Hard Knocks rule changes could make the Buffalo Bills a prime option to feature in the 2025 preseason
HBO's Hard Knocks has become an incredible series in the football world, with fans loving the behind the scenes looks at the players, coaches, and some of the front office decision making.Unfortunately for Hard Knocks, the way that they caught New York Giants' general manager Joe Schoen and owner John Mara in their discussions about […]
HBO's Hard Knocks has become an incredible series in the football world, with fans loving the behind the scenes looks at the players, coaches, and some of the front office decision making.
Unfortunately for Hard Knocks, the way that they caught New York Giants' general manager Joe Schoen and owner John Mara in their discussions about what to do with Saquon Barkley seem to be making it tough to get teams interested in stepping up to the plate. Mara's infamous words of "I'd have a tough time sleeping if Saquon goes to Philadelphia" will live in infamy.
Previously, there were exclusions that would have made the Buffalo Bills being ineligible. With the loosened rules, that's no longer the case, with Buffalo now on the table as an option for HBO to choose from.
The previous rules stated that a team that had been in the playoffs either of the two previous seasons would not be eligible. With that rule lifted, Buffalo is now a prime option to consider.
There are rules for teams that can't be forced to participate, including teams with a first-year head coach, teams featured in that season's in-season edition, and teams that have been on Hard Knocks in the last eight seasons. Buffalo does not meet any of that criteria.
The Bills are a team that has a big story around them every year. In Josh Allen's prime, fresh off an MVP season, the Bills are looking to finally get over the hump and reach the Super Bowl. With a ton of young talent and James Cook's contract situation unfolding, there would be no shortage of storylines and characters like Dion Dawkins for HBO to see as an appealing team to feature. We'll see if the network agrees when they announce which team they'll feature next.
Follow along all year for more Buffalo Bills coverage on A to Z Sports. You can find me on Bluesky @jonhelmkamp.bsky.social, and make sure to follow our main page @AtoZSports.bsky.social for all the latest news.
