The Buffalo Bills added another experienced piece to their defensive line Tuesday, signing veteran Greg Gaines as the team continues to build depth ahead of the regular season.
Gaines brings seven seasons of National Football League experience to Buffalo after spending the previous three years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The 29-year-old had remained a free agent since his contract expired in March.
Before joining Tampa Bay, Gaines spent four seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, who selected him in the fourth round of the 2019 National Football League Draft out of Washington. He became a starter during his final two seasons with the Rams and was part of the team’s Super Bowl-winning roster.
Listed at 6-foot-1 and 312 pounds, Gaines has appeared in 108 career games with 34 starts. He has recorded 14.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss during his career while providing experience along the interior of the defensive line.
The signing comes as Buffalo faces an immediate need for additional depth at the position. Veteran Phidarian Mathis will miss the first three games of the regular season while serving a suspension, while DeWayne Carter is returning from a knee injury that kept him out for all of last season.
Gaines is expected to compete for a role in a defensive front that is projected to feature Ed Oliver, Deone Walker, and rookie T.J. Sanders.
Buffalo created room on its roster by releasing undrafted rookie defensive lineman Tommy Akingbesote.
The Bills will next travel to Cleveland for a joint practice with the Browns on Thursday before facing Cleveland in a preseason game Saturday. Buffalo will then close its preseason schedule at home against the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 27.
Kyle leads sports coverage and hosts the Concrete Jungle podcast. Have a lead or question? Send it to kyle@fingerlakes1.com.