Salyer, listed at 6’4”, 325 pounds, presents a prototypical build for interior line play. While his height was recorded as 6’3” at the 2022 NFL Combine, his frame remains that of a bulky guard rather than a tackle. The case for Salyer centers on his versatility and experience. He began his NFL career as a collegiate tackle, but evaluators, including longstanding scouts, have long pegged him as best suited for guard at the professional level. This positional flexibility could help the Bills navigate midseason injuries and provide valuable depth on both the interior and in spots where a stronger run and pass protection presence is needed.
Salyer is entering his fifth NFL season. He was selected by the Los Angeles Chargers in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft and has appeared in a substantial number of games—64—with 40 starts across four seasons. Most recently, he signed a one-year deal with the Miami Dolphins. The Dolphins released him during the preseason after he did not survive through the camp process, reportedly due to injury considerations and the team’s plans for the roster. The move opens the door for Salyer to catch on with another club that could use his versatility and run-blocking prowess.
For the Bills, the potential acquisition would be about adding depth to an offensive line that has already faced some challenges. A seasoned lineman who can step in when injuries arise would be invaluable in the grind of a 17-game schedule. The team has had to manage injuries along the interior before and will likely continue to prioritize depth at all spots up front. If Salyer can regain health and demonstrate the ability to contribute in practice and in games, he could become a meaningful asset for Buffalo during the latter part of the season when rosters are stretched and playoff pushes intensify.
On the current roster, Buffalo is navigating the absence of a fully healthy starting interior. Starting center Connor McGovern dealt with a lower-body injury in the lead-up to the regular season and has faced a multi-week timetable for recovery. Reports indicate that McGovern is feeling better and aiming to be ready for Week 1. The trajectory of his return remains a key variable for how aggressively the Bills approach internal depth at center and guard. Buffalo gave McGovern a four-year, $52 million extension earlier in his tenure, underscoring the organization’s commitment to stabilizing the interior line. Although McGovern’s contract remains in place, the club has to manage his health and ensure sufficient protection for quarterback Josh Allen as the offense evolves.
Beyond McGovern, the team’s line has had to adapt to shifting personnel and the realities of a long season. The Bills’ offensive system—which relies on a strong pocket, effective interior blocking, and the ability to open lanes for the running game—demands versatility from its linemen. The addition of a veteran guard who has demonstrated the ability to contribute as both a run blocker and a pass protector would help stabilize the group as the season unfolds. Should Salyer become available and pass a clinical evaluation, Buffalo could benefit from adding him later in the year, particularly if injuries accumulate across the unit. The NFL schedule is demanding, and teams that survive the year with solid depth at the line are often well-positioned to contend.
In evaluating a potential signing, Buffalo would consider a few practical factors. First, health and rehabilitation status would be critical. If Salyer can demonstrate full medical clearance and compatibility with Buffalo’s blocking schemes, he could compete for a depth role that evolves into a meaningful contributor. Second, the transition process would need to align with the Bills’ playbook and communication at the line of scrimmage. A player who can pick up the scheme quickly and communicate effectively with the center and guards can minimize the learning curve. Third, the financial implications matter. A veteran depth addition would require a reasonable contract that fits within the team’s salary structure while preserving flexibility for midseason adjustments if the roster needs to address other positions.
Ultimately, the Bills’ approach to depth along the offensive line will influence their ability to sustain offensive efficiency throughout the season. The goal is to preserve the integrity of the pocket for quarterback Josh Allen, maintain a reliable run game, and reduce the risk of injuries compounding as the year progresses. If the organization identifies a viable veteran option who can contribute as a guard and provide the necessary versatility, adding him could be a prudent move that pays dividends in November and December, when experience and depth matter most.
As week-to-week football evolves, teams continually assess depth at every position, especially along the trenches. The Bills’ stance on interior line depth will be under scrutiny as the season approaches, and a veteran presence with NFL experience could help shore up any remaining gaps. The ultimate objective is to field a sturdy, adaptable frontline that can protect the quarterback, create running lanes, and sustain performance through the long haul of the regular season and into the playoffs.
