T.J. Sanders, the defensive tackle selected by the Buffalo Bills in the second round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has formally signed a four-year rookie deal for $10.645 million, which includes a $10.073 million guarantee.  The agreement solidifies Sanders’ transformation from a great Gamecock at South Carolina to a vital member of Buffalo’s defensive front, according to his agents Robert Bailey and Drew Rosenhaus.

Contract Details and Promises

Total value: $10.645 million over four years

Guaranteed money: $10.073 million up front

Average annual salary: Approximately $2.66 million

These numbers give Sanders financial stability and provide the Bills with cost-effective defensive line support, all while neatly matching the current second-round compensation structure.

From Gamecock to Bill: Sanders’ Collegiate Credentials

Tanaeri J. “T.J.” Sanders was born in Marion, South Carolina, on July 30, 2003. He is 6’4″ and 297 pounds.  He made his debut on the field in 2022 following a redshirt season in 2021, and by the end of his redshirt junior year in 2024, he had accumulated:

43 tackles and 4.5 sacks

Key run-stopping plus interior pass-rush ability

Known as one of the most disruptive interior lineman in the SEC

NFL clubs seeking to increase the depth of their defensive tackles found him to be an attractive possibility because to his stature, quick-twitch explosion, and good hand technique.

Draft Day: Trade-Up to No. 41 Overall

To land Sanders at 41st overall, the Bills orchestrated a multi-pick swap with the Chicago Bears:

Sent: No. 56 and No. 62 second-round picks, plus a fourth-rounder (No. 109)

Received: The 41st pick (Sanders), the 72nd pick (used on EDGE Landon Jackson), and a seventh-round pick

This move showed Brandon Beane’s smart draft management as it not only secured their top defensive interior target but also restocked the Bills’ third and seventh-round picks.

Fitting into Buffalo’s Defensive Blueprint

Leslie Frazier, the defensive coordinator, has underlined time and again how important it is to have strong interior play to support the run defense and third-down pass rush.  Here’s how Sanders projects:

Early-Down Disruptor
Linebackers can create plays because of his solid anchor technique and 297-pound size, which can block rushing lanes.

Upside Pass-Rush
Sanders is not a true edge rusher, but his strong hands and fast first step create inside pressure that collapses pockets from the A-gap.

Rotational Depth
Sanders keeps Buffalo’s front fresh late in games by providing rotating vigor behind starters like Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones.

In order to improve on their 2024 run-defense rating (22nd in the NFL), Buffalo will benefit from Sanders’ instant inclusion in early-down sets.

Financial Context & Rookie Market

With a guaranteed $10.073 million, Sanders is comparable to other top-paid defensive tackles in his class, including Dallas’ Keith Carter (No. 44) and Houston’s Jackson Trotter (No. 39).  The Bills prioritized strengthening the trenches while staying within the 2025 salary cap, as seen by their investment.

Looking Ahead: Training Camp and Beyond

As training camp approaches in late July, Sanders will:

Report early to acclimate to NFL speed and playbook

Compete in positional drills, showcasing his strength in one-on-one pass-rush sets

Earn defensive snaps in preseason games as the coaching staff evaluates his readiness

With Buffalo’s track record of integrating rookie defensive lineman, including DaQuan Jones in 2016, Sanders has a clear route to significant regular-season playing time as well as an opportunity to establish an unique position on passing downs.

Conclusion

The Buffalo Bills have expanded their roster by adding a seasoned run-stuffer and rising interior pass rusher with the signing of T.J. Sanders to a four-year, $10.645 million contract.  Buffalo’s calculated selection moves and Sanders’ SEC background create the conditions for a smooth transition to the NFL. 

The Bills Mafia will be intently monitoring him as he prepares for camp to see how fast their second-round choice affects defense and advances Buffalo toward another AFC championship push.