Like it's often the case when it comes to defensive tackles in the NFL, Buffalo Bills player Ed Oliver didn't have the numbers to light up the stat sheet but he was a force for the defense in 2022.

Advanced stats from PFFhave Oliver at 19 stops, 31 pressures, and 11 QB hits (7th most in the NFL).

Clearly, he's a productive player for the Bills. But as always, the offseason is the right time to ask the tough questions and Oliver's contract is worth a good look at.

Especially since he's only one year away from hitting free agency and will be playing for a new deal in 2023.

Here's a quick breakdown of Oliver's contract details:

• Cap Number: $10,753,000
• Base Salary:  $10,753,000
• Guaranteed Salary: $10,753,000

As you can see, it's pretty straightforward. Essentially, Oliver will play in a fully guaranteed one-year deal. That means there's no room to restructure the contract and cutting him wouldn't translate to any cap savings.

That leaves the Bills with only three options when it comes to their rising player.

1. Have Oliver play out his deal

This certainly seems like a risky proposition by itself. After all, it's a hefty and inflexible number for the Bills' salary cap. Especially considering the team's financial situation, it'd be smart to find a way to lower the cap number in Oliver's deal.

Not to mention, Oliver's price tag could rise significantly with a strong 2023 season. That in turn could mean letting him walk after next year for nothing in return. That brings us to the #2 possibility for Buffalo.

2. Extend Oliver's contract

He's spent four years in the NFL already but Oliver just turned 25 years old in December! He's not a player you want to easily let go at all as he presents a ton of upside.

An extension is certainly on the table. The Bills could work out a deal to lower his cap hit while also securing his services for the long term. The tough part of this will be that Oliver's camp surely understands they've got leverage on their side.

3. Trade Oliver?

Oliver's age and performance should make him a valuable asset for many teams around the NFL. For the right compensation (be it a player or draft capital), the Bills should consider moving Oliver.

This is not to say that Oliver isn't worth it or anything like that. Wherever he ends up, he'll be a strong contributor for years to come. But say the Bills can land a second-round draft pick or a solidified wide receiver or even an offensive lineman. Team needs as well as the long-term outlook of the team's salary cap make it worth the conversation.

Picking up the phone for callers interested in Oliver would certainly be worth it.

All numbers via Over The Cap.

Featured image via Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports