The Buffalo Bills, led by head coach Sean McDermott, are navigating a challenging situation on their defensive line as they prepare for their next matchup following a dominant performance against the Miami Dolphins on Thursday Night Football, September 18, 2025. With defensive tackle Ed Oliver sidelined at Wednesday’s practice due to an ankle injury, the Bills’ interior defensive line depth is under scrutiny, potentially opening the door for an unexpected acquisition: Dallas Cowboys’ 2023 first-round pick, Mazi Smith.
A Depleted Defensive Line
The Bills’ defensive tackle position, once considered a strength heading into the 2025 season, has been hit hard by injuries. Alongside Oliver’s uncertain status, veteran Larry Ogunjobi and second-year player DeWayne Carter are both on injured reserve (IR). Ogunjobi is expected to return in the coming weeks, but Carter’s season-ending Achilles tear in late August has left the team thin. With only three active defensive tackles—veteran nose guard DaQuan Jones and rookies TJ Sanders and Deone Walker, both drafted in 2025—the Bills are at risk of being short-staffed at a critical position.
This lack of depth and experience could prompt Buffalo to explore trade options, and Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox has floated an intriguing name: Mazi Smith, a former first-round pick whose career has yet to live up to his immense potential.
Mazi Smith: A “Line-Killer” With Untapped Potential
Mazi Smith, selected 26th overall by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2023 NFL Draft, was once heralded as a “line-killer” for his raw athleticism and dominance at Michigan. NFL analyst Bruce Feldman named him the top athletic “freak” heading into the 2022 college season, praising his 6’3”, 337-pound frame and explosive power. However, Smith’s transition to the NFL has been rocky. After a disappointing 2024 season, where he earned a dismal 34.7 grade from Pro Football Focus (PFF)—one of the lowest among defensive tackles—he was relegated to the Cowboys’ second string following the arrival of Kenny Clark in a blockbuster trade involving Micah Parsons.
Smith’s struggles continued into 2025, as he was a healthy scratch for the first two weeks of the season. In Week 3, he finally saw action, playing just 18 defensive snaps. While his 44.5 PFF grade in that game marked a modest improvement over his 2024 performance, it’s clear the Cowboys have not prioritized his development. As Knox notes, “If the Cowboys aren’t going to develop him, they should be interested in getting whatever they can in return.”
Why Buffalo Could Be the Perfect Fit
For the Bills, acquiring Smith could be a low-risk, high-reward move. Buffalo doesn’t need him to start immediately, given the presence of Jones and the promising rookies. Instead, Smith could serve as insurance against further injuries to Oliver or Ogunjobi while developing behind a talented defensive front. His physical tools—size, strength, and athleticism—make him a project worth investing in for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Moreover, there were signs of progress in Smith’s game late last season, particularly in run defense. Marcus Mosher of the Locked On Cowboys podcast noted improvements in his ability to clog lanes and disrupt opposing rushing attacks. For a Bills team that prides itself on a stout defense, Smith’s potential as a run-stopper could complement their scheme under McDermott.
A Redemption Arc in Buffalo?
Adding intrigue to this potential move is Smith’s history with the Bills’ rivals, the Miami Dolphins. During his rookie season, Smith faced criticism after a lackluster performance against Miami, where he was overpowered at the point of attack. For Bills fans, the idea of a once-humiliated rival draft pick joining their roster and thriving could be a satisfying twist. A change of scenery might be exactly what Smith needs to unlock the potential that made him a first-round pick.
A Smart Move for a Contender
The Bills, who are aiming to “finally win it all” in 2025, don’t need Smith to be a game-changer right away. His acquisition would be a calculated move to bolster depth and invest in a player with significant upside. With McDermott’s track record of developing defensive talent, Buffalo could be the ideal place for Smith to revive his career and prove his doubters wrong.
As the Bills navigate their injury challenges, the addition of Mazi Smith could quietly set the stage for a redemption story that transforms a former rival’s bust into a key piece of Buffalo’s championship puzzle.