The Buffalo Bills are looking at potentially bringing back a familiar face and fan favorite at the defensive tackle position.
A source tells Syracuse.com that Buffalo recently brought in free agent Justin Zimmer for a workout. Zimmer, 29, was placed on the injured reserve last season due to a knee injury that he suffered in November. The intention of the visit was to see the status of Zimmer’s recovery from the injury.
Zimmer became a fan favorite of sorts when he helped Buffalo defeat the New England Patriots back in 2020. With the Patriots driving down the field against Buffalo, Zimmer was able to punch the ball out of Cam Newton’s hands to force a fumble that ultimately sealed the game for the Bills.
Zimmer is also a favorite of head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier.
“He just is Justin Zimmer,” McDermott said when asked about the defensive tackle in 2021. “There’s just something about him. You can’t really put your finger on it. He’s one of the first ones out here to practice. You talk about why things happen and I think he played at Ferris State. Credit to him. Going to a small school, against all odds, works his tail off. It’s to me no mistake why he’s had the success that he’s had and why this team respects him for who he is.”
Frazier also loves what Zimmer bring to the roster.
“He epitomizes what you look for in a football player,” said Frazier.
Defensive tackle was supposed to be one of the Buffalo Bills’ strongest positions, but injuries have ravaged the unit to date.
Ed Oliver has missed two games due to an ankle injury while Tim Settle (calf) has missed one game. Jordan Phillips has missed one game to date with a hamstring injury, but Sean McDermott described his injury as being week-to-week. With so many defensive tackles finding themselves banged up early this year, Zimmer could provide the team with further depth if signed.
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