A DE with exceptional athleticism has been recruited by the Bills following a season of career-high performance.
After having a remarkable season with the Buffalo Bills in 2023, Leonard Floyd – who played as their defensive end – utilized this achievement to secure an impressive deal during his tenure in free agency.
The Bills have taken action to bolster their group of edge rushers by acquiring another player who recently had his best season yet. On March 19th, the team announced that free agent defensive end Casey Toohill has been signed to a one-year contract – an addition made all the more exciting by praise for his athleticism.
The Defensive Line of Bills is Receiving Additional Support to Increase Depth.
After being drafted in the seventh round by the Philadelphia Eagles, a team that plays in the National Football League (NFL), he joined them as an alumnus of Stanford Cardinals. Soon after his departure from there, he became part of Washington Commanders during that season while playing for this sport organization.
During the first three seasons in Washington, Toohill held a minor role. However, he achieved his career peak performance with five sacks and seven quarterback hits while playing for 495 defensive snaps (45%) during the year 2023. Ryan Talbot from Syracuse.com pointed out that after Pro Bowl edge rusher Chase Young was traded by the Commanders, Toohill played a larger part in last season’s games.
“Talbot wrote that Toohill was heavily utilized towards the end of the season. Following Chase Young’s departure on November 1st, he played in at least 66 percent of total snaps for seven consecutive weeks. Prior to the trade, he managed to secure four sacks despite limited playing time but found significant opportunities later in the year.”
According to Talbot, Toohill’s tremendous athleticism was one of the primary reasons why he generated a lot of buzz when he graduated from college.
According to Talbot, Toohill’s athleticism was exceptional when he entered the draft. He obtained impressive scores in his Relative Athletic Score and ranked first among pass-rushers at the combine for his grade in athleticism as an EDGE rusher.
Following Floyd’s departure to join the San Francisco 49ers on a lucrative two-year deal valued at $20 million, there was an opening for defensive end which needed to be addressed by the Bills. In his final season with the team, Floyd managed to match his personal best record of 10.5 sacks while also delivering impressive statistics such as 19 quarterback hits, one pass defended and a forced fumble.
Another top-notch edge rusher returns to the Bills.
Even though the Bills couldn’t retain Floyd despite his impressive season, they did manage to hold onto defensive end A.J. Epenesa who showcased his own potential in a breakout year. With 6.5 sacks and 10 quarterback hits under his belt, Epenesa made it difficult for rival quarterbacks while also defending eight passes and snatching two interceptions – including one that he took back for a touchdown – further cementing himself as an unstoppable force on defense.
Epenesa cited the team’s achievements as a major factor in his decision to come back.
Epenesa expressed his reluctance to leave the excellent organization in Buffalo, saying that there are many opportunities for success. He emphasized how well things are done in Buffalo and what a challenge it is to part ways with a great quarterback like 17. Epenesa also spoke of all the wonderful people he has built strong connections with and stated he was excited about returning.
Epenesa expressed his enthusiasm to come back for 2024 with even more improvement.
“I am determined to secure a place on the defensive line and enhance my game by improving statistics, be it more sacks or increased snaps and productivity,” stated Epenesa. “Hence, I’m prepared for further challenges and excited about assuming additional responsibilities.”
