Bills latest move could give Jim Leonhard and the defense exactly what they’ve been waiting for just days ahead of the upcoming 2026 NFL Draft
The Buffalo Bills have reportedly expressed interest in Indiana EDGE Mikail Kamara. Kamara was named defensive MVP of the national championship game, and while he’s far from a sure thing, he could be exactly what Buffalo needs to get over the hump in Jim Leonhard’s new scheme.
The Buffalo Bills are looking to add ferociousness to the defense under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. That was evident when the team decided to bring in safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson. Gardner-Johnson wouldn’t have been a player on the radar under former head coach Sean McDermott, showing that things are changing at One Bills Drive.
It continued when the team brought on EDGE Bradley Chubb, making a splash during the free agency frenzy just a few short weeks ago. It’s going to be a brand-new scheme, with players like Greg Rousseau switching positions to facilitate that change.
Buffalo has a chance to get even nastier by using their upcoming picks in the 2026 NFL Draft to help bolster the defense.
The latest report suggests Buffalo is looking to do exactly that. It’s been reported that the team has shown interest in Indiana EDGE Mikail Kamara.
Buffalo Bills showing interest in Indiana EDGE Mikail Kamara ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft
Kamara is a one-man wrecking crew on the defensive side of the football. As Ryan Talbot reported, he was named the defensive MVP of the national championship game after having four tackles, a sack, and a blocked punt against Miami.
Kamara spent two years with James Madison before transferring to Indiana, where he really came alive in his play.
Throughout 46 career games between both schools, he’s amassed 148 combined tackles, 45 tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks, four passes defensed, and seven forced fumbles. Those numbers include a 10-sack performance in 2024 during his junior season.
Kamara would be exceptional in Buffalo, even if there are a few question marks
Ryan Roberts for A to Z Sports broke down Kamara’s game and what he can bring to the table as an EDGE rusher. He’s not a finished product by any means, but the skillset is there. If he winds up being a selection from Buffalo, the Bills Mafia should be thrilled.
“Mikail Kamara began his career at James Madison before following Curt Cignetti to Bloomington. During his career, Kamara has been an incredibly productive defensive end, recording 148 total tackles, 45 tackles for loss, 23.5 sacks, and seven forced fumbles. It was a down year for Kamara in 2025 but he still showed he can be a major asset against the run. Playing with natural leverage and some pop in his hands, Kamara does a good job setting a film edge.
“As a pass rusher, Kamara is slippery but he lacks the twitch and length to finish consistently. Due to his outlier size, there will be some questions if Kamara has enough physical talent to earn a role on the next level. If he does, it’ll be because of his relentless effort and consistent approach.” – Ryan Roberts
It wouldn’t be a perfect fit, but Kamara would fit in perfectly
If that’s the concern, it might actually be exactly why he makes sense in Buffalo.
Leonhard’s defense isn’t about perfect prototypes. It’s about effort, versatility, and players who play with an edge on every snap, no pun intended. Kamara checks those boxes in a big way. He’s the kind of player who doesn’t just fill a role, he raises the intensity of the entire unit.
And that’s clearly the identity the Bills are building.
If Buffalo pulls the trigger on Kamara, it won’t be about what he lacks. It’ll be about what he brings: effort, production, and a mindset this defense has been missing. And in a room that’s suddenly getting more aggressive by the day, this might be exactly what pushes this unit over the top.
