On Friday, June 6, 2025, the Buffalo Bills made a subtle yet intriguing roster move, signing defensive tackle Marcus Harris, a former seventh-round pick of the Houston Texans in the 2024 NFL Draft, while releasing undrafted rookie Devin Brandt-Epps. This transaction, announced just before the team’s mandatory minicamp, marks another step in the Bills’ ongoing efforts to reshape their defensive line. But will this under-the-radar signing of Harris be the catalyst to transform Buffalo’s defensive front into a dominant force?
A Strategic Addition to a Revamped Defensive Line
The Bills have been proactive in overhauling their defensive tackle position group this offseason. With established players like DaQuan Jones and Ed Oliver anchoring the line, alongside newcomers like Larry Ogunjobi, DeWayne Carter, Zion Logue, T.J. Sanders, Deone Walker, and Casey Rogers, the team has prioritized depth and versatility. The addition of Marcus Harris, a 24-year-old Auburn product, further tweaks this evolving unit.
Harris, who stands at 6’2″ and weighs approximately 286 pounds, is considered an undersized defensive tackle but brings a surprising amount of power and quickness to the position. During his final college season at Auburn, he recorded an impressive 7.5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss, showcasing his ability to disrupt opposing offenses. His performance in the Texans’ 2024 preseason finale, where he made two stops in a 17-15 win over the Los Angeles Rams, highlighted his potential as a rotational player.
After spending much of the 2024 season on the Patriots’ practice squad following his release from Houston, Harris now gets a fresh opportunity with Buffalo. The Bills’ decision to sign him suggests they see untapped potential in his skill set, particularly his ability to generate pressure from the interior line.
Why This Move Matters
While the signing of Harris may not grab headlines like a blockbuster trade or a high-profile free-agent acquisition, it aligns with Buffalo’s strategy of building a deep and competitive roster. The defensive line has been a focal point for general manager Brandon Beane, who has worked to address what some analysts described as one of the NFL’s “most underwhelming” position groups for the Bills in recent years. The team’s draft selections, such as T.J. Sanders (No. 41 overall in 2025) and Deone Walker, combined with free-agent signings and now Harris, indicate a deliberate effort to bolster this unit.
Harris brings a high-motor playing style and a knack for penetrating the backfield, which could complement the skill sets of veterans like Jones and Oliver. His college production suggests he can be effective in specific situations, such as third-down pass-rushing scenarios, where his quickness off the line could create mismatches. However, his smaller frame may limit his role against the run, making him a situational player rather than a three-down starter.
Can Harris Transform the Defensive Line?
The question remains: can Marcus Harris be the missing piece to elevate Buffalo’s defensive line to elite status? Realistically, Harris alone is unlikely to “completely transform” the unit. His signing is more about adding depth and competition to a position group already undergoing significant changes. The Bills’ defensive line is now a blend of experienced veterans, promising rookies, and developmental players like Harris, which gives head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich flexibility in their schemes.
For Harris to make a significant impact, he’ll need to carve out a role in a crowded depth chart. His ability to translate his college production to the NFL level will be critical, especially in a system that values versatility and disruption. If he can replicate his Auburn performance—particularly his pass-rushing prowess—he could become a valuable rotational piece, helping to keep starters fresh and applying pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Moreover, the Bills’ defensive line transformation is not solely dependent on Harris. The development of rookies like Sanders and Walker, combined with the reliability of veterans like Oliver and Jones, will play a larger role in determining the unit’s success. Harris’s signing is a low-risk, high-reward move that adds another layer of potential to an already improved group.
Looking Ahead
As the Bills prepare for mandatory minicamp, all eyes will be on how Harris integrates into the team’s defensive schemes. His performance in training camp and the preseason will be crucial in determining whether he secures a spot on the 53-man roster or remains a practice squad candidate. For now, this move signals Buffalo’s commitment to leaving no stone unturned in their quest to build a championship-caliber defense.
While Marcus Harris may not single-handedly transform the Bills’ defensive line, his addition reflects a broader strategy of calculated roster tweaks. If he can harness his potential and contribute as a situational pass rusher, he could prove to be a shrewd pickup for a team with Super Bowl aspirations. For now, Bills fans can remain cautiously optimistic that this quiet signing will add another spark to an increasingly formidable defensive front.