Strengthen defense with key signings
It’s almost scary to suggest that the Bills’ defense could improve in the 2020 offseason.
The unit has been nothing short of incredible for two consecutive years, finishing second and third in total yardage in the 2018 and 2019 seasons, respectively. The secondary has consistently given headaches to opposing quarterbacks while the front seven has constantly improved, creating a young, exciting unit that already ranks among the league’s best.
But there’s still room for improvement.
Buffalo would be wise to add some pass-rushing ability to its defense this offseason, especially if it decides to part ways with Trent Murphy.
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Yannick Ngakoue is perhaps the best pass rusher on the market, as the 24-year-old has yet to record less than eight sacks in a season. His social media presence would suggest that he’s interested in testing the open market, and if he becomes a free agent, bringing the former Maryland Terrapin to One Bills Drive would likely be near the top of Brandon Beane’s priority list.
Ngakoue would immediately become the best pass-rusher on a defense that is perhaps an elite pass-rusher away from cementing itself as the league’s best. Though his projected annual salary of $17.1 million (per Spotrac) is steep, it’s one that Buffalo can afford.
Pittsburgh Steelers outside linebacker Bud Dupree is another name to look at, as if he hits the open market, he could be a solid fit in the Bills’ defense. The 26-year-old tallied a career-high 11.5 sacks in 2019, consistently generating pressure on a dominant Pittsburgh defense that tallied a league-high 54.0 sacks.
Playing as an edge rusher in Pittsburgh’s base 3-4 defensive scheme, Dupree would likely play with his hand in the dirt in Buffalo, becoming a more traditional defensive end in the team’s 4-3 scheme.
He could, however, fill the role vacated by the recently retired Lorenzo Alexander, taking over the team’s starting role at outside linebacker while also serving as a situational down lineman. Though coverage is far from the strongest part of Dupree’s game, he improved in that facet in 2019.
Though he likely won’t hit free agency, Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Onwuasour would be a solid replacement for Alexander should he and the Bills have mutual interest. A former safety, Onwuasour has played as an inside linebacker in Baltimore since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2016, excelling in coverage and as a situational pass rusher.
An incredible athlete, Onwuasour could switch to outside linebacker in Buffalo. With Onwuasour alongside Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano, the Bills could potentially deploy the league’s most athletic linebacker coups.
What a relentless effort play by Ngakoue. Pay this man. #Jaguars
— Andrew Gibson (@1010XLAG) December 30, 2019