ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Pat Williams became a free agent when the Buffalo Bills failed to re-sign him before the start of the free agency period, the
defensive tackle's agent told The Associated Press.
Angelo Wright said he expects his client, a four-year starter with the
Bills, to sign with another team now that the NFL's free-agency period opened
Wednesday.
The Bills were also expected to lose starting offensive tackle Jonas
Jennings, who said Tuesday 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 early Wednesday.
The Bills declined 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 tackle that played a key role in helping Buffalo
finish second in the NFL in fewest yards allowed last season.
Williams was seeking a deal between $4 million and $5 million per season.
``He doesn't want to go,'' Wright said. ``Here's a guy that had businesses
in Buffalo, made it his home, you know. ... It's hitting him now. ``
Williams broke into the NFL with Buffalo as an undrafted free agent in 1997
and was the current team's second-longest serving member behind receiver Eric
Moulds, a nine-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 raw quarterback J.P. Losman, who's been named the starter.
Jennings was confident he would find a new team to play for, but
disappointed the Bills did not attempt to make him an offer.
``They never even contacted us,'' Jennings said. ``I don't know, I heard
they were saying we were asking for too much. But it's hard to ask for too much
when you don't even talk to them.''
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.
``It's definitely a sad day because of the friends there,'' Jennings said.
``I've grown up those four years. You learn and appreciate the blue-collar town
of Buffalo and the real heart that they have for the football team. ... Tell
all the fans I appreciate and love them.''
Versatile offensive lineman Marcus Price, backup safety Izell Reese and
third-string tight end Ryan Neufeld were also eligible to become free agents if
not re-signed by Tuesday.
The Bills retained at least one player, tendering an offer to backup
cornerback Kevin Thomas, a three-year veteran.
The Bills will only be modestly strapped by the NFL salary cap, projected by
several publications to be about $8 million once the new cap comes into effect
Wednesday.
They could free up more space by cutting or restructuring the contract of
defensive back Pierson Prioleau, who's scheduled to count $1.67 million against
the cap next season.