The Buffalo Bills and defensive lineman Michael Hoecht have reached an agreement on a three-year deal worth up to $24M per Ian Rapoport.
Hoecht was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Rams following the 2020 NFL Draft.
He saw his first NFL action in 2021 with the Rams and has been active in all 17 games each season since then. He started every game for the Rams in 2023.
Hoecht can play in multiple roles on defense and is a physical specimen who graded out with a relative athletic score of 9.93 (out of ten). Aside from playing defensive tackle and defensive end, he also received snaps at linebacker and even as a slot defender. The Bills defensive staff will have fun making him a part of gameplans.
CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso named the Hoecht signing one of his five favorite Day 1 signings when factoring in value.
Hoecht’s versatility on the defensive line is likely what attracted Bills general manager Brandon Beane to him as the Bills are looking for depth at defensive tackle and the EDGE position with only six combined players at those positions.
Like wide receiver Josh Palmer, who also agreed to terms with the Bills on Monday, this is another mid-level signing by the Bills that targets a young ascending player with room to grow.