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Buffalo Bills: Top questions at defensive end entering free agency

By Brandon Croce

ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills stands in position during the first half against the New England Patriots at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New England defeats Buffalo 16-10. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - SEPTEMBER 29: Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills stands in position during the first half against the New England Patriots at New Era Field on September 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New England defeats Buffalo 16-10. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
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Buffalo Bills
Dec 19, 2020; Denver, Colorado, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) recovers a fumble and runs for a touchdown against the Denver Broncos during the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /

Should the Buffalo Bills extend Jerry Hughes?

One of the cornerstones of this defense, and currently the longest tenured player with the Buffalo Bills, is defensive end Jerry Hughes. It is certainly hard to imagine that is the case considering at the time the Bills traded for him, he had modest numbers and was starting to fall into the discussion of first-round bust.

While the sack totals have dropped the past two seasons, with only 4.5 sacks in the regular season each of the past two years, he has played very well in the playoffs. He has had six total sacks in four playoff games the past two seasons.

While the sack totals were low in the regular season, he was still getting steady pressure on the quarterback. This past season he had 30 pressures in 18 games.

Hughes is starting to get close to the end of his career at 33 years old but may have at couple of good seasons left. This is why it might make sense for the Bills to work out a contract extension with Hughes, who is entering the final year of his deal.

The Buffalo Bills also could structure a new deal that frees up additional cap space this season, which would help the team.

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