Buffalo Bills Rumors: Team Close To Re-Signing Jerry Hughes Before He Hits Free Agency

The Buffalo Bills have already been one of the most active teams this offseason, and now they are rumored to be working on another huge move — re-signing pending free agent Jerry Hughes.

Hughes was a big part of the team’s dominant defense last year, terrorizing quarterbacks off the edge. He finished the year with 9.5 sacks and three force fumbles, including one that he returned for a touchdown.

Now, sources close to the team say the Buffalo Bills are close to a deal to keep Jerry Hughes.

#Bills are expecting to keep Jerry Hughes. #Jaguars are his richest outside suitor, but it sounds like Buffalo is intent on getting it done.

— Charles Robinson (@CharlesRobinson) March 8, 2015

If he had hit the open market, Jerry Hughes would have been the best pass rusher available and one of the best defensive players available who’s not named Nkdamukong Suh.

Hughes was one of the best pickups for the Buffalo Bills under general manager Doug Whaley. The Bills sent little-used linebacker Kelvin Sheppard for Hughes, the former first-round pick of the Indianapolis Colts, who appeared to be a bust.

But Jerry Hughes has flourished on a team where a dominant defensive line has been able to get him favorable matchups. With three Pro Bowl caliber linemen in Kyle Williams, Mario Williams, and Marcell Dareus, Hughes has been able to get into the backfield with ease and was arguably the team’s best defensive player last year.

The Buffalo Bills have already made some big moves this offseason, including trading linebacker Kiko Alonso to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for running back LeSean McCoy. Just a day later, the Bills swapped a late-round draft pick to the Minnesota Vikings in exchange for quarterback Matt Cassel, who will get a chance to compete with third-year player E.J. Manuel for the starting job.

With rumors that the Buffalo Bills are close to re-signing Jerry Hughes, there is just one more important item on the defensive to-do list. All-Pro tackle Marcell Dareus would become a free agent after next season, making it important for the team to get him re-signed while they can.

[Image via BuffaloBills.com]