After seeing A.J. Klein in-person from their time with the Carolina Panthers, Buffalo Bills general manager Brandon Beane and his staff decided to target and sign the linebacker during the 2020 offseason to a three-year, $18 million contract. Since that point, Klein has done exactly what the team has asked of him: become a reliable depth option and be able to carry water at the position if either Matt Milano or Tremaine Edmunds misses time due to injury.
While Klein’s time on the team has been productive, his 2022 cap hit of $5.5 million is a bit rich considering the amount of snaps he plays, as well as the possibility of slotting other options—such as Tyrel Dodson or a rookie.