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The Buffalo Bills are reportedly adding linebacker Darron Lee, a former first-round pick. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted the news early Thursday evening.
Lee is a former first-round pick of the New York Jets, having been selected 20th overall in the 2016 NFL Draft. After playing 40 games in New Jersey, making 36 starts, Lee was released prior to the 2019 season. He signed with the Kansas City Chiefs and played primarily as a special teamer, though he did make two starts for the Super Bowl champions last year.
On his career, Lee has 272 tackles, 17 tackles for loss, 11 quarterback hits, four sacks, 11 pass breakups, three interceptions, two forced fumbles, and a defensive touchdown. He’s undersized at 6’1” and 230 lbs, but he’s insanely athletic, as he ran a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine to go with a 35.5” vertical and a 7.12-second three-cone time.
The team has yet to confirm the signing, and there’s no word as to whether Lee is signing to the practice squad or the 53-man roster. Once he passes through the league’s COVID-19 protocols, I’m sure we’ll know more. Lee has worked out for the Bills multiple times, and he profiles as a sound cover linebacker in Buffalo’s zone-heavy scheme.