A former Buffalo Bills defensive tackle was an early cut after the team’s first preseason game, but has already found a new NFL home.
The Bills announced late last week that they parted ways with Tommy Akingbesote, who had first signed with the team last year and returned on a reserve/futures contract in January. Akingbesote was released to make room for a veteran addition to Buffalo’s defensive line group and has now landed with the team the Bills bounced from the NFL playoffs last year.
Tommy Akingbesote Lands With Bills’ Playoff Opponent
The Jacksonville Jaguars announced on Sunday that they signed Akingbesote, filling a roster spot vacated when they waived defensive back Devon Marshall with an injury designation.
As the Jaguars noted, Akingbesote still has a light NFL resume after a strong collegiate career.
“Akingbesote, 23, was originally drafted by the Cowboys in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft (247th overall). He spent time in 2025 on the Panthers and Bills’ practice squads and the majority of 2026 offseason with Buffalo,” the team noted.
“Akingbesote, a native of Largo, Md., attended Maryland (2021-24) where he played 44 games (21 starts) and totaled 77 tackles, 8.0 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, two passes defensed, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery. As a senior in 2024 he led all Terrapin defensive linemen with 32 tackles.”
Akingbesote didn’t see any playing time with the Bills after joining their practice squad last season, but is seen as a strong NFL prospect. NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein noted before last year’s draft that Akingbesote “has traits and developmental potential if a team is willing to invest the time.”
“Akingbesote possesses the size, length and athleticism for consideration as an even-front three-technique or an odd-front defensive end,” Zierlein wrote. “He gets off the ball with adequate quickness and has the length to punch, separate and create opportunities. When he’s not first in, stronger guards tend to keep him under control. The sack production is lower, but tape flashes show there is meat on that bone.”
Bills Making Defensive Line Changes
The Bills moved Akingbesote to make room for the signing of 30-year-old defensive lineman Greg Gaines, who is now expected to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster. ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg listed Gaines as one of 11 defensive linemen and edge rushers the team is expected to keep on the roster, noting that he could seize an opportunity after another reserve was suspended.
“This group appeared to have solidified itself when Phidarian Mathis was suspended for three games, but then the Bills signed veteran DT Greg Gaines,” Getzenberg wrote. “This week will be a crucial one for DeWayne Carter to prove a roster spot should be his. There could be a conversation about OLB Mike Danna as well, but the nod here will go to the 2024 fifth-round draft pick in Solomon.”
Ex-Bills Defensive Tackle Lands With AFC Rival Days After Being Cut