Buffalo Bills defense gets dealt huge blow with Star Lotulelei opting out

The dominant Buffalo defense takes a big hit with loss of Star Lotulelei.

The number of NFL players opting out of the 2020 season continues to grow, and Bills defensive tackle Star Lotulelei is the latest to join the list.

Courtesy of Mike Garafolo, Lotulelei has reportedly taken a voluntary opt-out for the upcoming season, with a salary pushback for the following two seasons.

After building a name for himself in Carolina, Lotulelei came to Buffalo in 2018 and became an instrumental piece of their defensive line. One of Lotulei’s best traits has been durability, as he will his first game in over four years.

He entered the league to an incredible 42 tackles, 9 for loss, but since arriving in Buffalo, is yet to surpass twenty tackles or play over half of all snaps. Regardless, he sits at the heart of the line and has proven to be a valuable piece to add talent around and build one of the NFL’s best defenses.

Expect Trent Murphy and Jerry Hughes to anchor the outside, with new acquisition Mario Addison and rookie AJ Epenesa in support, while more new faces in Quinton Jefferson and Vernon Butler will likely man the middle.

The AFC East is looking increasingly sparse this season, but the Bills may be more prepared than others.

Lotulelei’s decision comes on the heels of six patriots, including some pretty big ones, calling it quits on the 2020 season. Fortunately, things do not seem to be that dire in Buffalo and the team has the depth to comfortably fill Lotulelei’s place.

The recent trend may provide new opportunities for the Jets and Dolphins in the AFC East, two teams with growing expectations for 2020. One just got a solid payday, while another loaded up this offseason, so do not be surprised if they take a good crack at the division in 2020.

For now, even with Lotulelei’s loss, Buffalo is still the clear favorite, though.