Jerry Hughes was the highest paid player on the Buffalo Bills last season—well, among those who finished the season on the active roster. As a result, the pass-rushing defensive end was expected to enjoy a strong season, especially given the switch back to a 4-3 front that allowed Hughes to play his more natural defensive end position.
While Hughes performed admirably in run support, turning in arguably the best year of his career in that area, he isn’t paid handsomely to stop the run. His high salary was earned by sacking the quarterback, and in that category, he took a huge step backwards in 2017.