Arik Armstead: Buffalo Bills
The Bills managed 44 sacks last season, but at least 16 of those might be leaving via free agency. Buffalo declined the fifth-year option on defensive end Shaq Lawson, which almost certainly means that Lawson and his 6.5 sacks will wind up elsewhere. The Bills also may decide to move on from defensive tackle Jordan Phillips and his 9.5 quarterback takedowns. If those things happen — and considering edge-rusher Jerry Hughes turns 32 in August and is coming off a disappointing and injury-plagued season — it’s safe to say Sean McDermott’s defense is in need of defensive line reinforcements. Given the Bills’ current $81,986,213 in cap space, it’s also safe to say that they can go after just about anyone they want.
When looking at scheme fit, any player who can generate pressure off the edge and when kicking inside would have an advantage here. Armstead was not a consistent generator of pressure through his first four seasons with the 49ers, but the proverbial light came on in 2019, as he totaled 10 sacks and 73 pressures during San Francisco’s Super Bowl run. With the ability to disrupt everywhere from pass-rushing tackle to wide end, Armstead could give Buffalo’s line a whole new look — especially in tandem with future star Ed Oliver.