Bills Sign Veteran DT Greg Gaines, Strengthen Front

The Buffalo Bills signed veteran defensive lineman Greg Gaines to bolster depth on the interior, releasing Tommy Akingbesote to make room on the roster. Gaines, 30, brings seven NFL seasons of experience, including a Super Bowl-winning year with the Rams, and most recently played for the Buccaneers. He will compete for a backup interior role behind Ed Oliver, Deone Walker, and rookie Zane Durant, with Phidarian Mathis sidelined for the first three games due to suspension. The addition aligns with Buffalo’s switch to a three-lineman, four-linebacker scheme under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, a system Gaines is familiar with from Los Angeles. His first NFL action for the Bills is anticipated in the preseason, including the upcoming matchup against the Browns as the team evaluates depth for 2026. The Bills reportedly explored a trade for Vita Vea of the Buccaneers but remained committed to Gaines as a steadier, less splashy addition to fortify the defensive front.