Northwest Missouri State University's Tanner Owen has agreed to a free agent deal with the Buffalo Bills of the National Football League.

Owen (Kearney, Mo.) started all 52 games on the offensive line during his four-year career for the Bearcat football team. Owen was a two-time AFCA All-America choice with a first-team selection in 2019 and a second-team pick in 2021. Owen was a three-time first-team all-MIAA honoree. He notched D2CCA first-team honors in 2019 and 2021, while securing Don Hansen Division II first-team all-America accolades as a senior. 

He was a part of the Bearcat offense in 2021 that ranked No. 13 in the nation in total offense (457.5 yards per game). Owen helped pave the way for Harlon Hill Trophy finalist running back Al McKeller to lead the MIAA in rushing (1,601 yards). Owen helped keep pass rushers away from quarterback Mike Hohensee, who ranked No. 1 in the nation in passing completion percentage (73.6%) and No. 1 in the nation in passing efficiency (187.3 rating). The Bearcat offense produced six games of 500 yards or more offense which was the most for Northwest since the 2013 season. 

Owen is the third member of the 2021 Bearcat football team to reach the NFL this offseason. Defensive tackle Sam Roberts was drafted in the sixth round by the New England Patriots, while wide receiver Kaden Davis signed a free agent contract with the Denver Broncos. Al McKeller, another member of the 2021 Northwest squad, signed a deal to play for the Montreal Alouettes of the Canadian Football League.