The Buffalo Bills may need to search the open market for a replacement because several of their defensive linemen may depart in free agency. Fortunately for them, there are athletes who might suit their goals well.
The Bills should add some youth to their aging defensive line, as the Bleacher Report proposed in a recent piece analyzing each team’s requirements in free agency. It might not be a bad idea at all to hunt for a younger player who could stay with them for a long time, especially because some of those older guys have contracts that are about to expire.
Solomon Thomas, a defensive lineman with the New York Jets, might be that person. Even though he is already 28 years old, he is still much younger than Jordan Phillips and DaQuan Jones, who are both older than thirty. Additionally, Thomas’ adaptability can be a very useful tool for the Bills, whose defense is ranked in the top 10.
“By 2024, the Bills defensive line will undoubtedly look different. The contracts of Jordan Phillips, DaQuan Jones, Tim Settle, and Poona Ford are about to expire, and the Bills would benefit from adding a younger player to the position. Solomon Thomas is 28 years old, although Jones and Phillips are both older than 30. The defensive lineman, who can line up on the inside or outside, has been effective for the Jets this season as a pass-rusher, which is why the Bills should consider Solomon, according to a Bleacher Report report.
Solomon Thomas has only started one of the 15 games he has played for the New York Jets in 2023. Nevertheless, he has recorded five sacks in addition to 29 total tackles, seven tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits.
Playing for a Bills club that is going to thin out defensively will likely provide Solomon with greater incentives. That suggests that he may have the chance to begin and build a larger role.
Buffalo, on the other hand, might be an inexpensive choice who can stabilize their defense. Although it’s unclear if the Jets will actually let him leave, the Bills might give it a shot to get him to leave the Big Apple.
The Other Needs of the Buffalo Bills in Free Agency
The Buffalo Bills’ strong offensive and defensive balance has helped them to maintain their postseason hopes for the 2023 campaign. But as demonstrated by their close 24-22 victory over the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 16, they may be inconsistent at times.
The Chargers’ only chances of winning the game were an interception by Josh Allen and a few fumbles; errors of that nature might spell disaster for them in the postseason.
That said, there are still a lot of places where the bills could use improvement. In addition to adding more wide receivers for Allen to pass to, they should also add an edge rusher and an interior defender.
Wide receivers like Gabe Davis, Michael Thomas, Tyler Boyd, Darnell Mooney, and DJ Chark may be excellent choices for them, but the Bills would likely have to pay a high price to acquire them.
It’s unclear what the Bills will decide to do, but exciting days should be ahead for the team and its supporters if they can maintain their existing core and add a few upgrades along the way.
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