If the transaction is a post-June 1 move, Buffalo will adsorb a $5.1 million dead cap hit. Releasing Lotulelei would create around $4 million in 2022 cap space for the Bills. Lotulelei won't have a chance to play alongside newly-signed Von Miller. Pro Football Focus graded Buffalo's defense as the fourth worst run-defending unit in 2021. 

Spencer Brown, a catalyst on Buffalo's o-line this year, was also activated from the COVID list. With two star players presumably back for the team's divisional showdown against New England, Buffalo is getting healthy (sans All-Pro CB Tre'Davious White's absence) at the right time. The Bills square off against New England in two of their next four games.

Buffalo also lost defensive tackle Justin Zimmer to a torn ACL earlier this week. With multiple absences at the position, they elevated Brandin Bryant from the practice squad for their Week 10 game against the Jets. Lotulelei has a pair of sacks and three TFLs this year.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott on Friday confirmed Lotulelei would miss the team's opener against Pittsburgh. Lotulelei was set to return to the field after opting out of the 2020 season due to the coronavirus pandemic. While it's hard to say how much the run stuffer would have played against the Steelers -- or whether he would be effective -- his absence is a plus for Najee Harris, who is expected to operate as an every-down back.