The ink had barely dried on New , $21 million star with the Buffalo Bills when the NFL handed down a six-game suspension for violating its policy on performance-enhancing substances.
The Top prospect, who spent the past five seasons with the Los Angeles Rams, isn’t making excuses. Speaking with WKBW’s Matt Bove, the 27-year-old defensive end acknowledged his mistake and expressed a commitment to staying prepared during the suspension, though he admitted the time away “is going to suck.”
“It’s a tough situation, and it’s entirely on me,” He said. “I’m going to use this time to heal up, stay mentally sharp, watch every game, and study all the practices. I want to be ready to go the moment I’m back and leave this behind.”
He will be eligible to return after Buffalo’s Week 6 Monday Night Football clash with the Falcons. Following a Week 7 bye, his first opportunity to play will come in Week 8 when the Bills travel to face the Panthers.
Joining the Bills: A Homecoming for Hoecht
A native of Oakville, Ontario, Hoecht chose Buffalo in free agency partly due to its proximity to home—just 90 minutes from Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park.
“This place was just too appealing to say no to,” he said. “It’s close to my family, it’s a great team, and Josh [Allen] just won MVP. This is where you want to be right now.”
Originally drafted by the CFL’s Ottawa Redblacks in 2020, Hoecht instead chased his NFL dream, signing with the Rams as an undrafted free agent.
Now in Buffalo, he’s looking forward to sharing the experience with loved ones: “It’s special for me to have the people who supported me on this journey so close. If you see 50 people wearing No. 55, you’ll know who they’re cheering for.”
His home debut with the Bills is scheduled for November 2 against the Chiefs.
Career Snapshot and Outlook
Hoecht began his NFL career on the Rams’ practice squad before gradually earning more playing time. Between 2022 and 2024, he posted 173 tackles, 13.5 sacks, 26 QB hits, and two forced fumbles over 51 games, starting 28 of them. Remarkably, he’s never missed a game due to injury.
However, 2024 saw a decline in production—just 56 tackles and three sacks—along with a 61.3 grade from Pro Football Focus. Despite the dip, the Bills offered him a multiyear deal, likely betting on his versatility and untapped potential.
Role in Buffalo’s Defensive Rotation
Hoecht’s best asset might be his flexibility. He’s capable of playing both inside and on the edge, which could be critical in earning reps within Buffalo’s deep defensive line unit. Fellow lineman Larry Ogunjobi is also suspended for six games, potentially opening up early-season snaps for others.
Defensive Ends: Joey Bosa, Greg Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa, Landon Jackson, Javon Solomon, Michael Hoecht
Defensive Tackles: Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, T.J. Sanders, Deone Walker, DeWayne Carter, Larry Ogunjobi
“I didn’t consider myself versatile until I got into the league,” Hoecht said. “Understanding the playbook is the key. Not just memorizing it—you have to truly grasp it to play multiple spots.”
Expect him to contribute on early downs as an edge-setter and shift inside on passing downs. He’ll also be a factor on special teams. With Epenesa entering a contract year, Hoecht could position himself for a larger role in 2026 if he makes the most of his rotational opportunities this season.