One of the top priorities for the Buffalo Bills this offseason is to strengthen their defensive line, particularly both the edge and interior positions.
The Bills are in need of an upgrade alongside Ed Oliver. While DaQuan Jones, who is signed through 2025, has performed well since joining the team, his performance could be improved, and the Bills may seek a better option.
A potential target for Buffalo is Jonathan Allen, a two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman previously with the Washington Commanders, who was released on Friday.
In a recent piece forecasting bold moves for each team this offseason, Sterling Xie of Pro Football Network suggests that Buffalo should pursue Allen. He writes, “If the Commanders let him go and save $16.5 million in cap space, the Buffalo Bills should be among the frontrunners to sign the defensive tackle.” Xie notes that Allen has been a strong contributor on the field, although his performance suffered last season due to an injury that limited him to eight games.
If healthy, Allen would represent a significant upgrade over Jones in both run defense and pass rushing, and if the Bills retain Jones, Allen could enhance the depth of their defensive line as an excellent backup option.
Although the Bills have limited cap space, Allen’s relatively disappointing season may result in a lower price point, making it feasible for Buffalo to sign him. However, there is a risk that other teams might also target Allen, which could increase his market value beyond what the Bills can afford.
The Philadelphia Eagles’ recent Super Bowl victory serves as a powerful reminder of the value of a strong defensive line. As the Bills aim for a Super Bowl appearance in 2025, acquiring Allen could be an effective strategy.
