The Buffalo Bills made an expected move relating to their defensive line on the first day of the NFL’s 2025 free agency frenzy by adding to it.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, former Los Angeles Rams edge defender Michael Hoecht has signed a three-year deal in Buffalo. The full contract details have not yet been released, but the wording of “max value of $24 million” from Rapoport makes it appear as the deal contains incentives:

Hoecht was an undrafted signee of the Rams in 2020 and spent the first five years of his career in Los Angeles. In four seasons with the Rams, Hoecht made 180 tackles, including 15 tackles for loss, with 26 quarterback hits, 13.5 sacks, four pass defenses, and two forced fumbles.

Hoecht’s best season came in 2023 when he started every game and recorded six sacks. The 27-year-old had three sacks last season and appeared in every outing for the Rams but only made five starts.

Overall, Pro Football Focus graded Hoecht a 61.3 overall mark in 2024. That graded him as the NFL’s 103rd best edge defender last season out of 211 qualifying players.

Hoecht could see an opportunity for extended snaps in Buffalo, but his addition also would not keep the Bills away from adding another pass rusher at some point this spring. His addition comes after the team released future Hall of Famer Von Miller last weekend.

Bills Wire will continue to provide updates throughout the 2025 offseason.