Jodan Phillips is one of the Buffalo Bills’ eight unsigned free agents that play defensive line. The Bills have 14 defensive players in all that could be available as free agents, although at least a few of them have expressed interest in retiring.Phillips and Micah Hyde are two of those.

Now thirty-one, Phillips will turn thirty-two in September. Even though he’s not that old, he may have played his final NFL game as a result of the numerous injuries he’s faced throughout his career. Even though Phillips has been a fantastic addition to the Bills, Buffalo may need to move on in 2024, even if he’s been a great addition. The front of the bill needs to get younger.

In 2023, Phillips played 389 snaps but only managed nine solo tackles and three assists, according to Pro Football Focus. In all, he added nine stops and three sacks to his total of 19 pressures. By far the lowest PFF grade of his career was 35.8.

He received $2.895 million from his Phillips 2023 contract, so I don’t see a new deal paying more than that—it would probably be less. Is there a chance the Bills might bring him back, if he wants to, just for inexpensive depth considering how many defensive linemen are up for free agency? Perhaps he could reach the heights of the previous seasons.

Younger players are needed on the defensive line for the Buffalo Bills. Since several of the players are pending free agents, the Bills must cut a large number of them. It’s time to concentrate on drafting younger players, although there are a few linemen in their 20s that might be available in free agency. Nevertheless, I’d like to see some fresh blood come via the draft and see what young, fresh talent can accomplish under new defensive line coach Marcus West.