The Buffalo Bills’ defensive line is struggling at the start of the 2024 season, facing significant injury challenges. Star defensive tackle Ed Oliver has been sidelined for two games, while rotational player Austin Johnson has missed one. Additionally, rookie standout DeWayne Carter has been placed on injured reserve due to a wrist injury, which is particularly concerning given Buffalo’s usual strategy of rotating its linemen.
Even when healthy, the performance of the defensive line has not been impressive. The Bills’ tackles have only managed three sacks in eight games. Although their run defense has shown some improvement recently, they’re still giving up an average of 120.3 rushing yards per game. With the pressing need for depth and a boost in performance, it’s likely Buffalo will explore acquiring a defensive tackle before the November 5 trade deadline.
General manager Brandon Beane has indicated the team is open to making additions, and Bleacher Report suggests Tennessee Titans’ defensive tackle Sebastian Joseph-Day could be a valuable asset. Writer Kristopher Knox noted that Joseph-Day could provide depth and skill to the defensive line, especially as the Bills aim for success in the AFC despite their challenges in stopping the run, which currently averages 4.8 yards per carry allowed. The Bills recently placed rookie lineman DeWayne Carter on injured reserve, who participated in the first seven games with two starts, recording nine tackles and four tackles for loss.
Joseph-Day, a former sixth-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams, has had a varied career with the Los Angeles Chargers, San Francisco 49ers, and Titans over the past three seasons. At 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds, he excels in both run and pass defense, tallying 248 tackles, 35 quarterback hits, 24 tackles for loss, and 12 sacks in six years as a professional. This season, he has recorded two sacks, nine quarterback pressures, and 13 run stops in seven games for the Titans, according to Pro Football Focus.
Financial constraints could pose a challenge for the Bills in pursuing any trades, as they currently have only $2.7 million in salary cap space, per OverTheCap. However, they may be able to accommodate Joseph-Day’s contract, which has a base salary of $1.4 million.
