Bills Show Heavy Interest in $30 Million DT After Surprise Release: Insider

The Buffalo Bills are hoping to make a big addition to their roster following a day in which they saw some notable roster losses.

On March 6, the Bills announced the departure of several important veterans, freeing up a large amount of salary cap space and raising the possibility of a defensive roster overhaul. NFL Network Ian Rapoport reports that the team is investigating a top free-agent defensive lineman, suggesting that they may be beginning the rebuilding process.

Bills Seeking to Excavate the Ditch
According to Rapoport, defensive lineman Foley Fatukasi, who was cut by the Jacksonville Jaguars earlier in the week, was scheduled to visit with the Bills. Fatukasi signed a $40 million, three-year contract with the Jaguars in 2022, but he had a difficult season and finished with a career-low twenty-four tackles.

According to Mike Garofolo of NFL Network, Fatukasi is still receiving a lot of interest in free agency despite his disappointing season.

“Sources claim that former Jaguars DT Foley Fatukasi visited the Texans yesterday. Fatukasi, who was just released by Jacksonville, has drawn interest from a few teams, according to Garofolo’s post on X.

The departure of starting defensive lineman DaQuan Jones to free agency may provide a necessity for the Bills.

Jones still seems committed to Buffalo’s long-term goals, according to Ralph Ventre of SI.com, so the team may still have intentions to re-sign him.

Ventre stated, “DaQuan Jones, a free agent defensive tackle, may have hinted that he’s interested in joining the Buffalo Bills again for the 2024 season.”

“Jones took to social media immediately to rejoice over Marcus West’s promotion to defensive line coach. with Jones’s two seasons with the Bills, West assisted with defensive line coaching. He steps up to assume Eric Washington’s spot as defensive coordinator after Washington left to join the Chicago Bears.

Even so, Jones Despite missing a major portion of the season due to injury, he had a big influence in the first seven games. Jones recorded two tackles for a loss against the run in addition to 2.5 sacks and five quarterback hits.

The choice about edge rusher A.J. Epenesa, who is also eligible for free agency, must be made by the Bills. With only one defensive lineman under contract—the seasoned Ed Oliver—the team is set to enter free agency.

Significant Shifts in Buffalo
The Bills have already altered their roster significantly, primarily with regard to defense. On Wednesday, the team made a number of noteworthy announcements, such as the release of All-Pro cornerback Tre’Davious White and safety Jordan Poyer.

Defensive back Siran Neal was also released by the Bills, returning Von Miller’s deal was adjusted to reduce his base salary from $17.14 million to $1.5 million with a $7 million signing bonus, along with the addition of specialist Deonte Harty and running back Nyheim Hines.

According to Kevin Patra of NFL.com, the team made six separate transactions that saved over $36.16 million, and they might still save much more if they restructure Josh Allen’s contract at quarterback.

The Bills can now make more moves in free agency and may focus some of their efforts on the receiving group, since Gabe Davis, the No. 2 receiver, is anticipated to leave in free agency.