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Bills Suspended Edge Rusher Thrilled To Join Team

Former Los Angeles Rams edge rusher Michael Hoecht knows he let his new team in the Buffalo Bills down.

Shortly before coming to terms on a three-year deal in free agency, the defensive line tweener was notified that he was in violation of the league's PED policy - worthy of a six-game suspension.

Buffalo didn't care, though. They still signed him knowing that they will need a versatile player of his caliber to match-up against the top teams in the conference.

That message of loyalty was important for Hoecht and a big reason why he wanted to come to Western New York. Playing for a Super Bowl contender certainly helps as well.

"We've got loaded talent, top to bottom. So more than anything, more than money on [a] contract, I'm a football junkie," Hoecht said on the Ross Tucker Podcast.

"I think, more than anything in the world, I think it's so cool going to a team that's going to be good. A team, hopefully, if all goes well according to plan, deep in the playoffs, and a chance to bring a Lombardi [Trophy] to Western New York. It couldn't be a more exciting team to be a part of."

It will be a little bit before Hoecht can suit up for the Bills. His six-game suspension, though, is perfectly placed in the team's schedule. Buffalo is on a bye week the following week Hoecht is reinstated - it will allow him to acclimate himself quickly to his new team.

And prove to his new team why they were right to stand by him after all.

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