3 surprise cuts the Bills can make this offseason

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - DECEMBER 19: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers is sacked by Star Lotulelei #98 of the Buffalo Bills in the third quarter of the game at Highmark Stadium on December 19, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Kevin Hoffman/Getty Images) /

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ORCHARD PARK, NY – OCTOBER 31: A.J. Klein #54 of the Buffalo Bills before a game against the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium on October 31, 2021 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images) /

2. LB A.J. Klein

Sean McDermott has made the rounds in the National Football League. After a dozen seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles, most of that under then-head coach Andy Reid, he joined the Carolina Panthers in 2011 and was Ron Rivera’s defensive coordinator for six seasons. He was named the head coach of the Buffalo Bills in ’17 and has changed the culture in Orchard Park.

While in Charlotte, he coached his share of standout players. One of the most underrated was versatile linebacker A.J. Klein, who always seemed to be around the football. He spent his first four seasons with the Panthers before signing with the rival Saints in 2017.

He joined McDermott’s team in 2020 and that first year started 11 contests and tied for the team lead with a career-best five sacks. He finished fourth on the club with 73 defensive stops, to go along with a pair of forced fumbles, a fumble recovery and four passes defensed.

In 2021, Klein played in 15 regular-season games but made only four starts. He finished with 33 defensive tackles. As was the case the previous year, he also saw action on special teams. While he is still an asset in pass coverage, the Bills could look to replace him with a younger performer.

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