Contract Extension For DT Marcell Dareus Believed To Be A “Priority” For Bills

According to Ian Rapoport, the Bills view a contract extension for DT Marcell Dareus as a priority.

Bills GM Doug Whaley told reporters back in February that they will consider a contract extension for Dareus this offseason, so this news doesn’t come as a huge surprise.

“It’s on our radar, but right now we prioritize things,” said Whaley, via BuffaloBills.com. “With this system there’s a lot of things you want to get done. There’s a lot of things you can’t get done because of the cap situation. Limitations from the cap, not our cap situation. I believe our cap situation we can get done what we need to get done, but you won’t get done the laundry list of things that you want to get done.”

Dareus, 24, is entering the final year of rookie contract and has clearly earned a long-term deal. Buffalo seems likely to pick up his fifth-year option in the time being. It offer a non-guaranteed salary based on the average of the 10 highest-paid players at the position.

Last season, Dareus totaled 71 tackles, 7 sacks and a forced fumble for the Bills defense. Pro Football Focus rated Dareus as the No. 6 defensive tackle in the league.