Bills GM Doug Whaley said he’s “optimistic” that they’ll eventually be able to get a long-term extension in place with DT Marcell Dareus.
“I’m optimistic, I am,” said Whaley during an interview with WGR Sportsradio 550 Wednesday . “Now will it come to fruition? There are a lot of moving parts, but I’m optimistic when both sides are trying to find a solution where everybody feels they win. We’ve exchanged proposals and we’re working hard. We want to get this thing done,” said Whaley. “Something of this magnitude is going to take some time, but we’re confident that both sides want to get this done.”
Whaley wouldn’t offer any details regarding the type of contract Dareus is looking for, as there has been some recent speculation he may have his sights set on Ndamukong Suh‘s seven-year contract worth in excess of $100 million.
“I’m comfortable giving a contract that we think is right for the Buffalo Bills and he thinks is right for him,” Whaley said. “What that number will be who knows? But we’re just trying to find a middle ground where they feel they’ve won and we feel we’ve won and it’s best for both of us.”
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.
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