This offseason, the Buffalo Bills have re-signed Kyle Williams and added Star Lotulelei. Ian Rapoport is reporting that the Bills will sign former Washington pass rusher Trent Murphy to a three-year deal. Reportedly worth up to $30 million, the $21 million base deal could raise questions about incumbents Jerry Hughes and Shaq Lawson. Several media outlets shot that down as of today.
The Bills’ 2017 defense turned heads but mostly as a result of game-changing interceptions and pass breakups thanks to an emergent secondary under rookie head coach Sean McDermott. The front four turned a few heads, but typically following a review of underwhelming stat sheets. With only 27 sacks and less than ideal QB pressure, the line was often felt to be the weak link.
Murphy was the 47th pick in the 2014 NFL draft, selected by Washington. Trent would have lost four games in the 2017 season due to a PED suspension, however a torn ACL on August 10th during a preseason game removed him from the entire 2017 season. In his three years of active play, Murphy missed only one game which came during his rookie season. A starter (officially) in only 23 of 47 appearances, Murphy has remained on the field between 55% and 61% of defensive snaps in each year.
Despite somewhat limited playing time, Murphy has totaled 15 sacks and 111 combined tackles. He’s added six forced fumbles and two defended passes.