Buffalo Bills Rumors: Marcell Dareus Could Leave Team After This Season As Contract Talks Hit A Bump

The Buffalo Bills are rumored to be in danger of losing Marcell Dareus, with the All-Pro defensive tackle now speaking publicly about the broken state of negotiations on a contract extension.

The Bills have reportedly made signing Dareus a top priority as he nears free agency, but it appears that Dareus and the team are still quite far apart in negotiations. The 25-year-old Dareus, who will make $8 million this season, is reportedly seeking more than the six-year, $90 million deal the Buffalo Bills are reportedly offering.

Speaking after his team’s second preseason game, Marcell Dareus said the team is “making it hard” to negotiate and isn’t offering him something close to his value.

And just what does Dareus think that should be? Somewhere close to fellow All-Pro lineman Ndamukong Suh’s six-year, $114 million deal.

When asked by the Buffalo News if he had a specific number in mind for a contract extension, Dareus referenced Suh’s deal with the Miami Dolphins.

“I’ll just say, ‘Thank you, Suh.'”

Dareus said the situation has left him feeling unwanted.

“We’re still waiting,” Dareus told the Buffalo News. “I feel like they don’t want me here as bad as I want to be here, as bad as the fans and my team wants me here. I feel like they’re saying, ‘Whatever. You come a dime a dozen.'”

Reports from ESPN claimed talks reached an impasse, and right now it appears they won’t be able to reach an extension by the start of the season. It’s not clear if the two sides are willing to continue talking through the season, but it’s likely the Buffalo Bills would like Dareus to be locked down by then.

The Bills haven’t been afraid to spend under new owner Terry Pegula. In March, the team reached a five-year, $45 million contract extension with defensive end Jerry Hughes, handing him a big deal when many thought he would be leaving via free agency. The team has also made some big moves on offense, bringing on Percy Harvin and trading for LeSean McCoy.

Signing Marcell Dareus would be a key step for the Buffalo Bills to compete in the future. The team is seen as a playoff contender going into the 2015 season, and it’s almost entirely on the strength of its defense. Dareus is arguably the most important cog on what is considered the best defensive line, drawing double teams that have allowed Mario Williams and Jerry Hughes to rack up sacks.

[Picture by Brian Bahr/Getty Images]