Perhaps hidden behind the storylines of the newly hired head coach, Rex Ryan, and the surprising acquisition of playmaker Lesean McCoy, is the news of a new contract for Buffalo Bills Pro Bowl DT Marcell Dareus.
Dareus, who is entering his 5th year in the league, has contributed 17.5 sacks in the past 2 years to a defensive line that has led the league in that category in as many years. Earlier this offseason, the Bills locked up DE Jerry Hughes for 5 years, $45 million. Dareus, who has created havoc against opposing offensive lines since he entered the league will be looking to be paid as one of the top defensive tackles in the league. Since he entered the league in 2011, Dareus has compiled 202 combined tackles, and 28.5 sacks, and he has made the Pro Bowl the past 2 seasons.
While he is a great talent on the field, he does have some issues off the field. Dareus is suspended for the first game of the 2015-16 season for violating the leagues substance abuse policy. He also got into some trouble with street racing charges. However, he is young, and he will hopefully use these offences as lessons and grow.
As regards to this season, after serving his suspension, he will most likely be serving opposing quarterbacks sacks, especially with Rex Ryan as his coach. Ryan is one of the best defensive minded coaches in the NFL. He hopes to take a defense that ranked 4th overall last year, and make it historic. Dareus will certainly be a key piece in this, and will definitely get his pay day very soon.
Kyle Melo is a Lead NFL Writer covering the Buffalo Bills for RSEN. You can follow him on Twitter @RSENKyleMelo
