Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills have signed a versatile defender up front, Michael Hoecht, to a three-year deal. The signing was first reported by NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero on Monday.
The Oakville, Ontario native entered the NFL in 2020 as an undrafted free agent of the Los Angeles Rams out of Brown University.
After spending his first season on the Rams' practice squad, Hoecht played all 17 games in each of the last four seasons, lining up at different positions all over the defensive side of the ball.
The 6-foot-4, 267-pounder is an exceptional athlete who has played defensive tackle, defensive end, and linebacker. In 68 regular season games, including 31 starts, the 27-year-old's most productive season came in 2023 when he collected six sacks and 81 total tackles. He had three sacks last season.
Hoecht has also spent plenty of times on special teams, and even blocked three kicks just last year alone (two extra point attempts and a field goal).
However, it was revealed on Friday that Hoecht is expected to miss the first six games of the 2025 season after being suspended by the NFL for violating the league's performance enhancing drugs policy.
Also set to serve a six-game suspension to start the year for violating the NFL's PED policy is fellow free agent signing Larry Ogunjobi.
