Gaines projects as key run-down nose tackle in Leonhard’s front

Buffalo’s late-summer addition at defensive tackle may be more than depth. Gaines gives Jim Leonhard an experienced run defender behind Deone Walker as the front shifts structure.

In this brief: 3 sections 1 min read

- • 6-foot-1, 312-pound interior defender with seven NFL seasons.
- • Played 35% of Tampa Bay’s defensive snaps in 2025.
- • Best suited to early downs, gap control and short-yardage work.
- • Phidarian Mathis is suspended for the first three games.
- • DeWayne Carter has bulked up for the role but is still re-establishing himself after injury.
- • Gaines can align over center or shift along a three-man front.
- • Buffalo Rumblings projects a possible 35–45% defensive snap share.
- • Goal-line, fourth-and-short and first-down packages are natural fits.
- • His value is tied more to run defense than pass rush.

Read full analysis on buffalorumblings.com