PERSONNEL PRIORITY
The Bills' top unrestricted free agents are MBL Paul Posluszny, CB Drayton Florence and SS Donte Whitner.
They are expected to work hard to retain Posluszny, whose name has been linked to the New York Giants where he would be reunited with former Bills defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. A former second round pick, Posluszny has a history of injuries but he's a good fit in Buffalo's scheme and his best football is probably ahead of him. If the team loses Posluszny, it's believed GM Buddy Nix will look west to San Diego, his former team. Kevin Burnett (28) and Brandon Siler (25) are young and affordable options.
The Bills also like Florence, a 2009 free-agent signee who has played solidly after a down year in Jacksonville. Florence, however, will test the market now that his stock is back up and Buffalo spent its second-round pick on a cornerback (Aaron Williams of Texas). The New York Jets' Antonio Cromartie is a possible Plan B.
Whitner, the eighth overall pick in the 2006 draft, has seemingly burned his bridges in Buffalo and it would be surprising if he returns. The Bills will not overpay for him and Whitner is looking to cash big under the new CBA.
The club retained veteran George Wilson and drafted North Carolina's Da'Norris Searcy in anticipation of losing Whitner. Depth is good enough at safety that the Bills won't make a big splash here.
As for pursuing other team's free agents, the Bills are looking to add a veteran backup for QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and add depth at offensive tackle.
The most popular quarterback being reported is Tyler Thigpen, who started 11 games in 2008 for coach Chan Gailey when Gailey was offensive coordinator for Kansas City Chiefs. Thigpen threw for 18 TDs for a bad Chiefs team and his mobility is appealing. Minnesota's talented but erratic Travaris Jackson is another type of player Gailey finds appealing.
Among more experienced veterans, Marc Bulger and Jake Delhomme if he's released by the Browns, are options for the Bills, who won't bring in anybody who is a real threat to Fitzpatrick.
At tackle, Buffalo's projected starters are Demetrius Bell at left tackle and Erik Pears at right. There are four backups in the fold and Buffalo isn't likely to pay big money at this pricey position. San Diego's Jeromey Clary, 27, who Nix drafted in 2006 (sixth round) is a name to watch.
With a roster of 65, Buffalo needs to add 25 players to get to the new roster limit of 90 players. Most of these will be college free agents. The team is light on quarterbacks (just two on the roster) and cornerbacks (just five).
MEDICAL WATCH
WR Roscoe Parrish, who had surgery to repair a broken wrist, has had the pins removed and should be ready to take part in all training camp activities. Parrish was enjoying his best year as a receiver under coach Chan Gailey when he was injured in Week 10.
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