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Bills sign defensive lineman Greg Gaines to bolster depth

2 sources • 2 min read • Latest: Aug 18, 2026, 10:37 PM

Last updated Aug 18, 2026

Bills sign defensive lineman Greg Gaines to bolster depth

Summary

The Buffalo Bills signed veteran defensive lineman Greg Gaines on August 18, adding depth to their defensive front. Gaines, 30, has seven seasons in the NFL, including three with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He previously started for the Los Angeles Rams during their Super Bowl-winning season in 2021. This signing comes after Phidarian Mathis was suspended for three games, creating an immediate need for depth at the position. Gaines will compete for a backup role behind expected starters Ed Oliver, Deone Walker, and rookie T.J. Sanders. The Bills are set to hold a scrimmage with the Cleveland Browns on August 20, followed by a preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts on August 26.

Source Links

Yahoo Sports

Status Watch

•Gaines has 14.5 sacks and 16 tackles for loss in 108 games.
•The Bills released Tommy Akingbesote to accommodate Gaines' signing.
•Gaines played 40% of defensive snaps with the Buccaneers over three seasons.
•Buffalo plans to run a three-lineman, four-linebacker defensive setup this season.
•Gaines is familiar with Bills pass rusher Michael Hoecht from his time at the Rams.

Latest Updates

11:30 AMYahoo Sports — Bills add Super Bowl champion with 108 games of NFL experience
10:37 PMYahoo Sports — Bills add experienced depth to defensive front by signing 7-year NFL veteran Greg Gaines
10:15 PMYahoo Sports — Bills sign veteran defensive lineman Greg Gaines

What they're saying

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The Buffalo Bills added experienced depth to their defensive front by signing Greg Gaines on Tuesday. The 30-year-old Gaines has seven NFL seasons of experience, including the past three playing in a backup role with Tampa Bay. Listed at 6-foot-1 and 312 pounds, Gaines spent his first four years with the Los Angeles Rams, the final two as a starter, including their Super Bowl-winning season in 2021.
— Yahoo Sportsby JOHN WAWROW

"
ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WIVB) — The Buffalo Bills bulked up their defensive line rotation by signing sturdy veteran Greg Gaines, the team announced Tuesday. Gaines, entering his eighth NFL season at age 29, was most recently a member of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, where he played about 40% of the defensive snaps over three seasons. […]
— Yahoo Sports