Buffalo Bills star defensive tackle and former top-10 pick Ed Oliver is entering the final year of his rookie contract.
Despite having played at a pretty high level throughout his first four NFL seasons, the 25-year-old defender has not been extended yet. Instead, he’s set to earn $10.75 million in the fifth-year team option on his rookie deal.
With things quiet on an extension front, Oliver has taken to social media to express his frustration. That included a recent Instagram Story in which Oliver posted a picture of himself playing in a Buffalo Bills uniform with the caption, “enjoyed myself.” Said post included the following song lyrics.
“You tellin’ me you fallin’ out of love with me. Hope you can find someone to love you better than I did.”
Oliver’s affinity for Future aside, this can’t be a coincidence. It was also just recently that he sent another post on social where he pretty much demanded that the Buffalo Bills show him the money.
Sometimes, in this social media age, it’s hard to read between the lines. This isn’t one of those times. Entering a contract year and as an anchor on the Bills’ defensive line, Oliver wants to get paid.
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Ed Oliver contract situation and the Buffalo Bills
This comes at about the same time that other defensive tackles around the NFL have inked lucrative contracts.
Former Philadelphia Eagles Pro Bowl defensive tackle Javon Hargrave signed a four-year, $84 million contract with the San Francisco 49ers earlier in free agency. Daron Payne netted a four-year, $90 million extension with the Washington Commanders ahead of free agency opening up.
While Oliver has not performed at their level throughout his NFL career, the Houston product is still an intimidating force.
- Ed Oliver stats (2021-22): 75 tackles, 19 for loss, 28 QB hits, 6.5 sacks
Some team will end up paying Oliver for his previous production and upside. Whether that’s the Buffalo Bills remains to be seen.
They don’t really have anyone to step up behind Oliver should the young defensive tackle get traded, leading to the likelihood that he plays out his rookie contract under the umbrella of frustration.