Buffalo Bills: B/R names Mario Addison’s deal the worst of last offseason
When the Buffalo Bills deal with defensive end Mario Addison was announced, it wasn’t much of a surprise considering how many former Carolina Panthers found their way to Western New York. He had played four seasons from 2013 to 2016 for Sean McDermott when he was defensive coordinator of the Panthers. However, what was surprising was the contract that Addison received which was just over $30 million for three years for a player who was 32 years old at the time.
Fast forward a year and the deal isn’t looking any better after Addison only had five sacks, which is the lowest total since 2013 when he had 2.5 sacks in his first season with the Panthers. However, that season Addison only played 26% of the defensive snaps compared to 56% this season.
The lack of production this past season and the contract he received had Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report naming it the worst contract given in free agency last offseason.
"While Addison was coming off four straight campaigns with at least nine sacks when this pact was signed, his age and the contract structure made this a poor long-term investment.Based on what Buffalo has gotten in return and what it’s likely to get, this is arguably the worst contract to be handed out in 2020 free agency."
It is pretty much assumed at this point that Mario Addison will be a cap casualty this offseason as Knox notes it would save the Bills over $6 million by releasing him. However, if they designate him with a June 1st designation, that total increases to $8 million.
The release of Addison though needs to have a correlating move as improving the pass rush is a big need for this defense this offseason. The Bills need to find a way to get better at getting pressure on the opposing quarterback but more importantly do it with just their front four.
Next. Which free agents should the Bills avoid?. dark
The Buffalo Bills appeared to make a strong push for J.J. Watt but he decided to sign with the Arizona Cardinals earlier in the week. The good news is that the team will have plenty of options with free agency starting later this month to replace Mario Addison and hopefully improve the production of the position.