2. The Buffalo Bills have edge rushers available in free agency this offseason
The Chicago Bears hired Buffalo Bills defensive line coach Eric Washington to be their defensive coordinator. Needless to say, there is a good chance that Washington will be able to bring some of his favorite players with him if they are available this offseason. One name to watch is AJ Epenesa.
Epeensa has played his entire career under Washington, so it would be no surprise if the free agent followed him. Epenesa just so happens to be from the state of Illinois as well. After just 2.5 sacks in the first two years of his career, he has had 13 sacks over the last two years.
Shaq Lawson would sign a lot cheaper. He also has just 4.5 sacks over the last two years, so that makes sense. Still, after being a flamed-out first-rounder for Buffalo, he came back and thrived with Washington in charge, so he could follow him again.
Other defensive line names to ponder include Poona Ford, Jordan Phillips, Tim Settle, and DaQuan Jones. Jones is coming off of a great year but may take a paycheck over loyalty to his old coach. Then, there is Settle, Ford, and Phillips, who all could fill in at the nose tackle spot if needed, backing up Andrew Billings. All of them would make sense in Chicago this offseason. Keep an eye on Settle, who was signed to work under Washington and has stayed in the mix as a depth nose tackle for the team over the past couple of seasons. He will be cheap and will know the scheme, making him a strong fit.