The Payments have undergone plenty of change this offseason, so in relation to rebuilding their roster, they’ve been open to something.
That remained true on Friday when ESPN’s Adam Schefter introduced Buffalo was signing Gable Steveson, an Olympic gold medalist and some of the dominant school wrestlers in NCAA historical past. To make room for Steveson on the roster, the crew launched punter Matt Haack.
Steveson is signing the usual rookie three-year deal and is predicted to play line of defense, which he hasn’t achieved earlier than throughout his athletic profession. In line with Schefter’s report, the primary time Steveson ever placed on a pair of cleats was at a current exercise for the Payments.
Nevertheless, head coach Sean McDermott, who has a championship highschool wrestling background, believes Steveson has the potential to make an influence.
The 24-year-old has already completed loads as an athlete.
He was a two-time NCAA Division I nationwide champion and Dan Hodge Trophy winner, the Heisman Trophy of school wrestling. He additionally received a gold medal in freestyle wrestling on the 2020 Summer time Olympics in Tokyo.
Steveson appears up for the problem that the NFL will convey.
“I’ve been lucky to compete on the highest degree of competitors in my sport however am wanting ahead to the problem of seeing how my wrestling expertise might translate to soccer,” Steveson mentioned by way of Schefter. “I’m grateful to Coach (Sean) McDermott, (basic supervisor) Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Payments group for giving me this chance.”
Buffalo was not the one crew to point out curiosity within the 6-foot-1, 275-pound Steveson, however the Payments have a terrific observe document of getting probably the most out of defensive tackles with related statures.
This is not to say Steveson may have a direct influence on day one, however he’ll have an opportunity to make the crew this summer time and attempt to be part of Bob Hayes as the one athlete to win a Tremendous Bowl ring and an Olympic gold medal.
