The Buffalo Bills already have one of the NFL’s best defenses, but adding additional talent and depth never hurts.

During their bye week, the Bills are doing their due diligence on recently released linebacker Deone Bucannon. A source close to the linebacker told NYUP.com that the Bills are one of at least four teams who have expressed interest in Bucannon.

Bucannon, 27, entered the league as a first-round pick of the Arizona Cardinals in the 2014 NFL Draft. As a rookie, Bucannon was named to the Pro Football Writers of America’s All-Rookie Team after he recorded 83 total tackles, two sacks and two passes defensed. His second season in Arizona saw him record a career-high 112 tackles, three sacks, three passes defensed and one interception.

In five seasons with the Cardinals, Bucannon recorded 404 total tackles, 27 tackles for loss, 14 quarterback hits, seven sacks, 12 passes defensed, two interceptions and one defensive touchdown. His worst season in Arizona came in 2018 when he recorded 38 total tackles and one sack in 13 games. He would leave the Cardinals in the offseason and sign a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In five games with Tampa Bay, Bucannon would record one tackle before being released this week.

In addition to Buffalo, Bucannon also has reported interest from the New York Giants. New York’s defensive coordinator, James Bettcher, served as the Cardinals’ outside linebackers coach during Bucannon’s rookie season and was the team’s defensive coordinator from 2015-2017. Bucannon’s familiarity with Bettcher and the promise of immediate playing time could give the Giants an advantage in signing the linebacker.

READ MORE

After 15 years in the NFL, Bills RB Frank Gore still posting crazy numbers

NFL Week 7 early odds: Buffalo Bills a double-digit favorite over Miami Dolphins

Patriots should cruise on TNF, Dolphins pick QB for remainder of season, Jets TE out with injury (AFC East Roundup)

Buffalo Bills head into bye as top-10 team (Week 6 power rankings)

Zay Jones’ father believes son has 'real QB’ now following trade from Buffalo Bills

Bills’ Josh Allen won’t ‘sugarcoat’ struggles; but was Titans game sign of progress?