Exclusive; Three Veteran Edge Rushers for Bills to consider as late free-agent additions
There are uncertainties concerning the edge rusher position for the Buffalo Bills, yet it is probable that any solutions already exist on their current roster.
Even though he says he’s been feeling great, Von Miller, the seasoned defensive end cannot promise that he will fully recover to his pre-injury state. The Bills have made a smart move by opting for Greg Rousseau and are hopeful that this former first-round pick will continue to improve in skill level. AJ Epenesa has demonstrated potential but must work on consistency issues; nevertheless, Buffalo chose to extend him with another contract agreement.
Casey Toohill, a low-cost free agent, was recently added to the team and Javon Solomon, who had the most sacks in Division I for Troy University, was drafted by the Bills in Round 5. The team also decided to take a chance on Dawuane Smoot while bringing back Kingsley Jonathan as a reserve player.
While it seems like a decent plan for the defensive end position, numerous critics are voicing their concerns over its reliance on uncertain variables.
Buffalo has obtained salary cap relief, which allows them to spend money as of June 1. Consequently, they may opt to search for established commodities within the remaining free agent market.
Although the Bills may decide to keep their current lineup, there are three potential options that could work for them. As a possibility, they could consider offering free agent Shaq Lawson a veteran minimum contract as well.
Yannick Ngakoue
After a successful initial four-year stint with the Jacksonville Jaguars, Ngakoue has played for five different teams since 2020. During his time as a Chicago Bear in 2023, the now-29-year-old managed to record 4.0 sacks across thirteen starts – all from being selected as a third-round draft pick initially.
Emmanuel Ogbah
Having spent the last four seasons with the Miami Dolphins, 30-year-old Ogbah was released this past February. The team reportedly saved almost $14 million on cap space as a result of his departure. While he performed impressively in back-to-back seasons (2020 and 2021), registering nine sacks each year, Ogbah has only recorded six-and-a-half sacks over two dozen games since then. He originally joined Cleveland Browns as their second-round pick in 2016.
Jerry Hughes
Despite playing his entire two seasons with the Houston Texans without missing a single game and accumulating 12 sacks, the former Buffalo Bill is still up for grabs in the market. However, as he’s set to turn 36 years old this August and nearing retirement age, it’s highly likely that Hughes may have already taken his final snap in NFL games.
