The Buffalo Bills have come to terms with defensive tackle Marcell Dareus on a six-year contract extension, as first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. The deal is worth $108 million and carries $60 million in guarantees, the highest guarantee for a non-quarterback in NFL history, breaking the record set by Dolphins defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh earlier this offseason. The team has not yet confirmed the deal.
UPDATE, 11:15 a.m.: The Bills have now confirmed Dareus' extension.
Dareus, 25, was selected by the Bills in the first-round of the 2011 NFL Draft. Set to enter his fifth NFL season, he has developed into one of the most dominant defensive linemen in the game. Last season for Buffalo, Dareus amassed 48 tackles, 10 sacks, one forced fumbled and even defended a pass, bringing his career NFL totals to 201 tackles, 28.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and a surprising 12 passes defensed.
Dareus indicated just a couple of weeks ago that he believed the team wasn't trying particularly hard to lock him up, despite his gaudy production.
"We're still waiting," said Dareus, via CBSSports.com. "I feel like they don't want me here as bad as I want to be here, as bad as the fans and my team wants me here. I feel like they're saying, 'Whatever. You come a dime a dozen."
Reports at the time indicated that the Bills were offering about $90 million in new money to be added to his already $8 million salary for 2015 in a six-year extension. They clearly upped their offer.
It was announced in May that Dareus would be suspended for the first game of the 2015 regular season due to a violation of the league's substance abuse policy. Despite his absence for the season opener, the Bills, under new head coach Rex Ryan, are expected to have one of the best defenses in the league.
With Dareus in the fold long-term, they may remain in the top of most defensive statistical categories for many years to come.
