Buffalo, N.Y. – The Buffalo Bills announced the signing of veteran defensive tackle Greg Gaines on Tuesday, adding seasoned depth to the team’s front seven. Gaines, 30, enters his eighth NFL season after spending the last three years as a backup with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Experience and career highlights

Gaines was drafted by the Los Angeles Rams in the fourth round of the 2019 draft out of the University of Washington. He spent his first four seasons with the Rams, earning a starting role for the final two years, including the franchise’s Super Bowl‑winning campaign in 2021. Over his career, he has recorded 14.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 34 starts across 108 games.

Role with the Bills

Buffalo expects Gaines to compete for a backup position behind projected starters Ed Oliver, Deone Walker and rookie T.J. Sanders. The addition comes as the Bills face an immediate need for depth; defensive end Phidarian Mathis will miss the first three games of the season while serving an NFL suspension.

Gaines is familiar with the new three‑lineman, four‑linebacker defensive alignment the Bills will employ under defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. He previously played alongside current Bills pass rusher Michael Hoecht during their time together in Los Angeles.

Roster move

To create a roster spot for Gaines, Buffalo released defensive lineman Tommy Akingbesote earlier this week. The move underscores the team’s focus on reinforcing the interior defensive line ahead of training camp.

Upcoming schedule

The Bills will travel to Cleveland for a scrimmage against the Browns on Thursday, followed by a preseason matchup on Saturday. Buffalo will close its preseason slate by hosting the Pittsburgh Steelers on August 27.

Gaines, listed at 6‑foot‑1 and 312 pounds, brings a blend of size and experience that the Bills hope will translate into solid run defense and interior pass rush pressure as the team prepares for the 2026 season.

Original reporting: Alexandria, VA News – WTOP News — read the source article.