Buffalo Bills lose DT Pat Williams to free agency

By Hugo Guzman  |   Wednesday, March 02, 2005  |  Comments( 0 )

Buffalo Bills
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ORCHARD PARK, New York - Pat Williams became a free agent when the Buffalo Bills failed to re-sign him before the start of the free agency period, the DT's agent told AP. Angelo Wright said he expects his client, a 4 year starter with the Bills, to sign with another team now that the NFL's free-agency period opened.

The Bills were also expected to lose starting OT Jonas Jennings, who said he was convinced there was no chance the team would re-sign him. "They definitely had their chance. I wanted to come back," Jennings said. "But I have to go and let my star shine somewhere else." Jennings and his agent, Todd France, were not immediately available for comment and the Bills declined to comment.

Barring a last-minute deal with Jennings, the two players' departures don't come as a surprise after team president Tom Donahoe said last week the Bills might not be able to afford to re-sign either one. Their losses represent a significant blow to a team that was considered on the rise, finishing 9-7 last year, missing the playoffs after a season-ending loss to Pittsburgh.

Williams is a run-stuffing defensive tackle that played a key role in helping Buffalo finish 2nd in the NFL in fewest yards allowed last season. He was seeking a deal between $4 million and $5 million per season. Williams broke into the NFL with Buffalo as an undrafted free agent in 1997 and was the current team's 2nd-longest serving member behind WR Eric Moulds, a 9 year veteran.

Finding a replacement for Jennings will become an offseason priority. Besides having a run-oriented philosophy, the Bills need a line capable of protecting their new QB - JP Losman.

Buffalo's 2001 third-round pick out of Georgia, Jennings blossomed into a four-year starter at left tackle. He was seeking a deal in the range of the $36 million, seven-year contract Indianapolis right tackle Ryan Diem signed last week. Jennings' stock might go even higher considering there are not expected to be many high-profile tackles entering free agency.

The only knock against him is that he's somewhat injury prone. He missed 12 games in four seasons, including two last year with a hurt ankle. Jennings said he will miss playing for Buffalo and credited offensive line coach Jim McNally with helping him develop last season.

Versatile offensive lineman Marcus Price, backup safety Izell Reese and third-string TE Ryan Neufeld were also eligible to become free agents.

The Bills retained at least one player, tendering an offer to backup CB Kevin Thomas, a 3 year veteran.

The Bills will only be modestly strapped by the NFL salary cap was projected by several publications to be about $85 million once the new cap comes into effect. They could free up more space by cutting or restructuring the contract of DB Pierson Prioleau, who's scheduled to count $1.67 million against the cap next season.
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About Hugo Guzman

Trying to bring an objective approach to NFL analysis.
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