Friday, March 9, 2012

Bills re-sign Morrison, veteran will compete to start

BY NICK ST. DENIS

Kirk Morrison saw action in 14 games as a reserve with the Bills last season, but Buffalo saw enough value in the veteran linebacker to bring him back.

Morrison signed a two-year deal Friday to stay in Buffalo, as he will compete for a starting gig at strong side linebacker in new defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt's 4-3 scheme.

While the 30-year-old sees himself as a starter, he is prepared for any and every responsibility the Bills will give him.

“I’ve played all three linebacker positions since I’ve been in the NFL," Morrison told reporters Friday. "I actually started 15 games at outside linebacker my rookie year in Oakland. I moved the middle midway through my second season so I am very familiar playing outside.

"That versatility is something that can help the team out and whether it’s starting or backing up, it doesn’t matter I’m going to give everything I have. I want to start, I feel like I am a starter in this league. I started over 96 career games, I know what I can bring in that role and that’s the way I’m going to attack the offseason.”

Morrison had seven tackles and a sack last season. He missed the first two weeks of the season because he had to get up to speed with the defense, as the Bills signed him in late August.

Morrison was slated to hit the free agent market March 13, but he was the fourth potential free agent the Bills retained in the last five days.

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