The Buffalo Bills have made an expected free agent move as they have signed free agent defensive tackle Linval Joseph, while placing cornerback Kaiir Elam on injured reserve. The deal is a one year contact worth $3.72 million per Mike Garafolo. General manager Brandon Beane made the move after there was speculation that Beane was looking in the free agent market for a defensive tackle.
Getting a veteran like Joseph, who has Super Bowl experience, as well as being a two-time pro bowler, it provides stability on the defensive line for Buffalo which has had trouble this season since losing DaQuan Jones in Week 5. Now if Jones is able to return later in the season, Joseph would be excellent depth. Even now, Joseph provides the trie one-technique to allow Ed Oliver to play at more of a natural position at the three-technique and thrive.
While the Bills just added Joseph, there could be a chance that he plays in Cincinnati per Brandon Beane. Matt Parino reports that Beane mentioned that around this time last year, Joseph was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles and played in his first game with them after being signed.
While it could take Joseph a little bit to catch onto the playcalling, it makes sense for him to suit up for the Bills as they take on a running game that is led by Joe Mixon, who is a physical runner and ran over Buffalo in the playoffs last year.
The Bills have now signed Leonard Fournette and Linval Joseph as veterans who not only provide stability at their respective positions but can also be an impactful player whether directly or indirectly. The Bills have not looked like the same team they were at the beginning of the season, so you have to give them credit for looking to improve more as they start to approach fighting for a playoff spot.