Michael

Hoecht

It’s a tough blow to Hoecht and the Bills defense. Hoecht missed the first six games of the season after violating the league’s performance enhancing drugs policy, and appeared in just two games this season. In those two games, Hoecht totaled five tackles and two sacks while also forcing one fumble. He signed a three-year deal with the Bills this offseason and will hopefully have more to offer in 2026 once he returns from his injury.

Hoecht may not be a big name, but he’s been a massive difference maker for the Bills’ defense since he was reinstated from suspension. The 28-year-old couldn’t put any weight on his right leg when he hobbled off the field. Trainers huddled around him on the sideline before a cart was brought out. He was almost immediately ruled out with an Achilles injury, which is not a great sign.

Ogunjobi will miss the Bills’ first six games of the 2025 NFL season due to a performance-enhancing drugs (PED) issue. He can make up to $10 million via incentives. Ogunjobi totaled 14 quarterback pressures, two sacks and 22 tackles, six of which for a loss or no gain. He joins a burgeoning Bills defensive line rotation. Recent free agent-signee, EDGE Michael Hoecht was also suspended for six games, due to PEDs.

Rapoport says the deal is worth “up to” $24 million, meaning the base value will come in short of that number. Hoecht started all 17 games in 2023 and totaled 6.5 sacks. The Rams made major additions to their defensive line via the draft last year, relegating Hoecht to a part-time role in 2024. As expected, his numbers fell across the board and he was held to just three sacks. Hoecht should play a larger role for the Bills, they he may be typecast as a pass-rush specialist going forward.

It’s worth $2.985 million. 26-year-old Hoecht was a 17-game starter last season, deflecting a few passes, forcing a fumble, and registering a surprising six sacks. He earned poor PFF grades, however, an assessment the Rams evidently agreed with if they’re going cheap with Hoecht’s tender. They still like his ability to absorb snaps on all three downs. It’s unlikely Hoecht gets an offer sheet elsewhere.

Hoecht is a former undrafted free agent who caught on with the Rams ahead of the 2020 season. Through four seasons, Hoecht has carved out a nice career for himself, starting 26 of the 51 games he’s appeared in while also starting all 17 games last season. In what was essentially a contract year for Hoecht, the veteran linebacker totaled 81 tackles, six sacks, and seven TFLs — all career highs. In addition to Hoecht, the Rams are also expected to let linebacker Christian Rozeboom and defensive tackle Jonah Williams test the free agent market.

The team also tendered Shaun Jolly and Christian Rozeboom. All three will return to LA for the veteran minimum salary. Hoecht appeared in all 17 games for the Rams in 2022. Six of them were starts. He tallied 4.5 sacks and a forced fumble.