Bills add experienced depth to defensive front by signing 7-year NFL veteran Greg Gaines

The Buffalo Bills bolstered their defensive line by signing 30-year-old veteran Greg Gaines on Tuesday. The 6-foot-1, 312-pound player has amassed seven seasons of NFL experience, the majority of which he spent as a backup for Tampa Bay. Gaines was selected in the fourth round of the 2019 NFL Draft out of the University of Washington and has recorded 14.5 sacks and 16 tackles for a loss over 34 starts in 108 games.

Gaines is expected to vie for a backup position behind the projected starters, Ed Oliver, Deone Walker, and rookie T.J. Sanders. Buffalo's defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard, has transitioned to a three-lineman, four-linebacker scheme, and Gaines has familiarity with the system from his time playing in Los Angeles. The Bills will release defensive lineman Tommy Akingbesote to make room for Gaines' addition.

With Phidarian Mathis serving an NFL suspension for the first three games, the Bills are addressing an immediate need for depth on the defensive line. Gaines is set to join the team as they travel to Cleveland for a scrimmage against the Browns on Thursday, followed by a preseason game on Saturday. The season finale sees Buffalo hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 27.