The release of veteran center Geoff Hangartner leaves a hole in the leadership category for the Buffalo Bills' offensive line. The two-year starter and seven-year pro was picked up by his former team the Carolina Panthers Monday, where he played from 2005-09.
Hangartner was beat out for the position by third-year lineman Eric Wood from Louisville, who takes over after starting 24 games combined the past two years. Lack of experience within the line has been a hot-button issue throughout the offseason and preseason for the Bills.
Starters Demetrius Bell, Andy Levitre and Kraig Urbik are all third-year players as well, having a combined 66 games played between them. That leaves tackle Erik Pears, who at 29 is the oldest on the line, but comes into the season having played only two games for the Bills and hasn't taken on a true starting role since his time in Denver. Pears has proven to be a solid presence on the right side for the Bills thus far, and it will be interesting to see if he the journeyman will take on some of the leadership responsibilities with Hangartner out of the picture. Levitre may also be an option, especially after proving his worth to the coaching staff following a position battle with Chad Rinehart in training camp.
Update: The Bills claimed second-year tackle Sam Young off waivers Tuesday.
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