Former Carolina Panthers defensive tackle Star Lotulelei is expected to sign a five-year deal with the Buffalo Bills once free agency officially begins. Adam Schefter first reported the news of the signing on Twitter.
Former Panthers’ DT Star Lotulelei intends to sign a 5-year deal with the Buffalo Bills when free agency opens, source tells ESPN.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2018
Lotulelei released a statement about his decision to sign with the Bills.
“When it comes down to it, as eloquently as I can put it, I haven’t exhausted myself in my pursuit of what my dream is of playing this game, playing for this organization and chasing being a champion. Buffalo is home. It’s where I want to be. It’s where I want to win. I couldn’t be more excited.”
Lotulelei was the 14th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft by the Panthers. He spent most of that time being overshadowed by teammate Kawaan Short. Lotulelei has just 11.5 sacks during his tenure with the Panthers, in comparison to Short who has 22.5 sacks in the same amount of time.
Signing Lotulelei will help solidify the Bills defensive line. That part of the defense was a weak spot for the Bills in recent years and though Lotulelei is not the greatest defensive tackle, he is still an upgrade for the Bills.
The Bills are coming off a nice year that saw them make the playoffs for the first time since 1999. The Bills need to acquire good assets if they wish to make a return to the playoffs and a possible run at a title.
