General manager Brandon Beane said this week that while he expects Hughes -- an unrestricted free agent -- to explore the market, he's very open to having the veteran return to the team, the Bills' official site reports.

EDGE Analysis

Hughes will be 34 by the time next season rolls around and he's clearly not the player he was at his peak, but the Bills use such a heavy rotational system that he can still contribute on a part-time basis. And his locker room presence for what was the league's best defense in 2021 is off the charts. The Bills are up against it with the salary cap, so if another team comes waving a good deal more money the team that's enjoyed his services for nine seasons may have to say goodbye. But that may not be sure bet after Hughes posted just 2.0 sacks and 18 total tackles in 2021.