Last summer, the Buffalo Bills reached a contract extension with former first round pick Ed Oliver. At the time, the extension was met with some skepticism and rightfully so as Oliver did have some flashes in his first four seasons in the NFL but didn't show that consistent disruptive force that many expected being a Top 10 pick.
At the time, Oliver received one of the bigger contracts for the position as it was a four-year extension worth $68 million with over $45 million in guaranteed money. The good news was that Oliver would have his best season of his career in 2023 with 51 tackles, 16 QB hits and 9.5 sacks (all career highs).
Buffalo Bills look very smart to get the deal done with Ed Oliver when they did
Since the Bills reached the extension with Ed Oliver, the price tag for top tier defensive tackles has only gone up. This offseason alone Chris Jones, Chrisitan Wilkins, and Justin Madubuike have all signed four or five-year deals worth over $98 million.
The latest example came on Friday as the Carolina Panthers and Derrick Brown agreed to a four-year deal worth $96 million. Among defensive tackles, Oliver now ranks only 14th in average salary at the position, according to Spotrac.
Since becoming general manager of the Buffalo Bills, Brandon Beane has done a good job of working out contract extensions among key draft picks. This is important for general managers to be successful but there is also something to be said for reaching those extensions at the right moment.
Brandon Beane has been able to do that a number of times, like the Josh Allen extension in 2022 or even Tre'Davious White's extension in 2020. The Bills unfortunately had to release White this offseason with some significant dead cap but at the time, it was impossible to predict the injuries the former Pro Bowl corner would suffer.
Brandon Beane clearly has a handle on the market and knows when it is time to work out extensions as these extensions continue to look like bargains very quickly.