Buffalo Bills: 3 Defensive linemen to target in 2020 free agency

The Buffalo Bills will look to improve their impressive defense by adding reinforcements along the defensive line. I take a look at potential options.

The Buffalo Bills had one of the best defenses in the NFL in 2019. They ranked fourth against the pass, 10th against the run and second in points allowed. Sean McDermott’s defensive unit was the main driver behind the Bills’ 10-win campaign this past season. Yet, there is room for improvement.

The Bills defense ranked 12th in sacks in 2019, accumulating 44 on the season. While this is obviously above average, they may be losing some key pieces this offseason that could hurt their future production.

Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips, who combined for 16 sacks on the season, are set to hit free agency. Veteran Trent Murphy, who accumulated five sacks this year, may also on his way out, as Buffalo can save $8 million in cap space if they part ways with the underperforming defensive end.

Given Buffalo elected not to exercise Lawson’s fifth-year option last offseason and Philips was only brought in on a one-year deal, Buffalo may allow others to outbid them as they pursue more high-end talent.

With Jerry Hughes set to turn 32 years old at the start of next season and Lorenzo Alexander recently announcing his retirement, the pass rush has become a much greater need. The Bills will have holes to fill along the defensive line this offseason and need to hit on their signings if they hope to sustain their success in 2020.

With Josh Allen still under his rookie contract and the Bills projected to have over $80 million in cap space, the team can afford to take a swing on big-name players at the position in free agency.

I am going to examine three potential free-agent defensive linemen whom the Bills should consider adding to their front four. If they can make the right signings, Buffalo could field the No.1 overall defense next season.