Heading into the 2025 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills are widely considered one of the league’s top Super Bowl contenders. After falling just short in the AFC Championship Game against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs, the team is aiming to finally break through. Josh Allen is coming off an MVP-winning season in 2024, and with a strong, championship-caliber roster already in place, some believe the Bills should still look to make one more splash before the new season begins.
One of Buffalo’s biggest offseason moves was signing Joey Bosa to bolster their pass rush. With Bosa hitting the free agent market, the fit made sense for a defense looking to take the next step. However, his history of injuries—and a recent calf issue—has already raised concerns about his durability heading into training camp.
Because of that, Sports Illustrated’s Gilberto Manzano has suggested the Bills make another move: signing veteran edge rusher. A three-time Pro Bowler, he remains a free agent after spending the 2024 season with the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions.
“His best days are behind him, but he showed with the Lions last season that he can still be a dependable rotational pass rusher on a team with Super Bowl aspirations,” Manzano wrote. “Even if Bosa stays healthy, Buffalo needs depth behind top edge rusher Gregory Rousseau.”
Smith, who is entering his age-33 season, has racked up 69 career sacks over 10 years in the league. Last season, he recorded 35 tackles, nine sacks, and a pass deflection in 17 games. His ability to pressure the quarterback remains intact, and he could be a valuable insurance policy in case Bosa misses time.
If the Bills want to shore up their defense and maximize their championship window, adding Smith could be the late-offseason move that puts them over the top.