**Title: Buffalo Bills Defensive Tackles Underperform in 2024, Raising Concerns for 2025 Season**

The Buffalo Bills entered the 2024 NFL season with high hopes for their defensive tackle unit, aiming to improve upon their previous year’s performance. However, as the season wrapped up, it became painfully clear that the results fell short of expectations. With key players underperforming and notable question marks hanging over the group, the Bills face a critical offseason as they prepare for 2025.

### A Disappointing Year for Ed Oliver

Ed Oliver, the centerpiece of the Bills’ defensive tackle rotation and a former first-round pick, struggled to replicate his impressive 2023 performance. Despite starting all 14 games, Oliver’s statistics took a significant hit—his tackles dropped from 51 in 2023 to just 29, while his sacks plummeted from 9.5 to 3. Although he showed flashes of his potential later in the season, including a strong performance against Detroit, the inconsistency throughout the year raised concerns about his ability to be a reliable impact player. With a hefty $68 million contract extension weighing on the team’s budget, the Bills need Oliver to return to form in 2025 to justify his value and fulfill expectations.

Dayquon Jones: A Mixed Bag

Dayquon Jones, the 33-year-old veteran, was brought in as a stabilizing presence in the defensive line. While he played all 16 games and contributed decent statistics—23 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and 24 pressures—his performance was described as “just okay.” With an aging player like Jones, the Bills must decide whether to continue investing in him or look for a younger, more dynamic option to partner with Oliver. The possibility of a post-June 1st release looms, but keeping Jones might be the more prudent choice given his experience and leadership.

### Unfulfilled Potential: Austin Johnson and Dwayne Carter

Austin Johnson, a 2024 free-agent signing, struggled to make a significant impact during his tenure with the Bills. Despite being on the field for 31% of the defensive snaps, he managed only 19 tackles and a half-sack, failing to become the rotational nose tackle the team had hoped for. With his contract expiring, Johnson seems unlikely to return.

Dwayne Carter, the Bills’ third-round pick in 2024, also faced challenges in his rookie season. While he had moments of promise, his overall performance was underwhelming, particularly in run defense. Carter recorded just 14 tackles and failed to register a sack, raising questions about his future in Buffalo. The Bills desperately need him to develop into a reliable rotational player moving forward.

### The Case for Jordan Phillips and Quinton Jefferson

Jordan Phillips, who returned to Buffalo for a third stint, displayed some flashes of competence but remains an inconsistent option at 32 years old. His limited snaps and lack of production make it unclear if he will be back for another season. Similarly, Quinton Jefferson’s brief tenure with the team raised concerns about his ability to contribute meaningfully in a crowded defensive tackle rotation.

### Moving Forward: A Critical Offseason

Heading into the 2025 season, the Bills face numerous challenges in rebuilding their defensive tackle unit. With Ed Oliver, Dwayne Carter, and Dayquon Jones under contract, the team must assess their options carefully. They need to find a suitable replacement or succession plan for Jones while ensuring depth and impact across the line.

The upcoming 2025 NFL Draft presents an opportunity to address these issues, as there is a strong class of defensive linemen expected to enter the league. The Bills must leverage this opportunity to find young, impactful players who can contribute immediately.

As the Bills reflect on their underwhelming 2024 season, it is clear that a significant overhaul is necessary. The organization must prioritize consistency from Oliver, navigate the futures of aging veterans like Jones, and develop promising young talent like Carter. Only then can the Bills hope to solidify their defensive line and make a deeper run in the playoffs.

### Conclusion

The 2024 season served as a sobering reminder of the challenges faced by the Buffalo Bills’ defensive tackle unit. As they head into the offseason, the team must confront the disappointment of unmet expectations and work diligently to reshape their roster for a more successful 2025 campaign. The future of the defensive line depends on smart decisions in free agency and the draft, as the Bills aim to become a more formidable force in the NFL.