The Buffalo Bills and general manager Brandon Beane’s positional needs heading into the training camp portion of their offseason remain interesting.
The GM has added a flush of talent and competition to key position groups on both sides of the ball this season, notably stockpiling talent and depth players to compete at receiver and cornerback.
The pass rush was also an area of focus this offseason, with Beane reportedly pursuing a Myles Garrett trade, signing Joey Bosa, and drafting defensive end Landon Jackson.
Could another DE be added to that rotation with Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa?
Gilberto Manzano of Sports Illustrated has suggested the Bills do just that in identifying a “Best Fits for Top Unsigned NFL Free Agents” and, specifically, 32-year-old Za’Darius Smith.
Here’s what Manzano had to say:
“Smith’s best days are behind him, but he proved last season with the Detroit Lions that he’s still capable of being a reliable rotational player for a Super Bowl contender. The Bills have already added Joey Bosa, but he has struggled to stay healthy in recent seasons and recently injured his calf. Even if Bosa stays healthy when the season arrives, Buffalo still needs depth behind No. 1 edge rusher Gregory Rousseau. Smith, who’s entering his age-33 season, has 69 career sacks in 10 NFL seasons.”
Detroit has a new defensive line coach and defensive coordinator this season.
The club re-signed Marcus Davenport and drafted rookie Ahmed Hassanein so it’s unknown if Smith will land back with the Lions or another team.
Time will tell if that’s Buffalo or not, but in a season of addressing the Bills’ defense, Beane has remained active and could continue to do so based on public statements and prior track record.