Like the New England Patriots, the Buffalo Bills had a relatively large amount of bubble players who had realistic potential to be contributors in 2012 -- particularly in the receiver and defensive front-seven departments. So like New England, Buffalo had some very tough decisions to make.
Cuts:
WR Kamar Aiken, OL Mark Asper, TE Kevin Brock, RB Zach Brown, LB Tank Carder, OL James Carmon, WR Marcus Easley, DE Robert Eddins, DT Dwan Edwards, DT Jarron Gilbert, DB Isaiah Green, WR Derek Hagan, DT Kellen Heard, WR Ruvell Martin, LB Scott McKillop, P Shawn Powell, WR Naaman Roosevelt, DB Nick Saenz, OL David Snow, RB Johnny White, OL Keith Williams.Analysis:
The Bills ended up keeping four quarterbacks, which was definitely a surprise. Buffalo brought in Tarvaris Jackson last week and released Vince Young. The Bills were expected to let go of Tyler Thigpen, as they have multi-purpose player Brad Smith locked in as the team's No. 3 signal-caller.
Another head-tilter was the way Buffalo handled its receiver situation. Hagan, Easley, Martin and Roosevelt seemed to be battling for one spot, but instead they all were let go. Rookie T.J. Graham won a gig alongside Stevie Johnson, David Nelson and Donald Jones, and Smith's presence obviously made the others expendable. However, Buffalo could've kept another receiver had it not hung on to Thigpen.
Lastly, letting go of the veteran Edwards was a tough move for Buffalo, but his contract outweighed his role as a reserve defensive lineman in the Bills' new 4-3 scheme.
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