The negotiations between Dareus and the Bills had been an up-and-down process throughout.
On Sept. 9, Sal Capaccio of WGR 550 in Buffalo reported the Bills planned to have talks with Dareus' agent, even though the defensive tackle isn't allowed to be at the Bills facility due to his suspension. Carucci added the team hopes to have a deal done by the start of the regular season.
This was an improvement over the previous situation. According to the Associated Press (via Syracuse.com) on Aug. 20, talks between Dareus and the Bills were at a "standstill":
One person said the sides haven't exchanged offers in a few weeks, raising concerns that a deal won't be completed before the start of the season in three weeks. The season opener is not considered a hard deadline.
Dareus Comments on Potential Franchise Tag, Reported Contract Extension Offer
Saturday, Aug. 22
When asked about the possibility of a franchise tag after this season, Dareus said, "If that's something they consider. There's not really much I can do. I'll sign the paper," via Tyler Dunne of the Buffalo News, who provided more comments from Dareus:
We all know how I feel. We all know how the team feels. I want to be a part of the Buffalo Bills. I want to be a part of the history we're going to make here. But at the same time, it's a business and we have to go through negotiations just like anybody else in any other career. So we just try to do what we can and move forward.
"They’re making it hard. And it’s just really making me unhappy. I feel like they don’t really want me here," Dareus said, per Dunne on Aug. 20.
“I feel like they don’t want me here as bad as I want to be here. I feel like they’re saying, ‘Whatever. You come a dime a dozen,'" Dareus added, per Dunne.
Dareus has developed into one of the best defensive tackles in the NFL. The 25-year-old has made back-to-back Pro Bowls, and he registered a career-high 10 sacks last season while also notching 48 tackles and a forced fumble.
Still, Dareus is in the prime of his career and is a crucial part of a talented Buffalo defense. Locking him up to a long contract extension is a logical move for the Bills and one that will keep their defense potent for years to come.
