Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane has been forthright about the team’s roster situation as they approach an offseason filled with Super Bowl aspirations but also the harsh realities of NFL life. With much of their defense set to hit free agency and limited cap space to work with, tough decisions loom regarding who will be retained for the 2024 season. Among these free agents is defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, whose season started impressively but was interrupted by a pectoral injury, though he made a strong return late in the year. If Jones decides to pursue opportunities elsewhere, the Bills will need to adapt.
The significance of Jones to Buffalo’s defensive core cannot be overstated. Only three starting interior linemen—Aaron Donald, Dexter Lawrence, and Quinnen Williams—had a higher success rate in pass rush situations than Jones. Additionally, his effectiveness against the run solidified his status as one of the defense’s top performers when healthy.
Should Jones depart, defensive tackle Ed Oliver, coming off a breakout season of his own, would find himself without a partner in the trenches. Texas defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat could potentially fill that void. While Sweat may have garnered less attention in mock drafts compared to his teammate Byron Murphy II, their skill sets differ. Sweat, akin to Jones, excels in run defense, utilizing his size to absorb double teams effectively. His imposing physical measurements, highlighted at the NFL Scouting Combine, are likely to impress evaluators. Standing at 6-4 and weighing 366 pounds with an 81.25-inch wingspan, Sweat’s sheer bulk sets him apart. In fact, he outweighs Philadelphia Eagles tackle Jordan Davis by 25 pounds despite being two inches shorter, showcasing Sweat’s strength as a disruptive force in the interior line.
