The Buffalo Bills are making headlines for their bold moves in free agency, adding several veterans to enhance their roster while also securing their foundational players for the long haul. However, not all news is rosy as the team gears up for the 2025 season.
On Friday, Bills general manager Brandon Beane announced that two of the team’s recent free-agent signings, defensive linemen Larry Ogunjobi and Michael Hoecht, have each received six-game suspensions for violations of the league’s performance-enhancing drug policy. This development casts a shadow over the Bills’ offseason efforts.
The Bills made Hoecht a priority, bringing him on board with a three-year contract valued at up to $24 million. It’s worth noting that Beane was aware of Hoecht’s situation prior to the deal. On the other hand, Ogunjobi’s impending suspension came as an unwelcome surprise to Beane and the organization, as he was not informed of this issue when they agreed to his one-year, $8.3 million contract.
Bills reporter Maddy Glab provided insight into Beane’s comments, highlighting the team’s awareness regarding Hoecht while pointing out the unexpected nature of Ogunjobi’s suspension. For Ogunjobi, this marks a significant juncture, as he’s carved a solid career in the AFC North, playing with the Baltimore Ravens, Cincinnati Bengals, and Cleveland Browns. Over his career since 2017, he has notched an impressive 361 tackles and 27.5 sacks.
Hoecht, on the other hand, showcased significant potential during his stint with the Los Angeles Rams, accumulating 180 tackles, 26 quarterback hits, 13.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles from 2021 to 2024. With both players sidelined for the first part of the season, the Bills will be challenged in their defensive rotations. Depending on the scheduling of their bye week this fall, fans might have to wait until late October to see Ogunjobi and Hoecht return to action.
The road ahead is becoming clear for the Bills: navigating these suspensions while keeping their championship aspirations alive will be a test of depth and resilience. The team has shown its willingness to take bold steps, but with challenges like these, the true mettle of their roster will be put to the test.
