Buffalo Bills: Grading the signing of Quinton Jefferson
![PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 05: Quinton Jefferson #99 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 05, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images) PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - JANUARY 05: Quinton Jefferson #99 of the Seattle Seahawks reacts against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Wild Card Playoff game at Lincoln Financial Field on January 05, 2020 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/e1bfe307e6f8dcd3d019b46d2453dfa58ceb2e66e8af0ac9d82e95227a44bc70.jpg)
Team Need
While the Buffalo Bills were losing Jordan Phillips in free agency, the defensive tackle position wasn’t as much of a pressing need as defensive end or some other positions on the roster. The team had restructured the contract of Star Lotulelei, almost ensuring he would return in 2020. He would be joining Harrison Phillips, who is returning from an ACL injury suffered early last season, and the rising star of Ed Oliver.
The Bills likely could have gotten by at the position with a lower level free agent or even a mid-round draft pick.
However, one thing that Jefferson brings to the team is his versatility. As Lee Vowell said recently that Jefferson can play any position along the line. He isn’t big enough to be solely a tackle but isn’t quick enough to be a true defensive end.
The Bills coaching staff will need to pick their spots but Jefferson should be able to elevate the defensive tackle position, as well as defensive end. When taking that into account, Jefferson addresses the depth at two positions.
Grade: B