on the safety’s role and impact: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

Cole Bishop's strengths influencing Bills' plan on defense: 'This will free him up'

After a breakthrough season in 2025, Cole Bishop is a prominent piece of Jim Leonhard's plan to transform the Buffalo Bills' defense into a shape-shifting, aggressive unit.

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Where was the natural grass inside the Bills' new stadium grown? Why does it matter and how will the groundskeepers care for it? I spoke to someone at the farm, the head groundskeeper and, of course, Dion Dawkins to learn about it all. buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

The Bills’ grass at Highmark Stadium – yes, grass – is state of the art. Take a look

Terry Pegula and the Buffalo Bills made a conscious decision to install a state-of-the-art natural-grass system at the new Highmark Stadium. Here's the timeline, and the details.

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Where was the natural grass inside the Bills' new stadium grown? Why does it matter and how will the groundskeepers care for it? I spoke to someone at the farm, the head groundskeeper and, of course, Dion Dawkins to learn about it all. buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

The Bills’ grass at Highmark Stadium – yes, grass – is state of the art. Take a look

Terry Pegula and the Buffalo Bills made a conscious decision to install a state-of-the-art natural-grass system at the new Highmark Stadium. Here's the timeline, and the details.

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What’s the Bills’ plan with C.J. Gardner-Johnson likely to miss time? Adam Schefter’s report of a lower calf strain is a positive outcome, all things considered, but the injury could impact them at multiple positions. A look at their options: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

C.J. Gardner-Johnson's injury creates uncertainty for Bills' plan on defense

After two uneventful practices to start training camp, the Buffalo Bills had an injury scare Saturday afternoon at St. John Fisher University.

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An in-depth look at how Joe Brady is preparing to call plays as the Bills’ head coach, plus insight into what it will look like during the season. The story includes insight from other NFL coaches on the challenges someone in Brady’s dual role can face. buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

Inside Joe Brady’s transition to calling plays as the Bills’ head coach

Most NFL head coaches will call their own plays on offense or defense this season, but some eventually will relinquish the responsibility. How is Joe Brady preparing the Buffalo Bills?

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Joe Brady and the Bills are holding an open practice at Highmark Stadium on August 18. The head coach’s idea when he was approached last month about increased demand for scrimmage tix. PSL holders won’t get first crack at tix for the practice. Details: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

Bills to hold open practice at Highmark Stadium on August 18

Joe Brady’s willingness to hold an open practice for the Buffalo Bills on August 18 will give fans, especially non PSL holders, another opportunity to see Highmark Stadium in August.

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Dee Alford worked overnight shifts at FedEx during the pandemic. “It was the most frustrating time of my life." Once football resumed, Alford won a roster spot in the CFL over two dozen cornerbacks. Now, he's a building block for the Bills' new defense. buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

Overnight shifts at Fed-Ex fuel Bills CB Dee Alford's 'underdog' mentality

Six years before he signed with the Buffalo Bills, Dee Alford worked overnight shifts at FedEx. His role as a nickel cornerback is pivotal in their new defense.

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How did a hockey player from The Bronx become a rookie wide receiver for the Bills? I spoke to Skyler Bell and people close to the fourth-round pick to tell the story of his journey to the NFL. “This kid is special.” buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

The story of Skyler Bell: From hockey goal-scorer to Bills rookie wide receiver

Bills rookie wide receiver Skyler Bell's upbringing in the Bronx, including years as a hockey player, shaped his path to the NFL and prepared him for what's next.

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I sat down with longtime NFL head coach John Fox to learn about his role with the Bills and why he paused his retirement again to come to Buffalo. “I’ve been to three Super Bowls and I haven’t won one. … I know that’s the goal here.” buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

John Fox paused retirement to chase Super Bowl with Bills

After 16 seasons and two trips to the Super Bowl as an NFL head coach, the top job no longer interested him. He reassured Joe Brady he didn't have ulterior motives. Fox wanted to return to football to...

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Keon Coleman called this a “make or break” year. The Bills wide receiver has said and done all the right things this offseason. His coaches and teammates want to see it continue when it matters the most. “I know what I am here to do …” buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

Keon Coleman aware Year 3 is 'make or break' for his opportunity with the Bills

"For the offense to reach its potential in 2026, the Bills need Coleman to deliver when it matters the most," Lance Lysowski writes.

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Rasmus Dahlin wasn’t ready to reflect on the odds the Sabres overcame to reach overtime of Game 7 in Round 2. In time, Dahlin will appreciate the journey. For now, he’s heartbroken. My column on the difficult end to an incredible season for their captain: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

Lance Lysowski: Rasmus Dahlin's remarkable season for Sabres ends in heartbreak

At 26 years old, Rasmus Dahlin is unquestionably one of the best defensemen in the world. More important to Dahlin, he plays on a team that can now call itself one of the best in the NHL for the 2025-...

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Why did undrafted fullback Jackson Acker choose the Bills over several other teams? Reggie Gilliam. "I saw myself in his shoes." My story on the Wisconsin kid who found "inspiration" while watching Gilliam and why he has a shot to replace him in 2026: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

Bills rookie fullback Jackson Acker found 'inspiration' in watching Reggie Gilliam

The Bills signed Acker following the NFL draft because he's a 6-foot-1, 247-pound fullback who had the speed to rush for 322 yards as a sophomore, the strength to block defensive ends and the athletic...

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Before free agency, the Bills made sure to help Josh Allen. DJ Moore is his newest weapon. Connor McGovern is back. Dawson Knox isn't going anywhere. On Wednesday, Brandon Beane prioritized his pass rush. My column on Bradley Chubb and what's next: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

Lance Lysowski: After helping Josh Allen, Bills add Bradley Chubb to boost pass rush

As we wait to see how the Buffalo Bills build out the rest of their roster, especially on defense, do not overlook the reason behind three of the prominent moves that have occurred over the past week.

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Before free agency, the Bills made sure to help Josh Allen. DJ Moore is his newest weapon. Connor McGovern is back. Dawson Knox isn't going anywhere. On Wednesday, Brandon Beane prioritized his pass rush. My column on Bradley Chubb and what's next: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

Lance Lysowski: After helping Josh Allen, Bills add Bradley Chubb to boost pass rush

As we wait to see how the Buffalo Bills build out the rest of their roster, especially on defense, do not overlook the reason behind three of the prominent moves that have occurred over the past week.

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Dee Alford makes all the sense in the world for the Bills. Cross trains at cornerback, nickel and safety. Started multiple positions for the Falcons in 2025. The kind of versatility Buffalo wants in Jim Leonhard's defense. More on the signing: buffalonews.com/sports/bills...

Bills plan to sign former Falcons cornerback Dee Alford to 3-year contract

Former Atlanta Falcons cornerback Dee Alford will join the Bills on a three-year contract worth up to $21 million,

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The Bills intend to release nickel cornerback Taron Johnson, per a league source, and it will be a pre-June 1 cut. Important distinction. Creates $1.905 million of cap space with Buffalo absorbing $9.503 million in dead money, per Over the Cap.

Trading for DJ Moore is the kind of big swing the Bills needed to take this offseason. Now is not the time to be complacent. Keep building around Josh Allen. The deal also allows them to use their assets to fix their defense. My column: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

Lance Lysowski: DJ Moore's arrival allows Bills to look elsewhere in free agency

Surrounding Josh Allen with more talented players is never a bad idea, and the trade is the type of swing the Bills needed to take this offseason, Lysowski says.

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Trading for DJ Moore is the kind of big swing the Bills needed to take this offseason. Now is not the time to be complacent. Keep building around Josh Allen. The deal also allows them to use their assets to fix their defense. My column: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

Lance Lysowski: DJ Moore's arrival allows Bills to look elsewhere in free agency

Surrounding Josh Allen with more talented players is never a bad idea, and the trade is the type of swing the Bills needed to take this offseason, Lysowski says.

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An Inside the NFL column ahead of free agency: Why another center's contract could impact the Bills, Joe Brady's first combine as HC, Dawson Knox's contract, other AFC teams' plans/needs, safeties in the draft, Mike Washington Jr. and a backup QB idea. buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

Inside the NFL: How the Bills could be impacted by another center's contract

Eric DeCosta, the man in charge of the Baltimore Ravens’ roster, told reporters last week at the NFL scouting combine that he offered center Tyler Linderbaum a “market-setting contract” to return in 2...

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For the first time in over a decade, Joe Brady is sitting in a bunch of defensive meetings. Change is coming for the Bills on that side of the ball. To make it work, they need to add talent through FA and the draft. It all starts at the combine. buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

Lance Lysowski: Bills need to use offseason to build a championship-caliber defense

"The Bills' focus this offseason needs to revolve around the defense. The positional needs didn't change with Sean McDermott's firing," Lance Lysowski writes.

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