There was plenty of turnover last season on the Buffalo Bills’ practice squad. Many guys came and went, with a few call-ups to the main roster along the way. One stable presence over last season was the player we’ll be looking at today.
Name: Max Valles
# 54
Position: DE
Height/Weight: 6’4”, 250 lbs.
Experience: 2
College: Virginia
Draft: Round 6, Pick 179 by the Oakland Raiders (2015)
Financial Situation (per Spotrac): Valles has two years remaining on a deal that will pay him $540,000 this season and $630,000 next year. None of that is guaranteed.
2016 Recap: Valles appeared in all four games during the preseason for the Bills, recording four tackles (none solo). He was released during the cutdown to 53 players, but signed with the practice squad and remained there for the entire season.
Positional Outlook: While there is plenty of room for depth behind starters Jerry Hughes and Shaq Lawson, the pool of players competing for spots has a mix of experience and familiarity with the coaching staff. The staff turnover from last season negates any advantages Valles would have from being on the practice squad last year.
2017 Offseason: Valles signed a futures contract with the Bills in January. Aside from a minor altercation with tight end Keith Towbridge during a minicamp session, he’s flown under the radar.
2017 Season Outlook: At most, the Bills are going to keep four defensive ends. If I had to bet on it, I’d say Valles is either fifth or sixth in the pecking order right now. He’ll have a chance to move up, but he’ll have to pass either Ryan Davis (an eight-year veteran) or Ian Seau (who spent last year with defensive line coach Mike Waufle in Los Angeles). He still has a year of practice squad eligibility, but would have to be a priority call-up if a roster spot opens up.