Bills Have Exchanged Contract Proposals With DT Marcell Dareus

Bills GM Doug Whaley confirmed that they have “exchanged proposals” with DT Marcell Dareus’ agent, Todd France, and are “into the process.”

However, Whaley added that he still expects it to take some time before they have an agreement in place.

Dareus told reports that he’s looking forward to getting this situation squared away, as it’s been “nerve-racking” for him.

“I’ll be happy to get this done so we can put it behind us and I can just focus all the way on just football,” Dareus said, via Vic Carruci of the Buffalo News. “Because it is a little bit nerve-racking. It’s a life-changing experience. I just wish my mom was here to go through this with me.

“At the same time, we have to do the best we can with it moving forward and hopefully put it behind us.”

Dareus said that he’s kept an eye on the developments in the free agent market, and indicated that he could be seeking a similar contract to Ndamukong Suh‘s record deal.

“You deal with the market and check out numbers,” Dareus said. “It’s just exciting.” Then, with a laugh, he added, “I can’t wait to see Miami see him and just kind of nod at him and say, ‘Hey, man, I’m happy to see you over there doing your thing. Thank you!’”

It’s worth mentioning that Dareus will be suspended for the first game of the season for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy. This will ultimately cost him $474,118 in base salary for the 2015 season.

The Bills decided to pick up his fifth-year option, which will pay him a salary of $8.06 million for the 2015 season.

Dareus, 25, is a former No. 3 overall pick and would be among the most sought-after players in next year’s free agent market if the two sides don’t have an agreement in place before then.

Last year, Dareus appeared in 15 games and recorded 49 total tackles, one forced fumble, and a career high of nine sacks. Pro Football Focus has him rated as the No. 4 defensive tackle out of 81 qualifying players.