The Buffalo Bills underwent hefty turnover this offseason, parting ways with multiple veterans, from Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis on offense to Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Tre'Davious White and others on defense.
The loss of veteran voices left Buffalo with a leadership void, which quarterback Josh Allen is filling.
Left tackle Dion Dawkins told The Herd on Wednesday that with younger players playing key roles, particularly on offense, Allen has “barked” a bit more than in past years.
“Josh is one of those guys that will do what it takes at that moment,” Dawkins said. “He’s definitely a barker when that time comes. I’ve actually seen the bark a lot more this OTAs where he’s been very, very verbal, because our team is different. It’s different. We’ve got some young dudes that, when they come in, they see a little bit of success, and they can change, so Josh is doing exactly what he should.”
It makes sense that Allen would take a more verbal leadership approach this offseason, given the youth and free-agent imports new to Buffalo. Keon Coleman, a second-round rookie, is expected to play a big role. Veterans Curtis Samuel, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, Chase Claypool and Mack Hollins joined the club as free agents. Third-year wideout Khalil Shakir is the most experienced in the system.
The turnover in Buffalo has the Bills leaning even more on Allen in 2024. That includes as a vocal leader.