Important Dates in Bills History, presented by M&T Bank, helps fans recognize what’s important. In the NFL, building a strong defense is important, and on Feb.22, 1985 future Hall of Fame defensive end Bruce Smith reached a provisional agreement with the Buffalo Bills.
Smith, a Virginia Tech product, was highly effective on defense throughout his collegiate career. He produced 22 sacks in his junior year playing for the Hokies, and another 16 his senior year. Due to his outstanding effort, Smith was named as an All-America selection in 1984. Prior to the 1985 draft, Smith reached a provisional contract agreement with the Bills that is said to have been valued at $2.