Buffalo Bills could use these all-time greats back in 2020

SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 13: Bruce Smith, #78 of the Buffalo Bills, talks with his teammates Darryl Talley and Nate Odomes on the sidelines during a National Football League game against the San Francisco 49ers played on September 13, 1992 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO - SEPTEMBER 13: Bruce Smith, #78 of the Buffalo Bills, talks with his teammates Darryl Talley and Nate Odomes on the sidelines during a National Football League game against the San Francisco 49ers played on September 13, 1992 at Candlestick Park in San Francisco, California. (Photo by David Madison/Getty Images) /
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Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino (R) gets sacked by Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith (L) during the first quarter 17 November at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL. AFP PHOTO/Rhona WISE (Photo by RHONA WISE / AFP) (Photo by RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images)
Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino (R) gets sacked by Buffalo Bills defensive end Bruce Smith (L) during the first quarter 17 November at Pro Player Stadium in Miami, FL. AFP PHOTO/Rhona WISE (Photo by RHONA WISE / AFP) (Photo by RHONA WISE/AFP via Getty Images) /

Bruce Smith

Entering this offseason, the Bills had a need at pass rusher and this was even before the departure of Shaq Lawson. While the defense as a whole did a good job of getting pressure on the quarterback, there wasn’t much production from the defensive end position.

The Bills did add veteran Mario Addison but they could still use a little more help. What better place to get that production from the franchise’s record holder in sacks and one of the best defensive ends to ever play the game.

Bruce Smith was selected first overall by the Bills in the 1985 NFL Draft and went on to play 15 seasons in Buffalo. He was a key piece on this defense during their Super Bowl runs of the early 1990s, earning two NFL Defensive Player of the Year awards, 11 trips to the Pro Bowls and eight selections as a first-team All-Pro.

A player like Bruce Smith on this defensive line alongside Ed Oliver, Star Lotulelei and Jerry Hughes would be a nightmare for opposing offensive lines.