Buffalo Bills 2020 Season Report Card: Defensive Tackle

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 16: Ed Oliver #91 of the Buffalo Bills reacts at the end of the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Bills Stadium on January 16, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 16: Ed Oliver #91 of the Buffalo Bills reacts at the end of the third quarter against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC Divisional Playoff game at Bills Stadium on January 16, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
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Buffalo Bills
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 20: Vernon Butler #94 of the Buffalo Bills rushes the quarterback against Ted Karras #67 of the Miami Dolphins at Hard Rock Stadium on September 20, 2020 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Vernon Butler

Season Stats: 14 games played (9 starts), 18 total tackles, 5 tackles for a loss, 1 pass defended

The Buffalo Bills signed Vernon Butler in the offseason to a two-year deal. The former first round pick for the Carolina Panthers looked to be a bust for the first three years in the NFL but had a breakout year in 2019 with six sacks.

In his first season with the Buffalo Bills, Butler didn’t come close to those numbers and there should now be a question if he is a true defensive tackle in a 4-3 defense. Butler in 2019 had his breakout season as a defensive end in a 3-4 defense.

The potential return of Lotulelei, combined with the emergence of Justin Zimmer, it wouldn’t be surprising if Vernon Butler was cut this offseason to free up some cap space.

Grade: C-

Schedule