General manager Brandon Beane addressed the media today about the team’s recent free agency moves, revealing significant updates that will affect the roster at the start of the season.
Among the Bills’ free-agent signings were defensive end/tackle/linebacker (three-year contract) and defensive tackle (one-year contract), but these deals now appear to be unfavorable for the team.
According to Maddy Glab, Beane stated that both key stars will serve six-game suspensions for violating the league’s PED policy. While Beane was aware of Hoecht’s situation, Ogunjobi’s suspension came as an unexpected development.
Losing not just one, but two key players for a significant stretch to start the season is far from ideal for the Bills. However, both players are still expected to sign with the team, and Beane noted that Ogunjobi was “up front and honest” about the situation, per Glab.
This is a major bad look for Brandon Beane and Bills
Learning about one expected suspension and then being blindsided by another on the same unit is far from ideal for Buffalo. With two defenders now set to miss the first six weeks, the team will have to rely on other players to step up in their absence.
This development could also have an impact on Brandon Beane’s draft strategy. Previously, drafting a defensive lineman early wasn’t a priority, but now there’s a case to be made for addressing the position within the first three picks.
Losing this kind of depth is a significant setback. The Bills may now have to adjust and possibly reach in the draft to bolster the defensive front. After a strong opening to free agency, this news delivers a tough blow. It will be interesting to see how Beane navigates finding temporary replacements for September and part of October.