Bills Seen As Excellent Fit For Aging Edge Rusher

Bills Seen As Excellent Fit For Aging Edge Rusher originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

The Buffalo Bills believed they had solved their edge rusher concerns this offseason. The additions of Joey Bosa and Michael Hoecht, along with a plethora of mid-round selections in the 2025 draft all led many analysts to believe that the team's issues along the defensive line were solved. 

Things have changed since the draft, though. 

With Joey Bosa dealing with an injury, and expected to be out until training camp, the Bills could look for an additional edge rusher to help bolster the young group. 

Remember, Hoecht and defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi have been suspended by the league for six games due to them failing to comply with the league's PED policy. 

One analyst believes there is a quick solution to those problems, though. 

NFL reporter Gilberto Manzano named the Bills as the best fit for free agent edge rusher Za’Darius Smith.

“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," Manzano wrote. "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.”

Smith has plenty of success throughout his career. It makes a lot of sense for a team like Buffalo, clearly in need of an edge rusher, to bring him in. 

That is if they can agree to the terms of a free agent deal ... and do it on the cheap.

Related: Can Bills' 'Borderline Elite' Roster Claim Super Bowl Glory?

Related: Bills' Elijah Moore Offers 'Pretty' Josh Allen Scouting Report

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.