The Buffalo made their first free agency splash earlier today when they signed wide receiver Josh Palmer from the Los Angeles Chargers on a three-year, $36 million deal. That signing gives MVP quarterback Josh Allen another weapon outside the numbers.
General manager Brandon Beane then pivoted and brought in some defensive help by signing defensive lineman/outside linebacker Michael Hoecht from the Los Angeles Rams. Buffalo and Hoecht agreed on a three-year deal worth a max of $24 million, per Ian Rapoport. Hoecht comes to Buffalo with 180 total tackles and 13.5 career sacks.
Hoecht has been with the Rams since 2021 and he’s had one year as a full-time starter in 2023. It was his best season where he recorded six sacks, 81 total tackles, 2 pass deflections and one forced fumble. Now he is coming out to Buffalo to help a unit that heavily struggled down the stretch last season.
Hoecht can play off the edge and in the middle of the line, making him a versatile defender which is perfect for Bobby Babich’s defensive scheme. The Bills had a tough time stopping the run last season so adding Hoecht as depth and even as a potential starter is a great starting point to beefing up this defensive line.
What grade do the Bills deserve for signing of Michael Hoecht?
Brandon Beane has addressed the defensive line on the first day of the legal tampering period which is what exactly he should have done. Now granted, he may not be the biggest name that the Bills bring in this offseason, but don’t be surprised when Hoecht is the best signing that the Bills made by the time September/October come around.
Hoecht getting signed to a three-year deal shows us that the Bills believe in him enough to make an impact for the foreseeable future and they are hoping that he can produce right away. Whether you line him up off the edge or in the middle of the defensive line, Hoecht will be expected to cause havoc right from the start.
The Bills still have some work to do on their defensive line, but Hoecht is a solid start to improving the unit.