The Buffalo Bills may have gotten one of the best under-the-radar free agents of this class by signing defensive tackle Tim Settle to a two-year deal worth a reported $9 million.

The 24-year-old was one of the youngest unrestricted free agents available as he won’t turn 25 until July, and he’s also one of the most motivated after spending four seasons in a limited role with the Washington Commanders.

Here are three things to know:

1. He was a college teammate of Tremaine Edmunds

The two played together at Virginia Tech from 2015 to 2017, and Settle was part of the reason why Edmunds was able to excel the way he did in the Hokies defense. Edmunds went on to become a first-round pick by Buffalo in 2018, while Settle didn’t get picked by Washington until the fifth round.

In their last season together, Edmunds led the Hokies with 108 tackles and had 5.5 sacks, while Settle made 36 tackles and four sacks.

2. He was buried on the Commanders depth chart

Settle played only 209 snaps in 17 games last season, but it wasn’t due to his level of play. He was on a team that featured four four first-round picks on the defensive line including tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen, plus he was competing with veteran DT Matthew Ioannadis for playing time in the rotation.

Settle simply didn’t get much of an opportunity in Washington, but several evaluators have seen enough film to believe that with a change of scenery he could really have a breakout year for the Bills.

3. What will his role be in Buffalo?

The 308-pound Settle has played as a one-technique run stuffer, but he has also worked as a three-technique because he does have a strong initial burst and quickness as a pass rusher. That's the kind of versatility the Bills covet up front.

He looks like he would be an ideal side-by-side partner for Ed Oliver because with those two pass rushing from the middle, it should provide opportunities for Von Miller, the other edge rushers and blitzing linebackers or defensive backs to get to the quarterback, if they don’t get home themselves. Harrison Phillips was a fan favorite, but Settle is a better athlete and a potentially more impactful player.

Sal Maiorana can be reached at maiorana@gannett.com. Follow him on Twitter @salmaiorana.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Tim Settle: 3 things to know about Buffalo Bills defensive tackle