Should the Bills consider adding Lions DE Romeo Okwara to bolster their pass rush in free agency?
The Buffalo Bills are facing a significant defensive overhaul, particularly on the defensive line, with edge rushers Leonard Floyd and A.J. Epenesa set to explore free agency. The departure of veteran DaQuan Jones adds to the challenge of maintaining interior pressure. Out of the team’s 13 defensive linemen, eight are poised to enter free agency, prompting the Bills to likely seek reinforcements, even if it means exploring budget-friendly options.
One potential solution could be Detroit Lions edge rusher Romeo Okwara. While Okwara has only two years as a starter (2018 and 2020), he has made a notable impact, accumulating 17.5 sacks during those seasons and a total of 25 sacks in 92 career games. Despite some playoff struggles, Okwara is coming off a strong regular season, ranking 61st in pass-rush win rate (11.2 percent) among 118 edge rushers with 140 pass-rush snaps. His pass-rush grade, according to Pro Football Focus, is the 42nd-best.
Unlike some part-time players, Okwara is effective against the run and is not limited to specific downs. While he may be deployed more frequently on passing downs, it doesn’t hinder his overall game. It’s important to note that Okwara wouldn’t necessarily replace Floyd but would serve as a rotational player with the expectation to perform and be compensated accordingly.
According to PFF’s contract projection, Okwara could sign a reasonable one-year deal worth $2.75 million, which aligns well with Buffalo’s complex cap situation. Assigning Okwara a snap share similar to Epenesa’s, balancing between full-time responsibilities and his successful role in reaching an NFC championship game, seems reasonable. In the event of injuries, Okwara can take on a larger role, making him a valuable and cost-effective addition to the Bills’ defense, especially given the potential challenges in retaining other defensive talents due to the increased NFL salary cap.
