Having a defensive tackle locked up with term seemed to be a priority for the Buffalo Bills, considering they had 0 signed through 2024 before the Ed Oliver extension, which pays him an average of $17 million per year with $45 million fully guaranteed. This deal locks him up through the 2027 season. Having not drafted a single defensive tackle in the 2023 NFL Draft, this gives Buffalo some long term security at the position.
Ed Oliver, who was drafted 9th overall out of Houston in 2019, has accumulated 151 tackles and 14.5 sacks over his 1st 4 seasons in Buffalo. This 4 year extension makes him the 11th highest paid defensive tackle in the league according to Spotrac.
Throughout his 4 year career, the 25 year old has shown flashes of greatness surrounded by a lot more of inconsistency. But, despite those inconsistencies, the Bills opted to pick up his 5th year option. In the 2022 season, Oliver posted 2.5 sacks, nine TFL’s, 14 QB hits, and three passes defended.
Giving this kind of money to this kind of player is a gamble, but a gamble Brandon Beane and the Bills’ front office believe will pay off. Buffalo is hoping for a big breakout to come alongside that big money Ed Oliver has just received.