Great expectations
Bills D-line coach: ‘I expect Mario Addison to be high-end producer, significant factor for us’
When Mario Addison signed a three-year contract with the Buffalo Bills as a free agent before the 2020 season, he was supposed to help the defensive front affect the quarterback.
Addison, who turns 34 next month before the start of the 2021 season, had just five sacks last season. That’s the lowest single-season total for him since 2013.
So it was no surprise when the Bills restructured Addison’s contract this offseason. He took a $2 million pay cut and the team voided the final year of his deal. He’ll be a free agent after this season.
Addison’s drop off in sack production - he had at least 9 sacks the previous four seasons before arriving in Buffalo - prompted plenty of questions about whether he was in danger of getting cut. The Bills spent their first and second round draft pick on defensive ends in April, furthering the buzz about Addison’s future.
After 12 training camp practices, Bills defensive line coach Eric Washington spoke to Syracuse.com and he was asked point blank what Addison has left.
Washington didn’t mince words.
“He’s got high-end production left and that’s what we look forward to - high-end production,” he said. “I still anticipate and expect Mario to be a high-end producer and be a significant factor for us this year.”
Washington and Addison have a rare relationship for a coach and player in the NFL. This will be the 10th season the two have had together, spanning back to their time in Carolina. Washington said he feels fortunate to have Addison as a player and a voice in the locker room, especially now with two rookies and a few more young players.
“There’s a constant link between my communication and Mario’s and then whoever Mario decides, whoever he may be engaged with at that particular point,” Washington said. “(Mario understands) what it takes to win when you’re dead tired and maybe when you’re on the 60th rep.”
The plan this year for Addison is to shrink his snap count so he can be a more effective pass rusher. With the additions of Greg Rousseau and Carlos Basham, who both have young legs and high motors, Addison can be a situational rusher and maximize his impact.
“I don’t want to play 50 snaps a game. These guys, they can play as well. When you have young guys that can contribute the same way you do, that’s what the team needs,” Addison said. “I know they brought me in to pass rush and that’s what I’m good at.”