Former Alabama defensive tackle Marcell Dareus plans to enter a drug rehabilitation center, according to ESPN NFL Insider Ian Rapoport. News of this surfaced on Saturday, after Dareus was suspended four games for violating the NFL’s substance abuse policy. Reasons for the suspension stem from either a missed or a failed drug test in Dareus’ use of marijuana, per Rapoport.
He had a career-low two sacks in 15 games last season and with Rex Ryan entering his second year at head coach, many thought this would be Dareus’ bounce back campaign. Buffalo gave him a seven-year deal worth $103.2 million in September of 2015, with $60 million guaranteed.
The former third overall pick (2011 NFL Draft) and two-time Pro Bowl selection (2013-14) is an imposing figure on the Bills’ defensive front, but with Dareus, Shaq Lawson and Reggie Ragland all facing issues, it will be difficult for Ryan and company to generate a strong year in the AFC East.
Stephen M. Smith is a senior analyst and columnist for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @Smsmith_TDALMag.
