The Buffalo Bills have a hiccup in their free agency.
General manager Brandon Beane announced Friday that two of the team's new players will start the year with six-game suspensions: defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi and defensive end Michael Hoecht.
Both are suspended for violating the league's policy against performance enhancing drugs. The Bills knew about Hoecht's suspension during negotiations. For Ogunjobi, the Bills had agreed to terms with him before he or the team found out. Beane says Ogunjobi came to the Bills as soon as he learned.
The Bills are still signing both players.
Pittsburgh Steelers defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi (99) warms up before an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Pittsburgh.
Gene J. Puskar, Associated Press
Beane still expressed confidence in both players.
"Larry, he was Pittsburgh Man of the Year, like he's a good man," Beane said. "He's played eight years in the league and never had a blip, and so, you know, that's obviously frustrating for him and a little bit of a setback for us, and so, but we've talked it through."
Los Angeles Rams linebacker Michael Hoecht reacts after a tackle of Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley during an NFC divisional playoff game Jan. 19, 2025, in Philadelphia.
Derik Hamilton, Associated Press
Hoecht met with Buffalo media shortly after Beane announced the news.
A former Rams player, Hoecht said he had built a relationship with a trainer, but he originally was getting all supplements verified by an independent nurse. Eventually, Hoecht says he became less vigilant.
"I don't have anyone to be mad at but myself," Hoecht said.
Both players will be able to spend the offseason – OTAs, minicamp and training camp – with the Bills until the 53-man roster cutdown day. Then, for Weeks 1 to 4, they will have to be away from the facility. They can return Week 5 before playing in Week 7. The Bills' schedule of games will be released in May.
_This is a breaking story. Check back for updates._
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