Buffalo Bills to sign Mario Addison: Grade, reaction, and more

The Buffalo Bills are having a productive start to NFL free agency, and Mario Addison is the latest quality starter to join their defense.

Thanks to head coach Sean McDermott, who used to be the Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator, the Buffalo Bills have been targeting former Carolina players. After signing an above-average linebacker in AJ Klein, the Bills added Mario Addison, who reunites with former Panther Star Lotulelei on the defensive line.

Addison has recorded at least nine sacks in each of the past four seasons for the Panthers, so he’s another dangerous edge defender who helps the underrated Buffalo defense under McDermott.

Addison has been one of the most underrated defensive players over the last several years and is a true difference-maker up front.

Contract Details

According to the NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, Addison will make $30.45 million over three years with $15.25 million guaranteed. That’s a similar contract former Bill Shaq Lawson received from the Miami Dolphins, and while Addison is 32 years old, his superior track record means this is a better signing financially.

For about $10 million per year, the Bills are getting a productive, consistent pass rusher, and that is great value. In comparison to the deals Miami signed with Lawson and the Chicago Bears signed with Robert Quinn, Buffalo got a steal here.

National Reaction

https://twitter.com/MattParrino/status/1239942617665884161

The national reaction to the Bills signing of Addison is overwhelmingly positive, especially in comparison to the reviews for deals with similar edge rushers. Addison’s consistency and sack totals have been praised, but the recent downturn in PFF grade could be seen as a negative for a 32-year-old edge defender.

There is reason for healthy skepticism whenever a 32-year-old edge defender is signed, but Addison hasn’t shown signs of a significant slowdown. If anything, joining the Bills and playing for McDermott should give Addison a boost, and he stands to benefit fellow veteran pass rushers Trent Murphy and Jerry Hughes.

Between this signing and the much bigger addition of Stefon Diggs, things continue to look positive for the Bills heading into the 2020 season. They are a team on the rise, and unheralded signings like Addison’s help build successful playoff teams.

Grade: A-