Defensive tackle Marcell Dareus is the latest 2011 draft pick to learn that he will have the 2015 option on his contract picked up.
The Bills have picked up the fifth-year option on the defensive tackle's contract, general manager Doug Whaley announced Friday. It's not a surprise.
Fifth-year option tracker
**Cam Newton** had his option picked up by the Panthers. Find out which other 2011 first-round picks are locked up through 2015. **READ**
The No. 3 pick of the 2011 NFL Draft has experienced big ups and downs in his career, but he's coming off a strong season on the field. Dareus was benched late last year for "habitual" tardiness and had a rough 2012 season after the death of his brother, but he's mostly been a difference-maker in the middle of Buffalo's defensive line.
Around The League asked Bills coach Doug Marrone about Dareus at the NFL Annual Meeting, and Marrone believed that Dareus came a long way last season. He's a candidate for a contract extension, although we'd expect the Bills to wait until after 2014.
Dareus is part of one of the most talented defensive lines in football alongside Mario Williams and Kyle Williams. But the Bills have to be at least mildly concerned with the roller coaster nature of Dareus' career so far. Another big season would result in another big contract.
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