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

Chris Jones

Defensive tackle may be less of a need than defensive end, but the Bills could certainly use a pass rusher from that position to pair alongside first-round pick Ed Oliver. With Jordan Phillips potentially on his way out, Harrison Philips recovering from injury and Star Lotulelei acting as more of a run stuffer, Buffalo could use a game-wrecker at the position that can provide interior pressure.

We’ve seen Tom Brady struggle mightily with interior pressure in recent years given his lack of mobility, so the Bills should be inclined to take advantage of that development in the twilight of their division rival’s career.

Chris Jones would definitely fit the mold of what the Bills need. He was explosive in his last two seasons, accumulating a total of 24.5 sacks, 49 QB hits and 27 tackles for loss. There was a noticeable difference in Kansas City’s defense when he was missing from game action. In Jones’ three missed games, the Chiefs allowed an average of 127 rush yards per game and gave up 31 points in two of those contests.

Jones is young and will likely price himself out of Missouri since the Kansas City Chiefs will need to start making room for Patrick Mahomes’ mega-extension. Spotrac projects Jones’ market value at $19.2 million AAV, which would put him near Frank Clark in terms of annual salary.

If the Bills want to ramp up their interior pressure packages, Jones could be a great signing even at his exorbitant price.