NFL Rumors: Marcell Dareus extension a ‘priority’ for Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills aren’t normally big players in free agency and despite reported interest in DeSean Jackson, the $14 million dollars the team has under the salary cap is going to be directed at locking up pro bowl defensive lineman Marcell Dareus, according to Ian Rapoport.
True. Can pay DJax. Marcell Dareus extension also a priority RT @RichardJanvrin: @RapSheet $14M under cap, the Bills.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 29, 2014
The third overall pick in the 2011 draft, Dareus is coming off his best season as a pro with a combined 71 tackles and 7.5 sacks, both career-highs for the former Alabama Crimson Tide champion.
"“It’s on our radar, but right now we prioritize things,” said Bills general manager Doug Whaley, via BuffaloBills.com. “With this system there’s a lot of things you want to get done. There’s a lot of things you can’t get done because of the cap situation. … I believe our cap situation we can get done what we need to get done, but you won’t get done the laundry list of things that you want to get done.”"
Dareus is in the final year of his rookie contract with his fifth year option expected to be picked up, but a long-term extension is a win-win for both parties as they look to lock up the 6-3, 319-pound blossoming defensive tackle.
Dareus is at the center of the strength of the Bills defensive line that also includes pro bowlers Kyle Williams and Mario Williams.