The Buffalo Bills have made a bold move to bolster their defense, officially signing veteran star Justin Hollins to a one-year contract. The 29-year-old linebacker, known for his relentless play and bone-crushing tackles, brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record that promises to strike fear into opposing offenses.
Hollins, a former fifth-round pick (156th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft, began his professional career with the Denver Broncos on a four-year, $2.8 million rookie contract. After being waived in 2020, he was claimed by the Los Angeles Rams, where he became a key contributor to their Super Bowl LVI championship team in 2021. During his time with the Rams, Hollins showcased his disruptive prowess, amassing 10.5 sacks, 10 tackles for loss, and 16 quarterback hits across 67 games.
The journeyman linebacker has also had stints with the Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Los Angeles Chargers, most recently playing 12 games in the 2023 season across these teams. In 2024, Hollins spent part of the season on the Washington Commanders’ practice squad before being released in October. Now, the Bills have secured his talents, and he will don the No. 52 jersey as he takes the field in Buffalo.
Before his NFL career, Hollins was a standout at the University of Oregon, where he played 45 games over four years. His college stats are nothing short of jaw-dropping: 184 tackles, 36 tackles for loss, and 14 sacks. His dominance earned him a spot on the Associated Press All-Pac-12 First Team in 2018, ranking fourth in the Pac-12 for sacks and fifth for tackles for loss.
Signed DE Justin Hollins. pic.twitter.com/mAnmtqRnKh
— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) August 5, 2025
The Bills didn’t stop with Hollins. In March, they also signed veteran defensive end Joey Bosa, who was released by the Los Angeles Chargers after a nine-year tenure. Bosa, now playing for a new NFL team for the first time, joins Hollins to form a formidable defensive front that could wreak havoc on opposing quarterbacks.
With Hollins’ terrifying college and NFL stats—combined with Bosa’s proven veteran presence—the Bills’ defense is poised to leave opponents reeling. Fans can expect an electrifying season as these two powerhouses take the field, ready to dominate and drive Buffalo toward another deep playoff run.