Buffalo Bills Signed Several Players

The Buffalo Bills signed several players recently.

Here is a recap of the recent players that were signed by the team and the details of their contracts.

Zach Brown – Linebacker

According to Buffalo Bills Insider Chris Brown, Zach Brown is expected to compete for a starting inside linebacker role in the Bills 3-4 defense. The former second-round pick of the Tennessee Titans is only 26 years old. He received the most lucrative contract out of any of the signings with a one-year deal worth $1.25 million. He received a $450,000 signing bonus and will count $1.25 million against the cap increasing his chances of making the team. Linebacker is a huge position of need for the Bills. In addition to their free agent losses at the position, A.J. Tarpley retired after just one season due to health concerns. Having Brown on the roster gives them another body but they should strongly consider using two or three draft picks on linebackers this year since they will use a 3-4 scheme more next season.

Corey White – Cornerback

Corey White struggled last season spending a total of 10 games between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals. At 6’1, 205 pounds he has good size and is tied for the Bills tallest cornerback and listed as their heaviest on the team’s website. He was a former fifth-round pick by the New Orleans Saints. White received a one-year deal for $840,000 with a guaranteed $80,000 signing bonus. His total cap hit will be $680,000 because it qualifies for the NFL veteran minimum benefit. He will compete for a backup role on the team.

Sterling Moore – Cornerback

Cornerback Sterling Moore was signed by Buffalo one day after the Bills signed Corey White. He’s a lot smaller than White at 5’10 and 202 pounds according to the team’s website. He received a one-year deal for $840,000 with an $80,000 signing bonus. He also qualifies for the NFL veteran minimum benefit so will only count $680,000 against Buffalo’s salary cap this season. For a 26-year-old Moore has seen his fair share of teams. He has spent time with Tampa Bay, Oakland, New England, and in Dallas where he played under Rob Ryan for a short period of time. Moore played nickel cornerback in Tampa’s scheme and you can expect him to compete for a similar role on the Bills although Nickell Robey is the favorite to win the position.

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Fernando Velasco – Center/Guard

Kraig Urbik signed with the Miami Dolphins this offseason. Say hello to his successor and he’s a lot cheaper. Guard/Center Fernando Velasco signed a one-year $965,000 contract with an $80,000 signing bonus. Velasco’s contract also qualifies for the NFL veteran minimum benefit so it will only count $680,000 against the cap. Urbik was set to count $2.625 million against the salary cap this year. By releasing him, the Bills saved $1.775 million in cap space. The Bills were able to save a total of $170,000 against the cap this year by swapping Urbik for Velasco. Velasco is a journeyman playing for Carolina, Pittsburgh, and Tennessee in his career. We’ll see if he can stick with Buffalo.