During the 2025 NFL Draft, the Buffalo Bills made it clear they wanted to upgrade their defensive line and selected South Carolina’s defensive tackle TJ Sanders.
Sanders played four seasons at South Carolina, playing in 39 games and recording 9.5 sacks, and could be a primary factor on the Bills’ defense from Day 1.
Buffalo knew adding pieces on the defensive line was a must this offseason, and the team also signed pass rusher Joey Bosa.
One of the primary goals of the Bills’ defense this season is to increase pressure on the opposing team’s quarterback.
Bills Could Part Ways With DaQuan Jones
With all the new additions on the defective line, some veteran players could be fighting for their roster spot this summer. Enzo Flojo from ClutchPoints thinks defensive tackle DaQuan Jones is on the roster bubble.
“Defensive tackle DaQuan Jones has been a steady presence in Buffalo’s front seven. That said, this summer could be different. Entering the final year of his deal, Jones suddenly finds himself in the crosshairs of a numbers crunch. Releasing him would reportedly save the team $5.5 million. That’s a tempting bit of flexibility for a franchise tight on cap space,” Flojo wrote. “Buffalo didn’t hide its priorities in the draft, too. They traded up twice to secure defensive tackles TJ Sanders and Deone Walker. Add those rookies to a group that already includes Ed Oliver and DeWayne Carter, plus the free-agent addition of Larry Ogunjobi. As such, it’s clear that the defensive interior has been overhauled.”
“The Bills will need Jones’ experience, especially early in the season while Ogunjobi is sidelined. However, once the rookies gain their footing, tough decisions loom. If Sanders and Walker shine in camp and preseason action, the coaching staff could decide that the cost savings outweigh the veteran presence. Jones doesn’t control the cap math, but he can control the narrative. He needs to dominate in camp, show leadership, and remind everyone that there’s value in proven production,” Flojo wrote.
Jones is in the final year of a two-year, $16 million contract, and it wouldn’t be a shock if he were cut or even traded.
There could be a few teams out there that are looking to add some defensive line help to boost their roster, and Jones could be a player some teams try to add.
Buffalo Should Be Careful With Cutting Jones
It will be interesting to see how Buffalo handles Jones, as he is still a solid player. Buffalo is in a position where it needs to keep all their talented veteran players. Buffalo has been only a few snaps away from reaching the Super Bowl the last few years.
There is a good chance that the Bills will reach the Super Bowl this season. And to get there, veterans will have to make key plays.
It might be a better option if the Bills let Jones play in critical postseason games than the rookie Sanders, however, since rookies are known to make a few more mistakes in high-leverage situations.
