The Buffalo Bills have historically relied on a committee approach for their pass rush, despite ongoing efforts to find a standout talent on the defensive line through significant draft investments and signing Von Miller, the NFL’s all-time active sack leader. While Buffalo is typically among the top teams in sacks and pressures, they have only had one player with double-digit sacks since the tenure of head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane began in 2017 (Leonard Floyd with 10.5 in 2023).
This pattern continues in the 2024 season; even though the Bills are ninth in the league with 19 sacks over seven games, no player has more than four sacks. Bleacher Report suggests that the Bills should seek to enhance this committee, possibly by acquiring Azeez Ojulari from the New York Giants. Writer Kristopher Knox points out that Ojulari could be available due to the strong performances of Kayvon Thibodeaux and Brian Burns.
Knox wrote, “The Bills could also be interested. While their defense has recorded 19 sacks through seven games, A.J. Epenesa leads the team with only four. Buffalo’s pursuit of [Amari] Cooper indicates that they are fully committed to the 2024 season, and they may not be done. The Bills are buyers, and they share a connection with the Giants. Head coach Brian Daboll and general manager Joe Schoen both came from Buffalo before taking over the New York front office in 2022. If Ojulari is obtainable, the Bills might be among the first to know.”
Ojulari, a 24-year-old second-round pick by the Giants in 2021, could provide value not only for the rest of the 2024 season but also as a foundational piece for the future. Having accumulated 20 sacks in 42 career games and four this season while primarily in a rotational role, he has also produced 15 total pressures—only exceeded by Buffalo’s Greg Rousseau.
With just a $1.5 million base salary in the final year of his rookie deal, Ojulari’s contract is manageable for the financially-strapped Bills. Furthermore, Knox highlights the existing relationship between the front offices of Buffalo and New York. With Von Miller set to return from suspension, the prospect of a defensive end rotation that includes Rousseau, Epenesa, Miller, and Ojulari is appealing. Ojulari represents a low-risk, high-reward opportunity; while he may not make a significant impact, a new environment could help him realize his potential and secure a second contract with Buffalo.
It’s likely the Giants wouldn’t demand more than a draft pick for Ojulari, and with ten picks scheduled for the 2025 NFL Draft (including seven on day three, two of which are projected compensatory selections), the Bills could potentially benefit from adding Ojulari, enhancing their pass rush.
