There are certain NFL free agents who would be wise not to leave their good situation in 2015. Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes was one of them. The good news for the organization and Hughes is that they were able to agree on a reasonable contract that will ensure the defense remains at an elite level for many seasons to come.
The Bills re-signed Hughes to a five-year, $45 million deal. Considering he tallied 19.5 sacks since arriving in Buffalo in 2013, the contract will be money well spent.
Hughes’ career began as a huge disappointment after the Indianapolis Colts selected him 31st overall in the 2010 NFL Draft. Even though he progressively got better, it was nowhere near the level of someone who was taken so high in the draft. In 40 games in three seasons with the Colts, he mustered just 62 tackles and five sacks.
Before the 2013 season, the Bills took a chance and traded linebacker Kelvin Sheppard for Hughes. The gamble paid off, as he quickly became a star on a defense that is on the brink of becoming great. Last season, Hughes was one of the studs on a team that led the league in sacks. His 9.5 quarterback takedowns ranked third on the Bills behind Mario Williams (14.5) and Marcell Dareus (10.0).
What makes Hughes’ rise to success in Buffalo so impressive is that he was acquired to essentially be a situational pass rusher, but he quickly proved he could be so much more than that. In 2014, then defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz made him a full-time starter in his 4-3 defense, which means Hughes flourished after finding success in a 3-4 defense the previous year.
The Bills are expected to get better with defensive-minded head coach Rex Ryan at the helm. For that reason, there is a good chance the team has yet to see Hughes unleash his full potential.
Michael Terrill is a Senior Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on Twitter @MichaelTerrill, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.