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Jay Toia (UCLA) and Tommy Akingbesote (Maryland) Compete for $13 Million Star's Defensive Tackle Spot

Dallas, TX – May 16, 2025

Two Dallas Cowboys rookies, Jay Toia from UCLA and Tommy Akingbesote from Maryland, are emerging as potential contenders to replace Mazi Smith, the team’s 2023 first-round pick with a $13.2 million contract, at the defensive tackle position, according to ESPN sources.

Mazi Smith, selected 26th overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, is under significant pressure after two disappointing seasons. In 2024, Smith posted a dismal 34.7 PFF overall grade, ranking 207th out of 219 eligible defensive tackles in the NFL. He recorded 41 tackles, 1.0 sack, and 4 tackles for loss across 17 starts but failed to force or recover any fumbles. This lackluster performance has put his spot in the starting lineup in jeopardy, especially after the Cowboys signed Solomon Thomas in free agency and drafted two defensive tackles in the seventh round of the 2025 NFL Draft: Jay Toia (pick 217) and Tommy Akingbesote (pick 247).

Jay Toia, standing at 6-foot-2 (1.88m) and weighing 342 pounds (155kg), is a run-stopping powerhouse. At UCLA, he played in 50 games, amassing 91 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and 3.0 sacks, helping the Bruins’ run defense rank 6th nationally in 2024. Toia excels in strength and absorbing double-teams, creating opportunities for his teammates. “Run-stopping is my biggest strength,” Toia said after being drafted by the Cowboys.

Meanwhile, Tommy Akingbesote, at 6-foot-4 (1.93m) and 306 pounds (139kg), brings versatility and explosiveness from his basketball background. At Maryland, he recorded 32 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, and 1.0 sack in the 2024 season. Akingbesote is known for his power and aggressive play style. “I bring toughness every time I step on the field,” he declared after joining the Cowboys.

Currently, the Cowboys’ run defense ranks 30th in the NFL with a PFF grade of 48.0. Defensive line coach Aaron Whitecotton has been tasked with developing Toia and Akingbesote, who are expected to add toughness to the team’s interior line. Beyond Smith, the two rookies will also compete with players like Osa Odighizuwa, Solomon Thomas, and Justin Rogers for playing time.

If Mazi Smith fails to improve in the 2025 season, the Cowboys may trade or release him, paving the way for one of these young rookies to claim a starting role. With determination and thorough preparation, Toia and Akingbesote are poised to prove they can replace a $13 million star and bolster the Cowboys’ defense in the upcoming season.

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Bills Cheerleader Sues Bills Player for Sexual Harassment After He Relentlessly Flirted With Her – Despite Being Married with a Child
BUFFALO, NY – December 11, 2025 A bombshell lawsuit has just been filed in Erie County Court that has all of Western New York talking. Ashley, the 24-year-old face of the Buffalo Jills and widely regarded as the squad’s most popular and recognizable cheerleader, has officially sued a current Buffalo Bills player for what her legal team calls “persistent and unwanted sexual harassment through aggressive flirting” – even though the player is married with a young child. Court documents obtained today name 27-year-old Shane Buechele – the Bills’ third-string QB who married his high-school sweetheart Reiley in 2022 and has a 2-year-old son – as the defendant. What the lawsuit alleges: Since the start of the 2025 season, Buechele allegedly began sending Ashley private Instagram messages after every home game, complimenting her looks and performances with increasingly suggestive language. Multiple late-night phone calls (some as late as 2-3 a.m.) in which Buechele allegedly complained about his lack of playing time, “just wanted to hear her voice,” and invited her for private coffee meet-ups. Unsolicited shirtless and suggestive photos sent directly to Ashley’s phone. Repeatedly showing up “by coincidence” at community and charity events Ashley was scheduled to attend, creating unwanted one-on-one encounters. In the filing, Ashley states: “I made it crystal clear on multiple occasions that I only wanted a professional relationship and was focused on my career. He completely ignored my boundaries. The middle-of-the-night calls left me terrified and suffering from severe insomnia. This has taken a serious toll on my mental health.” Immediate fallout: The Buffalo Bills have suspended Shane Buechele indefinitely without pay pending an internal investigation. Reiley Buechele has locked all of her social media accounts and has made no public statement. Ashley’s attorney says they will seek damages “well into seven figures” and hope the case sets a precedent for better protection of NFL cheerleaders league-wide. The NFL has confirmed it is monitoring the situation closely and may impose additional discipline. One Bills Mafia is completely split: #TeamAshley supporters are demanding Buechele be cut immediately: “Married with a kid and still doing this? Disgusting.” Others are calling it an overreaction: “Flirty DMs and compliments? This feels like a money grab or a PR stunt.” The case is still in its earliest stages, with an initial court appearance expected in early 2026. What do YOU think – is this legitimate workplace harassment, or is the cheerleader blowing things out of proportion? Drop your take in the comments and turn on notifications – this story is only getting hotter!