If there’s a dark horse candidate for a breakout on defense, my money’s on Solomon being that guy
The Buffalo Bills have worked tirelessly to build depth on the defensive line. That depth hasn’t always translated into the perfect mix of pass-rush ability and success that the team envisions, but it hasn’t been for lack of trying. General manager Brandon Beane has spent countless resources on defensive linemen in search of a group that can wreck a game four men at a time.
Sometimes, those resources involve big-ticket free-agent signings. Other times, Beane has spent high-end draft assets to acquire defensive linemen. And, in some cases, Beane has gone the NFL version of “thrifting,” looking for gems in places that other GMs might have missed.
In today’s edition of “90 players in 90 days,” we discuss a second-year player Buffalo selected on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft.
Name: Javon Solomon
Number: 56
Position: DE
Height/Weight: 6’1”, 247 pounds
Age: 24 (25 on 1/17/2026)
Experience/Draft: 2; selected by Buffalo in the fifth round (No. 168 overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft
College: Troy
Acquired: Fifth-round draft choice
Financial situation (per Spotrac): Solomon enters the second year of his rookie contract, a four-year pact worth $4,274,276 overall. For the 2025 season, he carries a cap hit of $1,023,569 if he makes the 53-man roster. Buffalo will carry a dead-cap charge of $190,707 if he’s released, which is the total of Solomon’s remaining contract guarantees.
2024 Recap: Solomon was used mostly on special teams last season, appearing on 65% of Buffalo’s snaps in that part of the game compared to just 15% of the overall defensive snaps. His athleticism showed through in both facets, however, and he adjusted to the jump in level fairly well.
Solomon totaled 13 tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, three tackles for loss, and six quarterback hits on the season. He played sparingly on defense in games when all of Buffalo’s defensive ends were available.
Positional outlook: Solomon is one of eight defensive ends currently on the Buffalo roster. Hayden Harris, Joey Bosa, Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, Michael Hoecht, Paris Shand, and Landon Jackson are the others.
2025 Offseason: Solomon is healthy and participating in offseason activities.
2025 Season outlook: Sure, it’s more likely that Solomon takes the same role — special teams contributor, occasional pass rusher — as he had last season than it is he breaks into the defensive line rotation this season. However, with Hoecht suspended to start the season and Jackson experiencing his first NFL action, Solomon may have a shot early on to prove that he deserves a role on defense. I believe he’s going to take that opportunity and run with it.
Solomon showed signs last season of the quick-twitch athleticism that made him a nightmare in college. After a season under the tutelage of future Hall of Fame pass rusher Von Miller, plus a year in a professional strength and conditioning program while competing against professional athletes daily, Solomon strikes me as a prime candidate to break out in his second season.
Does that mean he’s going to notch double-digit sacks? Given the frequency with which the Bills rotate their defensive line, I doubt anyone hits the 10-sack mark, so Solomon isn’t going to do that.
However, I believe what will happen is that he’ll become a noticeable figure on defense, especially on third downs. In my eyes, Solomon is a player who not only makes the roster this season, but is a strong contributor to what should be another successful season for the Bills.