The Buffalo Bills, one of the top contenders for the 2025 Super Bowl, are being urged to make a significant move in the NFL free agency market to bolster their defensive lineup. According to a report from Newsweek, Sports Illustrated analyst Gilberto Manzano has suggested that the Bills should sign three-time Pro Bowl defender Za’Darius Smith, who remains a free agent after playing for the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions in the 2024 season.
Bills’ Defense Needs a High-Caliber Addition
The Buffalo Bills had an impressive 2024 season, advancing to the AFC Championship Game before falling to the Kansas City Chiefs. With Josh Allen, the 2024 NFL MVP, leading the offense, the Bills possess a roster capable of contending for a championship. However, their defense, despite featuring notable players, still lacks a critical piece to make a significant impact, particularly in pressuring opposing quarterbacks.
While the Bills successfully signed star Joey Bosa to a one-year, $12.6 million contract at the start of the season, concerns about Bosa’s injury history persist. Bosa, a five-time Pro Bowler, played 14 games in 2024, recording 22 tackles and five sacks. His recent calf injury has further raised concerns about his ability to maintain peak performance throughout the season.
Za’Darius Smith – The Perfect Fit?
Za’Darius Smith, a veteran NFL defender, is seen as an ideal target to strengthen the Bills’ defense. In the 2024 season, Smith played for both the Cleveland Browns and Detroit Lions, amassing 35 tackles, nine sacks, and one interception in 17 games. While he may no longer be at the peak of his career, Smith proved last season with the Lions that he remains a reliable rotational player for a team with Super Bowl aspirations.
Manzano noted, “Smith’s prime days may be behind him, but he showed with the Detroit Lions last season that he’s still a dependable rotational player for a Super Bowl-contending team.” Signing Smith would not only add depth to the Bills’ roster but also serve as a contingency plan should Bosa face health issues.
Strategic Benefits of the Move
Acquiring Smith would bring several strategic advantages to the Bills. First, his experience in high-stakes games, including stints with strong teams like the Green Bay Packers, Baltimore Ravens, Cleveland Browns, and Detroit Lions, would be a valuable asset for a team aiming to break through in the playoffs. Second, Smith’s ability to pressure quarterbacks would address a weakness in the Bills’ defense, which ranked 18th in the NFL with 39 sacks in the 2024 season.
Moreover, with the Bills already boasting a strong defensive front featuring players like Greg Rousseau, who recently signed a significant contract extension, and Terrel Bernard, adding Smith would create a more balanced defense capable of matching up against potent offenses like those of the Kansas City Chiefs or Baltimore Ravens.
Challenges and Opportunities
While this move holds significant promise, the Bills will need to act swiftly and decisively to sign Smith, as he is likely on the radar of other teams. With substantial financial resources, including one of the largest salary caps in the NFL for the 2025 season, the Bills have the means to offer an attractive deal.
However, the biggest challenge will be balancing investments in the defense with strengthening other positions, such as the offensive line or cornerback, where Rasul Douglas, a free agent with 58 tackles and five pass breakups in 2024, is also a priority for re-signing, according to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic.
Conclusion
Signing Za’Darius Smith could be a bold yet necessary step for the Buffalo Bills to complete their roster and move closer to their Super Bowl goal. With an offense led by MVP Josh Allen and a defense steadily improving, adding a veteran defender like Smith could be the key to overcoming major playoff opponents. Bills fans are eagerly awaiting the front office’s next move, and if this deal comes to fruition, it could be one of the most pivotal moments of the 2025 season.