The Bills are about to sign one of the best players in AFC East history, as another four-time Pro Bowler who is a free agent is about to conclude a massive agreement with the Bills.
During the 2025 NFL season, the Buffalo Bills are making every effort to overcome their setback. Superstar quarterback Josh Allen has Buffalo in the midst of their Super Bowl window. Before NFL free agency began, Allen signed a huge deal extension worth $330 million with the Bills.
Given Allen’s contract, the Bills must make every effort to bolster their roster in the upcoming offseasons.
In March, Buffalo had a strong start to NFL free agency. On both sides of the football field, the Bills added some outstanding players. Thus, going into the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bills have very few holes.
Joey Bosa, a seasoned pass rusher, signed a one-year contract with Buffalo. Greg Rousseau, who also secured a huge contract extension this offseason, will be his opponent.
In addition, the Bills signed a number of other free agents, such as Joshua Palmer, Larry Ogunjobi, Dane Jackson, and Darrick Forrest.
Right now, one free agency signing made by the Bills is going unnoticed. By the end of the 2025 season, this one player might seem like a great deal.
However, who might it be?
We’ll look at one of the Buffalo Bills’ most devious free agency acquisitions from the 2025 NFL free agency cycle below.
With the former Ram, the Bills might receive a lot of output. Hoecht, Michael
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht (97) lines up against the Arizona Cardinals in the first half at SoFi Stadium on December 28, 2024, in Inglewood, California, USA. Required Credit:
The Bills’ acquisition of Michael Hoecht was one of this cycle’s most underappreciated free agent signings.
In free agency, Buffalo offered Hoecht a three-year deal for $21 million.
After the 2020 NFL Draft, Hoecht was signed by the Los Angeles Rams as an undrafted free agent. Strangely enough, Hoecht was selected in the second round of the 2020 CFL Draft, indicating that the CFL was also interested in him. It’s hardly surprising that Hoecht gambled in the NFL.
The Bills might benefit greatly from Hoecht’s versatility as a defensive tackle. Over the last four seasons, he has participated in all 17 games without missing a single one.
During his four years in Los Angeles, Hoecht has lined up all over the defensive line, according to PFF. Hoecht was mostly used by the Rams as an edge rusher on the outside of the defensive line. But he has also played some coverage plays as a slot defender and slid inside to play defensive tackle.
Hoecht will probably only be used as a defensive lineman by the Bills. Hoecht should be a flexible chess piece in that capacity, able to fill in at any position on any down. For a backup player like Hoecht, this is an excellent quality because it enables him to play whenever he can.
With Greg Rousseau, Joey Bosa, Ed Oliver, and DaQuan Jones beginning, Buffalo already has a very attractive defensive line. Hoecht is now the main backup on the d-line, joining AJ Epenesa and DeWayne Carter.
From the bench, Hoecht provides some outstanding pass rush juice. Over his four-year career, he has recorded 13.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. According to PFF, Hoecht has also produced 88 total pressures.
All of that said, there is one clear drawback to the Hoecht signing. Earlier in March, the Bills declared that Hoecht had been suspended by the NFL for six games. According to the league, Hoecht broke the NFL’s rules for performance-enhancing drugs. Additionally, Larry Ogunjobi was suspended.
Hoecht will therefore have to wait until the middle of the 2025 regular season to join the Bills.
The Bills probably were unaware of this circumstance prior to signing Hoecht. But Buffalo’s season shouldn’t be affected by losing him for just six games.
After the 2025 NFL Draft, this move might appear even more favorable. During the draft, the Bills are anticipated to prioritize defense. The value of having depth players like Hoecht increases if the Bills keep bolstering their defensive line through the draft. To keep everyone fresh throughout games, the Bills could decide to heavily rotate their defensive players.
It does appear more likely, though, that Buffalo would select safety and cornerback in the draft rather than defensive line. Buffalo might not be able to pass on a decent value because the 2025 draft class is packed on the d-line.
In any case, when Hoecht returns from his suspension, Bills supporters may anticipate him taking on the role of Dawuane Smoot.
