Tommy Akingbesote

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

Buffalo found a legitimate steal in Tommy Akingbesote, earning a solid B CVI on this bargain-bin contract that carries minimal risk with substantial upside. At just $1M per year with zero guaranteed money, the Bills are essentially getting a lottery ticket on a 23-year-old defensive tackle who could develop into a rotation piece or depth contributor without any meaningful financial commitment. The age factor works heavily in Buffalo's favor here — Akingbesote is entering his prime developmental years where defensive linemen typically make their biggest jumps, and the team can cut bait at any point without penalty if he doesn't progress. The contract structure is pure upside for the organization, functioning more like an extended tryout than a traditional deal, which allows them to evaluate his potential while maintaining complete roster flexibility. This represents exactly the type of low-risk, high-reward move that championship-caliber teams make to find hidden gems in the margins, and given Buffalo's defensive line needs, Akingbesote could carve out a meaningful role if he takes the expected leap forward.

Contracts in the Same Value Band

Other same-position deals the Contract Value Index also places in the B band — a quick read on where Tommy's contract sits relative to comparable money.

Performance Analysis

Tommy Akingbesote, a 23-year-old rookie defensive tackle for the Buffalo Bills, enters his first NFL season with zero games played, which represents both the cleanest slate and the most significant question mark surrounding his early tenure in professional football. Selected outside the traditional Day One framework, Akingbesote arrives in Buffalo as a developmental prospect tasked with competing for rotational snaps along the interior defensive line in one of the league's more veteran-friendly schemes. His lack of game experience—a critical durability metric at a position that demands both physical toughness and consistent availability—means his NFL trajectory remains entirely unwritten, though his C+ performance grade during the preseason suggested potential flashes of competence mixed with expected rookie inconsistency. The Bills organization will be closely monitoring how Akingbesote translates his college production against NFL offensive linemen over the course of what figures to be a limited snap count this season. As a player with zero career contests under his belt, his ability to stay healthy, learn the defensive system efficiently, and earn increased responsibilities will largely determine whether he evolves into a reliable depth piece or becomes a cautionary tale of prospect attrition. Watch for his progression alongside veteran anchors; if Akingbesote can accumulate meaningful snaps without injury while maintaining technical discipline, he could establish himself as a legitimate reserve option for Buffalo's defensive rotation moving forward.

How Tommy Compares at the Position

Tommy Akingbesote ranks 80th of 217 graded defensive tackles by performance. That slots Tommy between Rakeem Nunez-roches (C+) just ahead and Kris Jenkins Jr. (C+) just behind.

Fan Sentiment

Bills add developmental DT depth on practice squad ahead of Kansas City. Media highlights late-bloomer potential and scheme fit opportunity for Akingbesote. Late-round rookie signing suggests Buffalo sees upside in raw, basketball-background prospect. Fans view this as speculative depth add rather than immediate impact player. Expect practice squad evaluation role with minimal Week 9 contribution likelihood.