3 questions for the Buffalo Bills defensive tackles entering training camp

3.) Will Ed Oliver live up to his contract extension with the Buffalo Bills?

There seemed to be more surprised reactions rather than exciting reactions when the news broke about the Bills signing Oliver to a four-year, $68 million dollar extension, with $45 million of it guaranteed. With this contract, Oliver will be set to make $17 million a year which is questionable at this point with him.

It’s not to say that he can’t live up to that offer, but what was it exactly that helped him receive that kind of extension? In 62 career games, Oliver has racked up 151 combined tackles, 14.5 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 11 pass deflections from the line of scrimmage, and one fumble recovery. 

While Oliver is not the highest paid defensive tackle in the league, and this deal could turn into a nice setup for the Bills, there still is pressure on Oliver to succeed under this new contract. One advantage for Oliver this upcoming year is the play calling being controlled by Sean McDermott, who might be able to utilize Oliver’s strengths that may have not been used fully.

With Oliver as the main guy upfront now, all eyes will be on him to lead the charge in the trenches and create havoc upfront to help the Bills.