Buffalo, NY – June 8, 2025: Buffalo Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones has agreed to a significant pay cut to remain with the team, silencing rumors of his release, sources told ESPN. The veteran’s decision underscores his commitment to chasing a Super Bowl in Orchard Park.
Jones, 33, slashed his 2025 base salary from $9.4 million to $4.7 million, halving his cap hit, per Spotrac. The restructured one-year deal, finalized Sunday, keeps him alongside Ed Oliver, quashing fan-driven calls for his exit after a lackluster 2024 season.
“I’m 33, on the backside of my career, but I’ll fight my heart out for a championship with the Bills,” Jones told reporters. “I want to retire here—I’m not going anywhere else.” His words resonated deeply with Bills Mafia, per buffalobills.com.
Jones’ 2024 campaign drew criticism, with just 23 tackles and 2.5 sacks in 16 games, earning a 64.6 PFF grade, per Pro Football Focus. Fans on X demanded his release, citing his high cap hit and recent Pride Month controversy, per Democrat and Chronicle.
The pay cut frees $4.7 million in cap space, giving GM Brandon Beane flexibility to pursue targets like cornerback James Bradberry, per The Athletic. Jones’ veteran presence remains vital with rookie Deone Walker sidelined by an ACL tear, per ESPN.
Bills Mafia rallied on X: “DaQuan’s all-in for Buffalo—respect!” (@BillsMafiaFan). Others were skeptical: “Pay cut’s nice, but he needs to step up!” (@716BillsFan). Jones’ 2022 stint (22 tackles, 2 sacks) showed he can still disrupt, per NFL.com.
Coach Sean McDermott praised Jones’ sacrifice: “DaQuan’s a leader, putting team first,” per SI.com. The move stabilizes a D-line rocked by Larry Ogunjobi’s suspension and T.J. Sanders’ holdout, per heavy.com, as Buffalo eyes a 2025 title run.
Jones’ pledge to retire a Bill echoes his gritty style. Can he silence doubters and help end Buffalo’s Super Bowl drought? With minicamp underway, Bills Mafia watches closely. Stay tuned to ESPN for updates.
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