Buffalo Bills just signed defensive end Jerry Hughes to a contract extension and made sure that their pass rush remains strong for 2019 and beyond. Bills announced on Wednesday that Hughes received a two-year extension, which will keep him with the organization through 2021.
Hughes was set to become an unrestricted free agent after this season, something that Bills didn’t want to happen considering the fact that the 30-year-old was one of their main contributors on defense. He finished the 2018 season with 37 tackles and 7.0 sacks while also adding three forced fumbles and one pass defended.
Although Buffalo didn’t reveal financial terms of the deal, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport says that the overall value of the contract is $21.35 million. This includes $19.75 million guaranteed and a $6.3 million signing bonus for Hughes.
“I’m super excited,” – said Hughes after inking the deal. “First and foremost, I’ve got to thank the Pegulas, Beane, coach McDermott for knocking this deal out really believing in me.”
“I’m excited to get to work. God is good so I mean with that being said, I’m happy to get my mind focused back on football get back to where we can you know take over this AFC East and make another playoff run.”
Initially drafted by the Indianapolis Colts in the first round of 2010 draft, Jerry Hughes joined the Bills in 2013 in a trade that involved linebacker Kelvin Sheppard going in the opposite direction. Although he struggled with the Colts, Hughes became an impressive defensive presence in Buffalo and recorded 280 tackles and 42.0 sacks during his time with the organization.
