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Bills sign veteran DT Greg Gaines, cut Akingbesote

8/19/2026

47 9 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

The Buffalo Bills signed veteran defensive tackle Greg Gaines.
Gaines will compete for a backup role behind projected starters Ed Oliver, Deone Walker and T.J. Sanders.
To create a roster spot for Gaines, Buffalo released practice-squad defensive lineman Tommy Akingbesote.
Gaines, a 30-year-old fourth-round 2019 pick, posted 23 tackles and two sacks last season and has 186 career tackles, 14.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 108 games.

History

Historical Context

On March 1 1993 the NFL replaced Plan B with a free-agent system, letting veterans move freely and forcing teams to reshape rosters. That shift produced landmark contracts such as Reggie White’s four-year, $17 million deal with Green Bay in April 1993. The Buffalo Bills’ 2024 signing of defensive tackle Greg Gaines mirrors that era’s strategy of adding seasoned depth behind players like Ed Oliver.

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Story summary

The Buffalo Bills signed veteran defensive tackle Greg Gaines.
Gaines will compete for a backup role behind projected starters Ed Oliver, Deone Walker and T.J. Sanders.
To create a roster spot for Gaines, Buffalo released practice-squad defensive lineman Tommy Akingbesote.
Gaines, a 30-year-old fourth-round 2019 pick, posted 23 tackles and two sacks last season and has 186 career tackles, 14.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 108 games.

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