The Buffalo Bills have championship aspirations, and adding another veteran pass rusher could help their Super Bowl push.
The Buffalo Bills have done a good job retooling their defense this offseason. But that doesn't mean they should be done adding to it.
If Brandon Beane is going to make one more veteran addition before training camp and the regular season, another pass rusher should be at the top of the list.
On the surface, the position looks to be in solid shape. Greg Rousseau has developed into one of the cornerstones of the defense. The Bills also made a significant investment in Bradley Chubb during free agency, hoping he can help elevate the unit opposite Rousseau. They also spent a premium draft pick on T.J. Parker, adding another young, explosive talent to the room.
That's a solid foundation.
But if there is one lesson contenders learn every season, it's that you almost never have enough pass rushers.
The Bills are counting on Chubb to return to his pre-ACL form now that he's two years removed from the injury. Last season in Miami, Chubb showed he could still get to the quarterback with 8.5 sacks, and he's already set a lofty goal for his first year in Buffalo.
With Parker, he may eventually become an important piece of the defense, but he's still a rookie adjusting to the NFL. And while Buffalo likes the rest of its depth, training camp and the preseason have a way of exposing just how quickly that depth can be tested.
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That is why I wouldn't rule out another move before Week 1.
I'm not talking about bringing in someone who expects to start or command a major role. The Bills don't need that. What they could use is an experienced veteran who can provide quality rotational snaps and step into a larger role if injuries become an issue.
That's one of the reasons names like Von Miller, Jadeveon Clowney, and others continue to make sense. They're players who've remained productive and wouldn't have to carry the pass rush by themselves.
The specific player is almost secondary to the idea itself. If a veteran is available who can strengthen the rotation without disrupting the locker room or the salary cap, the Bills should absolutely explore it.
The good news for Buffalo is that there is no need to rush.
Training camp will give the coaching staff a better idea of where Parker is in his development and whether the younger players are ready for larger workloads. If everything clicks, Beane and head coach Joe Brady may decide the current group is enough.
But if the Bills have learned anything over the past few years, it is that defensive depth has a way of becoming one of the biggest stories of the season when you least expect it.
This roster is built to compete for a Super Bowl. If the opportunity is there to add one more proven pass rusher before the season begins, I would have a hard time arguing against it.
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