Bills DT Marcell Dareus arrested on felony drug charges

Kevin Hoffman/ USA Today Sports

Less than a week after getting the fifth year option on his rookie deal picked up, Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus finds himself in some legal trouble.

Dareus was pulled over last night in his homestate of Alabama for speeding, and then arrested on felony charges of possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Per multiple reports, Dareus was in possession of synthetic marijuana, a Class C felony in Alabama.

The third overall pick from the 2011 draft, Dareus made his first Pro Bowl last season after recording 71 tackles and 7.5 sacks for the Bills. However, he also occasionally drew the ire of the new coaching staff due to his attitude, and was benched for the first quarter of the Bills Week 16 game and first half of the Bills season ending loss to the Patriots, both times as punishment for his unspecified violations of team rules.

The Bills have already issued the following statement on the matter:

“We are, obviously, disappointed with this latest development involving Marcell Dareus. We will be in contact with the league regarding the situation and continue to offer support and assistance to Marcell.”

Dareus is currently on the books for an $8.06 cap hit in 2015. However, that salary is currently guaranteed for injury only, and doesn't become fully guaranteed until March of next year, giving the Bills some flexibility to see how the legal process plays out. Dareus also faces a potential suspension from the NFL, either for violation of the "personal conduct" policy or the league's substance abuse policy.