BREAKING: Buffalo Bills have reportedly ‘expressed desire’ to sign veteran pass-rusher in free agency
As NFL free agency approaches, the Buffalo Bills may seek to strengthen their pass rush depth.
According to Tony Pauline of Sportskeeda, the Bills are interested in veteran edge rusher Preston Smith, who was recently released by the Pittsburgh Steelers as a cost-cutting measure. Despite making notable additions in recent years, Buffalo has struggled with pass-rushing consistency. Bringing in Smith could provide valuable depth and veteran leadership to their defensive front.
Bills Among Several Teams Interested in Preston Smith
Tony Pauline reported that the Bills are not the only team pursuing Preston Smith, as the veteran pass rusher has drawn significant interest at the NFL Combine. Smith, who was recently released by the Steelers in a cap-related move, is looking to finish his career with a Super Bowl contender.
“Former Steelers edge rusher Preston Smith, who was released as a salary-cap casualty just a few weeks ago, is getting a lot of interest here at the combine,” Pauline wrote.
“Three teams, most prominently the Buffalo Bills, have expressed a desire to sign Smith once free agency begins. If it happens, it would be a great coupling, as Buffalo needs depth at pass rusher, and Smith wants to finish his career with a playoff team.”
A second-round pick by Washington in 2015, Smith has played in 163 games over his 10-year career, recording 70.5 sacks, five interceptions, and 10 forced fumbles. Last season, he registered 4.5 sacks, beginning the year with the Green Bay Packers before being traded to the Steelers at the deadline.
Bills Face Other Decisions as Free Agency Nears
The Bills may also have some tough choices to make regarding their own free agents, including defensive end Dawuane Smoot. After signing a one-year deal last offseason, Smoot could be a candidate to return to Buffalo to help maintain depth on the edge.
According to Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, Smoot’s versatility as a rotational pass rusher could still hold value for the Bills.
“Even going into his age-30 season in 2025, Smoot still holds some value to a team as a rotational pass-rushing piece that offers versatility,” Buscaglia wrote. “Smoot took reps at both left and right defensive end throughout the season. Then, in obvious passing situations, Smoot was the Bills’ preferred option to slide inside to defensive tackle to rush the passer next to Ed Oliver. With only 1.5 sacks, Smoot didn’t have the statistical impact the Bills were hoping for when they signed him as a free agent, but there is usually a home in the NFL for a competent and versatile rotational edge rusher.”
The Bills will also have to make a financial decision on Von Miller, who has struggled to regain his form after tearing his ACL in 2022. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine suggested Buffalo may look to restructure Miller’s contract for a significant pay cut but could ultimately decide to move on in favor of a younger, more cost-effective option.
Releasing Miller would create $8.4 million in cap space, Ballentine noted.
“Miller was still an important cog in the defensive front,” Ballentine wrote. “He only played 25 percent of the snaps, but he was third on the team in sacks with six. If the Bills believe they can replace that production for cheaper than the cap savings they get by cutting Miller then that makes sense.”