Bills Central

Buffalo Bills must sign edge rusher who's not Myles Garrett

Buffalo has several holes to fill this offseason and this veteran defender appears to be a great fit.
Brian Letscher|
Jan 18, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) reacts to a tackle against Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery.
Jan 18, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) reacts to a tackle against Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery. | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

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The 2024 Buffalo Bills ranked No. 17 in total defense, smack dab in the middle of the league.

They played well against mediocre teams but their performance dropped off significantly against teams like the Ravens, Rams, Lions and, of course, the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship Game. Simply put, it wasn't good enough.

While featuring one of the NFL's most-potent scoring offenses, it's clear the Bills need real help on the defensive side of the ball, specifically at edge rusher. The Philadelphia Eagles' handling of Patrick Mahomes in the Super Bowl further highlighted Buffalo's glaring need.

The popular passing rusher targets — either via free agent or trade — are names such as Myles Garrett, Maxx Crosby, Khalil Mack and Josh Sweat. And while it's probable the Bills will go after one of them, their current lack of cap space, according to Spotrac, means they'll have to neglect some other pressing needs to win the bidding war on a top-tier player.

Their answer is Dante Fowler Jr. of the Washington Commanders. At 30 years old, Fowler is still playing at very high level, appearing in all 17 games this past season and recording a robust 10.5 sacks and 20 quarterback pressures.

Fowler's motor runs high and the value is there, particularly when his estimated market price is $5.2 million, which is significantly lower than the $23.6 million that the Chargers gave Mack, who last year turned in just six sacks. While general manager Brandon Beane is committed to exploring all options to shore up the defense — and a trade for Garrett or Crosby would rev up the Bills Mafia — the smart move may be the value move of Dante Fowler Jr.

Dante Fowler Jr.
Jan 18, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Commanders linebacker Dante Fowler Jr. (6) celebrates a recovered fumble | Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images

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Brian Letscher
BRIAN LETSCHER

A Michigan native, Brian graduated from the University of Michigan in another century, where he earned a degree in economics and a Rose Bowl Championship ring while playing football for the Wolverines under Head Coach Gary Moeller. Brian went on to coach Division 1A football for several years before becoming a full-time writer and actor while maintaining an unhealthy interest in sports. He is currently developing a scripted television series, THOSE WHO STAY, based on a series of historical fiction articles he wrote about Bo Schembechler's Michigan football program as they struggle to unite and win the championship - which requires beating #1 Ohio State - during the tumultuous civil rights and anti-war movements of 1969.

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