Offensive Tackle Germain Ifedi Expected to Sign with Bills

After a preseason that was filled with uncertainty at the offensive tackle position, it appears that they Bills have found the depth they have been looking for. It was reported yesterday that veteran tackle Germain Ifedi had visited Buffalo and is expected to sign to the 53-man roster. Ifedi who was cut by the Lions, has played seven seasons in the league, making 83 starts across 102 games played.

After being drafted in the first round by Seattle out of Texas A&M, Ifedi started every game he played over his four seasons as a Seahawk. He spent his first season at right guard before transitioning to the starting right tackle role, that he has since spent the majority of his career playing. After Seattle, he spent two seasons in Chicago playing at both RT and RG, before spending last season in Atlanta as a utility lineman, playing sparingly. This past offseason Ifedi signed with the Lions, but due to their strong OL depth he failed to make the team, making him available for the Bills to sign after cut day.

What can the Bills expect out of Ifedi?

Ifedi is a very strong pass blocker and has been throughout his whole career. In 2021, his last season as a starter, he received a 70.7 PFF pass blocking grade, which is above average. That is something that should fit in very well in the Bills pass first offense and after some of what we saw in the preseason a needed addition to help give Josh Allen more time in the pocket. Where he has struggled a bit is in the run game where his numbers have not been as strong, but for a depth lineman this is a pretty solid addition to the team at this point in the year.

Overall, the Bills are getting a quality veteran lineman that can play at both the tackle and guard position. He should provide solid depth behind the starters and if Spencer Brown continues to be inconsistent, he could be a viable starting option at the RT spot. With inexperienced Ryan Van Demark and Alec Anderson as the current tackle depth, and Brandon Shell retiring during training camp, signing a veteran like Ifedi is exactly what the Bills needed. The team is certainly not done with their roster gymnastics before opening week, but it does appear that they have helped solidify the tackle position with this move, something that they desperately needed to do.