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The Current and Future State of the Bills Defensive Line

By Aaron Tully

Oct 13, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) laughs during pre-game warm ups against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 13, 2020; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) laughs during pre-game warm ups against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Roberts-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2019; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets running back Le’Veon Bell (26) runs with the ball while being tackled by Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (98) during the first quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2019; Orchard Park, New York, USA; New York Jets running back Le’Veon Bell (26) runs with the ball while being tackled by Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Star Lotulelei (98) during the first quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Rich Barnes-USA TODAY Sports /

Interior Linemen

Starting with the interior of the defensive line, Ed Oliver is really the only lock to be on the roster beyond 2021. Vernon Butler started in place of Star Lotulelei, who opted out the 2020 season due to the pandemic. Lotulelei is getting up there in age, as he is 31 years old, and has not been very productive during his time in Buffalo. Justin Zimmer, Harrison Phillips, and Treyvon Hester are depth pieces on the line who likely will be used more on special teams, one of whom will likely be a practice squad player.

My guess is that the Bills will either target the defensive tackle position in free agency or the 2022 NFL Draft.

Edge Rushers

Moving outside, the Bills seemingly have three edge rushers locked on their roster for the foreseeable future, those being Rousseau, Basham Jr, and Epenesa. Jerry Hughes becomes an unrestricted free agent (UFA) after the 2021 season, and even though he is beloved by the coaching staff, roster, and fanbase alike, there is no guarantee that Brandon Beane brings back a soon to be 33 year old defensive end who hasn’t recorded more than 4.5 sacks since 2018, especially at his current $9.4M cap hit.

It is likely that Sean McDermott and Brandon Beane are banking on two out of the three defensive ends they’ve selected in the last two drafts being successful.

The Bills have Mario Addison returning, he tied for the team lead in sacks in 2020 with five. The Bills also brought in Efe Ofada from Carolina through free agency in 2021; he recorded 5.5 sacks in 2020. Darryl Johnson has been solid on special teams for Buffalo, but with two more defensive ends to fill that role, he may be the odd man out come cut day.

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